Trade Schools in Indiana

As an aspiring trade school student in Indiana, you will be glad to know that the state has no shortage of wonderful training institutions. However, candidates must know what to expect from the start to make the best decisions.

This includes having a clear picture of the average total cost of completing a 2-year program in these schools, the possible scholarships and grants to take advantage of, and even the importance of accreditation when choosing a trade school.

Luckily, all of these are what we examine concisely below.

In addition, candidates will also discover the top trade and technical schools in Indiana, the number of associate and certificate programs they offer, and a handful of other key information that should prove useful down the line.

Explore Trade Schools in Indiana by City:

• Trade Schools in Indianapolis

Average Cost of Trade Schools in Indiana

The average total cost of attending trade schools in Indiana usually includes the accumulation of the average unit fees, including tuition costs, cost of books and materials, and equipment costs, among others.

Because so many factors can influence how much a school charges for these unit requirements, it is quite difficult to figure out the average cost of attending trade
schools in Indiana.

However, thanks to data provided by individual schools along with the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and the Indiana Association of Career Colleges and Schools, it is possible to derive the following projections:

• The average total cost of attending private trade schools in Indiana is $18,500 - $28,500 per year;
• The average total cost of attending public trade schools in Indiana is $10,000 - $15,000 per year.

Cost Analysis

Of the average total costs above, the cost of books and materials is between $500 and $1,000 per year; program-specific equipment costs are between $500 and $5,000 per year, and additional student fees total $500 to $1,000 per year.

Private trade schools in Indiana charge tuition fees between $12,000 and $22,000 per year, while public trade schools in Indiana charge tuition fees between $4,000 and $9,000 per year.

Financial Aid for Trade Schools in Indiana

Aspiring trade school students in Indiana will be glad to know that the state maintains various financial aid initiatives that can be leveraged for an easier financial journey toward becoming a trade professional in the state.

There are other national and private alternatives as well. We look at some of the most prominent available financial aid programs below.

• Indiana Homeland Security Foundation Scholarship - offers residents of Indiana up to $2,500 in financial assistance. Candidates must be in a program dealing with emergency medical services or management. Applicants must send in a personal essay.
• A.J. Grisanti Memorial Scholarship - This scholarship is offered to students enrolled in a restaurant or hospitality career program in a community college in Indiana. It offers up to $2500 in financial aid.
• American Welding Society District Scholarships - The regional chapter of the American Welding Society offers scholarships to candidates in Indiana pursuing a welding program at a recognized institution.
• Workforce Ready Grant - The Indiana government oversees the Workforce Ready Grant and provides financial assistance to state residents enrolled in various trade fields, including building and construction, health sciences, transportation, logistics, and advanced manufacturing.

Licensing and Accreditation for Trade Schools in Indiana

Accreditation is one of the most important factors when choosing a trade school in Indiana. Candidates should focus on accreditation because it can be the difference between getting access to grants and scholarships or being left to shoulder all the costs alone.

Additionally, accredited schools are expected to adhere to certain educational standards to keep their accreditation, guaranteeing a specific level of quality training that all employers are always eager to consider.

For candidates looking for accredited schools in Indiana, the notable regional organization to ask for is the Higher Learning Commission. Those seeking nationally accredited schools should inquire about accreditation issued by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

Regional bodies usually accredit public trade schools, while private schools seek accreditation from a national body.

Furthermore, online programs are expected to seek accreditation from a different organization, the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.

Top Vocational Trade Schools in Indiana

The following list contains some of Indiana’s top vocational trade schools for interested candidates to consider.

Notable Mentions

Other notable mentions include the Indiana Institute of Technology, which offers bachelor’s degrees for trade and technical fields such as automotive engineering and engineering technology, and Paul Mitchell School, Indianapolis, which offers comprehensive cosmetology training.