Trade Schools in Iowa

In the sections below, interested individuals will discover the average cost of attending trade schools in Iowa, the breakdown of these fees, and the various financial aid initiatives that can alleviate part or all of their education costs.

To help students choose the best schools, we have also included a few criteria to consider, including accreditation and licensing status. Lastly, candidates will also discover an in-depth list of Iowa’s most prominent trade schools, offering a wide range of professional and technical programs.

By going through these topics, candidates will fully understand what is required of them as they begin what is hopefully a very successful career as a trade professional in the state.

Explore Trade Schools in Iowa by City:

• Trade Schools in Des Moines

Average Cost of Trade Schools in Iowa

The school and the program influence the total cost of attending a trade school in Iowa. On an institutional level, factors such as the size of the school, the variety of programs offered, and the specific location within the state all influence how much a program will cost.

On a programmatic level, the program’s complexity, degree of specialization, and total duration will also greatly influence the overall cost of completing such training.

Despite all of the variables, however, it is possible to calculate the projected cost of attending a trade school in Iowa thanks to data from the Iowa Community College Athletic Association and the US News & World Report.

Breaking Down the Costs

From the above considerations, we found that the total cost of attending a private trade school in Iowa ranges between $20,000 to $35,000 per year, while the total cost of attending a public trade school in the state ranges between $8,000 to $12,000 per year.

Breaking down these figures, it is clear that the most dominant unit requirement is the tuition fee, which amounts to an average of $15,000 to $30,000 per year for private trade schools and $6,000 to $10,000 per year for public trade schools.

The cost of books and materials also play a role, equating to about $500 to $1,000, while the cost of equipment can range between $500 to $5,000. Living expenses, food, and transportation are also important factors.

Financial Aid for Trade Schools in Iowa

Trade schools in Iowa may offer financial aid and scholarships to ease the burden of education costs on their students. The state also organizes various grants in one form or another towards the same effect.

Additionally, trade school students in Iowa may consider federal grants and those offered by private organizations and individuals.

Below are some of the most common initiatives among all of these categories.

• HBA Scholarship - The Home Builders Association of Iowa organizes this scholarship program and includes up to $1,000 yearly for students in home building and construction-related trades.
• Kibbie Grant - Through the Kibbie Grant, students in Iowa participating in a technical education program can have half of their tuition paid for 2 years. To qualify, candidates must fill out the FAFSA application,
• Elevate Advanced Manufacturing Scholarship - Through the Elevate Advanced Manufacturing Scholarship, high school graduates in Iowa who are willing to apply to trade schools can receive up to $500 each year for their education. Accepted programs include machining, transportation, logistics, and welding.

Other notable mentions include the IHCA Foundation scholarship for high school seniors enrolling in nutrition and dietary trade programs and the Jerry Woods IRMCA scholarship offered by the Iowa Ready Mix Concrete Association, awarding between $500 to $5,000 for related trade programs.

Licensing and Accreditation for Trade Schools in Iowa

For their certificates to be valid and valued by employers and institutions across the state, aspiring trade students in Iowa must attend only training programs and trade schools with the right accreditation.

Public institutions in the state seeking regional accreditation usually receive their status from the Higher Learning Commission. In contrast, private institutions seeking national accreditation in Iowa usually receive their status from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Online training schools are expected to be accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.

Top Vocational Trade Schools in Iowa

The following are some of Iowa’s most prominent trade schools, offering a wide range of top-class vocational programs.

Notable Mentions

Other notable mentions include Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo, Iowa Culinary Institute, and Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville.