Trade Schools in Kentucky
The following sections contain important details about attending trade schools in Kentucky. Among other things, candidates will discover the total expected costs of completing a trade program in the state while understanding the various unit requirements that contribute to these fees.
We have also outlined several financial aid initiatives, including state and national programs, to help students with their education costs. Since accreditation is always an important factor when choosing a trade school in Kentucky, we have also included a section dealing with the notable accreditation organizations to expect.
Lastly, candidates will find a comprehensive list containing only the most notable training programs for aspiring trade professionals in Kentucky. These schools have been chosen for their comprehensive curriculum and high educational standards.
Explore Trade Schools in Kentucky by City:
Average Cost of Trade Schools in Kentucky
The average cost of attending a trade school in Kentucky can be split into the tuition cost, cost of books, cost of program-specific equipment, student fees, accommodation costs, transportation, and more.
Naturally, these factors vary from school to school, so it can take a lot of work to give a single general picture of the amount a prospective trade school student will spend during their training in Kentucky.
However, it is possible to get an estimation thanks to data provided by organizations, including the National Center for Education Statistics, The College Board, the Kentucky Education Cabinet, and individual trade schools.
Average Total Cost Estimation
Our findings reveal that the annual average cost of attending a trade school in Kentucky is between $16,000 and $31,000 for private trade schools and between $7,000 and $10,000 for public trade schools in the area.
Unit Costs & Other Factors
Making up the total cost are books and equipment, which can range between $500 to $1,000; and program-specific equipment, which can range between $500 to $5,000—and student fees, which can range between $500 to $1,000.
Furthermore, the annual average tuition fee of private trade schools in Kentucky is between $15,000 and $30,000, while the annual average tuition fee of public trade schools in the area is between $6,000 and $9,000.
Program-specific factors such as the length of the program and its complexity will also determine how much a trade school student in Kentucky will end up paying for their overall education.
Financial Aid for Trade Schools in Kentucky
Financial aid is great for helping trade students in Kentucky relieve all or part of their education costs. While some of the financial aid initiatives in the state are merit-based, a significant number of them are available for those who simply need financial assistance to pursue their goals.
We look at some of the most prominent financial aid programs for trade school students in Kentucky below.
- Kentucky Tuition Grant - gives up to $3,000 in financial assistance for residents looking to attend associate programs or bachelor’s programs in the state. Aspiring trade professionals may use it to attend private trade schools in Kentucky rather than public ones.
- Kentucky College Access Program Grant - The Kentucky College Access Program Grant offers up to $2,000 to residents of the state who are in financial need. They may use the funds to enroll in eligible schools, which include vocational and technical schools.
- Blue Grass Community Foundation Scholarships - offers varying amounts of financial assistance to Kentucky students attending trade/vocational schools. There are different requirements for different scholarship types.
- Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship - Applicants of the Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship must be high school graduates with at least a 2.5 GPA.
Licensing and Accreditation for Trade Schools in Kentucky
Apart from the fact that it lends credence to degrees and certificates obtained, attending an accredited school is also important to secure access to financial aid and grants such as the ones mentioned earlier.
It is also infinitely easier to transfer credits from an accredited school in Kentucky to another accredited school than from an unaccredited school in the state.
For national accreditation of trade schools in Kentucky, the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges is the most popular organization to consider. In contrast, for regional accreditation, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges is the organization of interest.
Online schools in the state are expected to be accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.
Top Vocational Trade Schools in Kentucky
Aspiring trade professionals in Kentucky may consider any of the programs below for high-quality training in several vocational fields.
Murray State University
Murray, KY Online + Campus
Murray State University is a public university with more than 150 undergraduate programs. The school offers advanced master's and doctoral programs, but aspiring trade students may enroll in a few academic and professional majors.
Tuition
$9,432 - $14,328Contact
msu.admissions@murraystate.edu
(800) 272-4678
South Central Kentucky Community and Technical College
Bowling Green, KY Online + Campus
South Central Kentucky Community and Technical College offers over 80 training programs spanning various technical and vocational fields. More than 40 are associate programs, while more than 40 are certificate programs.
Tuition
$4,488 - $15,240Contact
- sky-admission@kctcs.edu
- (270) 901-1000
Jefferson Community and Technical College
Louisville, KY Online + Campus
Jefferson Community and Technical College in Louisville offers over 120 programs, including 80 associate degree programs and over 40 certificates. The school is notable for its diverse programs and easy transfer pathways.
Tuition
$4,568 - $15,320Contact
- jefferson-admissions@kctcs.edu
- (855) 246-5282
Maysville Community and Technical College
Maysville, KY Online + Campus
Maysville Community and Technical College in Maysville offers candidates in the area an opponent to receive top-class trade training in a tight-knit educational community with focused support services.
Tuition
$4,488 - $15,240Contact
- lauren.mattox@kctcs.edu
- (606) 759-7141
West Kentucky Community and Technical College
Paducah, KY Online + Campus
Located in Paducah, West Kentucky Community and Technical College is a popular destination for top-quality trade training among individuals across the state. The school makes available 30+ associate programs and 30+ certificates.
Tuition
$4,488 - $15,240Contact
- wkctcadvising@kctcs.edu
- (270) 534-3349
Somerset Community College
Somerset, KY Online + Campus
Somerset Community College is a popular community college in Somerset that offers many online and hybrid programs. Of course, there are a few on-campus programs here, but the school is mostly known for its program quality.
Tuition
$4,488 - $15,240Contact
- scccontactcenter@kctcs.edu
- (877) 629-9722
Owensboro Community & Technical College
Owensboro, KY Online + Campus
Owensboro Community & Technical College offers over 60 associate and 20 certificate programs. Thanks to its focus on hands-on training, candidates get to participate in apprenticeship programs and leverage industry partnerships for more real-world experience.
Tuition
$4,488 - $15,240Contact
- octc.info@kctcs.edu
- (270) 686-4400
Notable Mentions
Other notable mentions include Hopkinsville Community College in Hopkinsville, Bluegrass Community and Technical College in Lexington, Ashland Community and Technical College in Ashland, Big Sandy Community and Technical College in Prestonsburg, Hazard Community and Technical College in Hazard, and ATA Community College in Louisville.