Trade Schools in Massachusetts

Today, several wonderful trades allow individuals to begin successful careers with just a few months of training. Many community colleges and trade schools in Massachusetts offer comprehensive training in these fields.

Below, we extensively analyze some of the area’s best trade and technical schools. We also provide a detailed overview of equally important considerations, such as the importance of accreditation and some of the most notable accrediting agencies and commissions to look for.

Candidates will also discover the average cost estimation of completing a trade school program in Massachusetts and the possible financial aid programs. By going through these resources, candidates will have all they need to start their trade journey most pleasantly.

Explore Trade Schools in Massachusetts by City:

• Trade Schools in Boston

Average Cost of Trade Schools in Massachusetts

The average cost of attending a trade school in Massachusetts tends to fall between $18,500 to $27,000. This is according to data collected from various sources, including the US Department of Education, the National Center for Educational Statistics, and individual trade schools.

Breaking down the cost, it is clear that the tuition cost is the biggest contributor to the overall cost. Trade school students in Massachusetts generally pay between $16,000 to $25,000 in average tuition fees per year.

Also contributing is the cost of books and materials, which can be between $500 - $1,000; the cost of program-specific equipment, which can be between $500 - $5,000; the cost of accommodation, which can be between $1,800 - $2,500, and additional costs such as utilities and transportation.

Notable Factors

Generally, factors that influence the difference in education costs between different programs and different trade schools in Massachusetts include:

• Location - Schools in urban areas charge more than those in remote areas.
• Specialization - Highly-specialized programs are usually more expensive than general programs.
• Accreditation Status - Schools offering accredited programs in unique fields are often more expensive.
• Duration- Naturally, the longer a student learns a specific trade, the more the costs are incurred along the way.

Financial Aid for Trade Schools in Massachusetts

Trade school students in Massachusetts typically enjoy a handful of financial aid opportunities to help ease the cost of completing a vocational program in the state. Candidates may qualify simply by being state residents or by showing financial distress necessitating financial aid.

Candidates may also qualify strictly on merit and individual skills. Below are some of the state’s most notable financial aid programs for trade school students.

• Massachusetts Career Incentive Grant - is organized by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education and offers up to $2,500 for students enrolled in high-demand trade programs.
• The Massachusetts Vocational Rehabilitation Grant - is also organized by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education and offers varying funding levels for students with disabilities who are enrolled in a trade school.
• Massachusetts Chapter 271 Scholarship Program - This scholarship program is a need-based initiative for trade school students in the state. Applicants must demonstrate financial need to qualify.
• Federal Grants - Trade students in Massachusetts may also enroll for the Federal Pell Grant or the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant for low-income students.

Licensing and Accreditation for Trade Schools in Massachusetts

There are many things to consider when choosing a trade school to attend in Massachusetts, including the location, faculty, and curriculum. However, the school’s accreditation status should also be at the top of that list.

Attending an accredited trade school means that candidates can receive training from a school that has already passed some tests to ascertain high educational quality. Additionally, accredited schools offer more respected degrees and certificates and are well-favored for financial aid.

Most public trade schools seek regional accreditation, and in Massachusetts, the body responsible for that is the New England Commission on Higher Education. For schools with national accreditation, the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges is usually the accrediting organization.

Students attending online schools should look out for accreditation by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.

Top Vocational Trade Schools in Massachusetts

Below are some high-quality vocational schools for aspiring trade professionals in Massachusetts to consider.

Notable Mentions

Other notable destinations to receive top-class trade education in Massachusetts include Cape Cod Community College in Cape Cod, Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester, Quincy College in Quincy, Holyoke College in Holyoke, Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill, and Lawrence Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Medford.