Trade Schools in Mississippi

Choosing a trade school in Mississippi requires having a clear understanding of what to expect along the process in the first place. Candidates can make a better decision, for example, when they understand the average cost of trade schools in the area, the factors that contribute to this cost, and the possible financial aid options available to them.

Below, we provide a comprehensive overview of these key topics, including possible licensing and accreditation bodies for trade schools in Mississippi. We also touch upon why accreditation is an important criterion for prospective trade school students to look out for.

Lastly, we provide a detailed list of Mississippi’s top trade schools and their unique features.

Explore Trade Schools in Mississippi by City:

• Trade Schools in Jackson

Average Cost of Trade Schools in Mississippi

According to data revealed by relevant agencies such as the US Department of Education, Mississippi Department of Education, National Center for Educational Statistics, and individual trade schools in the area, it is possible to estimate the average total cost of attending a trade school in the state.

From our calculations, this figure sits between $18,000 and $28,000. This includes an average tuition fee of $16,500 - $25,000, an average book cost of between $500 - $1000, and an average accommodation cost of $800 to $1,200.

The cost of transportation, program-specific equipment, and utilities will also contribute to the overall cost of attending a trade school in the state.

Factors Affecting Costs

On a programmatic level, the duration of the program is one of the most important factors that will affect how much a trade school charges for it. Longer programs will naturally set you back more than shorter ones.

Additionally, the impact of program specialization is substantial, as highly specialized programs also cost more than generic ones.

On an institutional level, some factors to consider include the size of the school, its location within the state, and accreditation status. Bigger schools often cost more, thanks to their variety of programs, while schools in urban areas are usually more expensive.

Financial Aid for Trade Schools in Mississippi

Thanks to various state, national, private, and institutional initiatives, students of trade schools in Mississippi may enjoy financial assistance to relieve their education costs. Candidates may qualify for these initiatives simply by demonstrating financial need or meeting merit standards set by the issuers of the scholarships and grants.

The following are some of the most prominent financial aid programs for students in the state to consider.

• The Mississippi Automotive Manufacturers Association offers a scholarship of up to $1,500 for students enrolled in an automotive program. Candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and submit an essay to qualify.
• The Key Thinker Scholarship offers up to $1,000 to students attending trade schools in the state. They must write an essay on financial responsibility to qualify.
• Horatio Alger Association Career and Technical Scholarship offers up to $2,500. Applicants must be under 30 years old and in extreme financial need.
• The National Future Farmers of America Scholarships are available to trade school students in Mississippi enrolled in an agricultural program. There are various individual scholarships here with varying requirements.

Licensing and Accreditation for Trade Schools in Mississippi

The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges is responsible for accrediting trade schools in Mississippi. The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is in charge of accrediting trade schools with programs taking place predominantly online.

Apart from understanding which accrediting agencies are the most relevant in the state, trade school students in Mississippi must also understand why accreditation is so important in the first place.

Well, accreditation is a great way to confirm that a school operates at a specific educational standard. Accrediting commissions usually conduct regular checks to ensure that an accredited school maintains the standards needed for accreditation.

Additionally, accreditation also offers validity to degrees and certificates and is usually one of the most important requirements that trade scholarships and grants ask for.

Top Vocational Trade Schools in Mississippi

The following are some of Mississippi’s most popular trade/technical schools, offering a wide range of vocational programs spanning different fields.

​​​​Notable Mentions

Other notable trade schools in Mississippi include Pearl River Community College in Poplarville, Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Wesson, Jones County Junior College in Ellisville, Mississippi Delta Community College in Moorhead, Coahoma Community College in Clarksdale, and Concorde Career College in Southaven.