Trade Schools in New Jersey

Trade schools offer a remarkable return on investment, thanks to their relatively straightforward duration, career-ready training approach, and the fact that many trade fields are currently experiencing significantly high demand.

Aspiring trade professionals in New Jersey looking to receive their education from a trade school in the state will be glad to know that the following sections include everything they’ll need to know to be adequately prepared for the journey. Here, they’ll discover a comprehensive list of the best destinations for comprehensive trade programs.

Before jumping into the list, however, we examine other important topics such as the cost of trade schools in New Jersey, financial aid channels, accrediting agencies, etc.

Average Cost of Trade Schools in New Jersey

Data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the U.S. Department of Education, and various state trade schools reveals some insight into what to expect regarding the costs of attending trade schools in New Jersey.

Of course, various factors contribute to these costs.

Notable Factors

Program type is one of the most important determinants of the cost of attending trade schools in New Jersey. Naturally, associate degree programs that can be completed in 2 years will be more expensive than certificate programs that can be completed in around 6 months.

Additionally, specialized programs are known to be more expensive because of their need for esoteric equipment and resources.

Other important factors relating to the school include the city’s location and various programs.

Estimating Total Cost

Given the above conditions, we have estimated the projected cost of completing a trade school program in New Jersey to be between $26,000 and $38,000.

Of the total cost, between $14,000 and $20,000 cover the tuition, while $10,000 to $15,000 goes towards accommodation.

Other notable costs include utilities, transportation, student fees, and books.

Financial Aid for Trade Schools in New Jersey

One of the most important things to know as a trade school student is the possible financial aid available to ease your education cost. Trade students in New Jersey may enjoy numerous financial aid channels, including state, federal, institutional, and private-run financial aid programs.

We take a look at some of the most notable of these below.

• New Jersey Governor’s Industry Vocations Scholarship - Awards up to $2,000 for people of color pursuing a certificate or degree in a construction field. Candidates must be enrolled in a vocational or technical college in New Jersey.

• Community College Opportunity Grant - Includes several scholarships available to New Jersey students enrolled in a community college. Usually, it comes with free tuition.

• Associated General Contractors Scholarship - The Associated General Contractors Scholarship was created to support students pursuing a construction or engineering program. Applicable only to bachelor’s degree programs.

• Skills USA - Offers between $1,000 - $3,000 for career training in various fields including HVAC and homebuilding, among others.

Licensing and Accreditation for Trade Schools in New Jersey

Trade schools in New Jersey may pursue regional or national accreditation. Both are valid, but most schools go for regional accreditation. In this regard, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education is the agency in charge.

Trade schools in the state seeking national accreditation usually have to receive their award from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. In contrast, online trade schools receive accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.

There are a few things to consider regarding the benefits of attending an accredited school. First, these schools are well-respected and offer valuable degrees and certificates that may make employment easier. Additionally, make sure students can qualify for financial aid.

Just like accreditation at the institutional level, specific programs can also require accreditation. For instance, the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredits Nursing programs offered by trade schools in New Jersey.

Top Vocational Trade Schools in New Jersey

Below are some of the top trade schools in New Jersey offering comprehensive programs spanning various high-demand fields.

Notable Mentions

Other notable mentions include County College of Morris in Randolph, Eastwick College with locations in Nutley and Hackensack, American Institute in Toms River, Clifton, and Somerset, and Rowan College of South Jersey with locations in Vineland and Sewell, among others.