Trade Schools in New York
While there are several ways to start a trade career in New York — including apprenticeships and training on the job — the most common approach is to attend a trade school. Trade schools usually benefit from combining rigorous classroom instructions with hands-on training.
Additionally, they offer well-regarded certificates and associate degrees that go a long way in helping graduates secure respectable employment.
Below, we break down key topics regarding trade schools in New York. We start by revealing the average total cost of attending a trade school in the state before breaking down these costs and providing financial aid options.
Lastly, candidates will also discover a detailed list of some of the most respectable trade schools in the state and what makes them deserving of attention.
Explore Trade Schools in New York by City:
Average Cost of Trade Schools in New York
The average cost of attending a trade school in New York ranges between $31,000 - $44,000. This is according to data sources from various relevant agencies, including the National Center for Educational Statistics and individual trade schools in the state.
The total costs comprise an average tuition cost of $16,000 - $22,000 and an average accommodation cost of $12,000 - $18,000. Other relevant costs include:
- Book Costs,
- Student Fees,
- Utilities and Transportation, and
- Program-specific equipment.
Of course, these figures will depend greatly on the particular school and program. For instance, the average tuition cost of attending the New York Automotive & Diesel Institute is about $20,000, while accommodation costs can be as high as $15,000.
Some schools also offer campus housing to alleviate the cost. Generally, however, these are the factors affecting the costs of a trade program in New York:
- Location - Programs located in the heart of the city with proximity to industries are often more expensive.
- Length - Longer programs usually include more spending along the way.
- Specialization - Programs with high specialization will require special tools and equipment, leading to higher education costs.
Below, we take a look at how to minimize these costs.
Financial Aid for Trade Schools in New York
Even though the costs above are significant, there are ways to alleviate or at least reduce them significantly. One of the most effective ways is to apply for scholarships and grants.
Thankfully, several programs and initiatives are designed to offer financial aid to trade school students in New York. We take a look at some of these below.
- New York State Tuition Assistance Program - offers up to $5,165 to residents of New York attending an approved post-secondary institution.
- New York Farm Bureau Agricultural Youth Scholarship - Awarded to students studying agriculture. Requires an essay on agricultural issues.
- Community Foundation of the Hudson Valley Scholarships - includes several scholarships to help students living in the Hudson Valley area.
- AFE Scholarship - 9ffers support to immigrant students or children of immigrants who are high school graduates in New York. Includes an array of support funds up to $20,000. The Ascend Educational Fund organizes the AFE Scholarship.
Licensing and Accreditation for Trade Schools in New York
Trade schools in New York may be nationally accredited or regionally accredited. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is responsible for regionally accrediting trade schools in New York. At the same time, the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges is responsible for accrediting schools on a national level.
The question of which accreditation is “right” depends on a few factors, including whether or not candidates plan to transfer credits. It is usually easier to transfer credits between regionally-accredited schools.
National accreditation is more suited for highly specialized programs.
The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is responsible for accrediting online schools.
Candidates are advised to enroll in accredited schools for ease of credit transfer, valuable degrees and certificates, educational standards, and access to financial aid and grants.
Along with accreditation, trade schools are also expected to be registered and licensed by the state for their training to be valid.
Top Vocational Trade Schools in New York
Below are some top-class destinations in New York where you can receive rigorous training in various exciting trade fields.
Mohawk Valley Community College
Utica, NY Online + Campus
Mohawk Valley Community College is one of the most popular destinations for trade programs in New York. The school holds various technical and professional career-focused training, producing numerous successful professionals.
Tuition
$5,500 - $7,798Contact
- admissions@mvcc.edu
- (315) 792-5400
New York College of Technology
New York City, NY Online + Campus
New York College of Technology offers an array of top-quality programs with the most concerning science and technology. However, there are also remarkable nursing, physical therapy, animation, and interior design programs worth mentioning.
Tuition
$41,960 - $44,360Contact
- admissions@nyit.edu
- (212) 261-1508
Suffolk County Community College
Long Island, NY Online + Campus
Suffolk County Community College is known to have quite affordable tuition, especially compared to schools of similar sizes in the area. It also boasts a unique Marine Technology program with access to the Great Bay Estuary.
Tuition
$6,270 - $11,740Contact
- admissions@sunysuffolk.edu
- (631) 451-4000
Nassau Community College
Garden City, NY Online + Campus
Nassau Community College boasts strong accounting, medical billing, nursing, massage therapy, and cosmetology programs, among many others. It offers a total of more than 20 associate degree and certificate programs.
Tuition
$6,330 - $12,130Contact
- admissions@ncc.edu
- (516) 572-7501
SUNY Erie Community College
Buffalo, NY Online + Campus
SUNY Erie Community College in Buffalo is a public community college offering associate degrees and certificates in several fields. This includes more than 80 healthcare, business, and technology programs.
Tuition
$5,722 - $10,769Contact
- admissions@ecc.edu
- (716) 851-1322
Monroe Community College
Rochester, NY Online + Campus
Monroe Community College boasts a large campus with a vibrant atmosphere. The school focuses on programs in business, engineering, liberal arts, and healthcare.
Tuition
$5,662 - $10,368Contact
- admissions@monroecc.edu
- (585) 292-2000
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, NY Online + Campus
Rochester Institute of Technology has its main campus in Henrietta and additional locations in Dubai and Rochester. The school tries as much as possible to incorporate a great deal of hands-on learning into its programs.
Tuition
$52,030 - $52,756Contact
- admissions@rit.edu
- (585) 475-2411
Notable Mentions
Other notable mentions include Fulton-Montgomery Community College in Johnstown, Onondaga Community College in Syracuse, SUNY Broome Community College in Binghamton, Stony Brook University in Stony Brook, ABC Training Center in the Bronx, and SUNY Schenectady County Community College in Schenectady.