Trade Schools in Oklahoma

Trade professionals in Oklahoma start their careers by attending an academic trade school or acquiring training on the job. While on-the-job training does have its benefits, many prefer attending a trade school because it offers valuable degrees and certificates and the opportunity to take advantage of career growth opportunities.

For candidates in Oklahoma looking for the best trade schools in the state, you have come to the right page. The article below doesn’t just explore some of the state’s top-class trade schools and highlights their strong suits and unique attributes.

Moreover, candidates will discover other important topics, such as the cost of attending a trade school and the available financial aid options.

Average Cost of Trade Schools in Oklahoma

According to data provided by the National Center for Education Statistics and various trade schools in the state, it is possible to estimate that the average cost of attending a trade school in Oklahoma can range between $12,000 to $20,000 for private schools in the area and between $5,000 to $8,000 per year for public trade schools in the area.

Contributing to this cost are various unit costs, including the cost of books and materials, program-specific equipment, accommodation, transportation, and other utilities.

The breakdown looks something like this:

• Average tuition cost (private) - $9,000 to $17,000
• Average tuition cost (public) - $3,000 to $5,000
• Average cost of book and materials - $500 to $1,000
• Average student fees - $500 to 1,000
• Average accommodation cost - $600 to $1,200 per month.

The figures above give a general representation of what to expect. In reality, however, different factors contribute to exactly what the figure will be. For instance, the location of a school is important in determining its actual cost. Schools in urban areas near companies, businesses, and industries are usually more expensive than those in rural areas.

Other notable factors to consider include specialty (the more specialized a program is, the more expensive it is), duration (longer programs cost more), and accreditation, among others.

Financial Aid for Trade Schools in Oklahoma

Below are some of Oklahoma’s most prominent financial aid programs for trade school students. Some programs are available to specific programs, while others apply to all state vocational and post-secondary students.

Additionally, some may cover all tuition costs, while some offer specific financial assistance for various educational needs.

• The Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant - supports students in Oklahoma who are enrolled in a trade school or career technology center in the state. It is a need-based scholarship, so candidates must demonstrate financial need to qualify.

• George and Donna Nigh Public Service Scholarship - This scholarship offers up to $1,000 for Oklahoma residents attending public service programs. It was organized by the State Legislature and is merit-based, so candidates must demonstrate academic achievement.

• Academic Scholars Program - the Oklahoma Academic Scholars Program awards up to $2,200 for residents of Oklahoma enrolled in either a 2-year or 4-year post-secondary institution. Candidates must maintain a GPA of at least 3.25.

• Other notable mentions include the Osage Nation Higher Education Scholarship for members of the Osage Nation enrolled in an accredited trade school and the NEWH Chapter Scholarship offering support for Oklahoma students in a hospitality-related program.

Licensing and Accreditation for Trade Schools in Oklahoma

As a trade school student in Oklahoma, it is infinitely more advisable to enroll in an accredited school than in one that is not. This is because accreditation offers several benefits, such as increasing the appeal of your degrees and certificates to potential employers and opening the door for financial aid.

Trade schools in Oklahoma that are accredited on a regional level and are usually accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. In contrast, those that are accredited on a national level are usually accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is responsible for accrediting online trade schools.

Another important aspect of attending an accredited school is that it gives you confidence that your school meets a basic educational standard schools must fulfill many quality requirements to become accredited.

Top Vocational Trade Schools in Oklahoma

The following are some of Oklahoma’s most prominent trade schools, offering many programs spanning various fields.

Notable Mentions

Other notable trade schools to receive top-quality training in Oklahoma include Heavy Equipment Colleges of America in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma City Dental Assistant School in Oklahoma City, Academy of Hair Design, and the Elite Academy of Cosmetology in Lawton.