Trade Schools in South Dakota

Trade schools are usually highly respected among employers and, as such, provide a straightforward entry path into most trade careers. For aspiring trade professionals in South Dakota, attending a trade school may be the catalyst they need to have a successful career and take advantage of career growth and continuing education opportunities.

Candidates will be glad to know that the following sections contain everything they need to know to start their careers on the best possible path. Here, they will discover important information on the expected cost of completing a trade school program in South Dakota and the numerous avenues through which they can reduce or even eliminate this cost.

Lastly, candidates will also discover some of the best trade schools in the state and the factors that set them apart.

Average Cost of Trade Schools in South Dakota

The average cost of attending a trade school in South Dakota can be estimated from relevant sources and organizations, including the National Center for Education Statistics and various schools in the state.

These figures show that the average cost of attending a private trade school in the state is between $8,000 and $20,000, while the average cost is between $4,000 and $12,000.

This factors in an average tuition cost of between $5,000 to $16,000 for private trade schools in the state and an average tuition cost of $2,000 to $9,000 for private trade schools.

Other costs that play a role include transportation, accommodation, utilities, books and materials cost, and student fees.

Notable Examples

Going by actual examples, the tuition cost of an automotive technology associate degree program at Western Dakota Technical College is between $12,900 and $15,200; the cost of a practical nursing program at Southeast Technical College is $10,700 for residents of the state; and the tuition cost of a cosmetology program in Lake Area Technical College is $14,000 for in-state residents.

Financial Aid for Trade Schools in South Dakota

The following entries include some of the most prominent financial aid programs and initiatives for trade school students in South Dakota. We have included a few options for those seeking merit-based financial aid options and a few for those seeking need-based options as well.

Additionally, while private organizations organize some of these, a few are state-run initiatives.

• South Dakota Association for Career & Technical Association - offers financial support to high school graduates and post-secondary school students in a career/technical field. It can be applied to any technical institute in the state.

• Build Dakota - the Build Dakota scholarship awards full funding for tuition and other educational expenses. To qualify, students must be enrolled in a “high need” trade field. They must also commit to working in the state for at least three years after graduation.

• South Dakota Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors - The South Dakota Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors offer up to $1,000 in financial aid for high school students enrolling in a plumbing, heating, and cooling program.

• South Dakota Telecommunications Association - offers up to $2,000 for residents of the state who are enrolled in a telecommunications field. Candidates must be high school graduates.

Licensing and Accreditation for Trade Schools in South Dakota

Trade and vocational schools in South Dakota may hold regional or national accreditation. Those seeking regional accreditation will usually turn to the Higher Learning Commission. In contrast, those seeking national accreditation must be accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

In the end, attending a regionally accredited school can make it easier to transfer credit between programs, especially when applying for advanced degrees. However, national accreditation also suffices for assuring high-level education and employment opportunities and for taking advantage of financial aid initiatives.

The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is responsible for granting accreditation to online trade schools in South Dakota.

Top Vocational Trade Schools in South Dakota

Students looking for the best and most notable trade schools in South Dakota may consider any of the options below.

Notable Mentions

Other notable mentions include the Avera School of Nursing in Sioux Falls, Midwest Truck Driving School in Rapid City, Dakota Career Institute in Sioux Falls, Aberdeen Technical School in Aberdeen, Northern Lights Academy of Cosmetology in Sioux Falls, and Black Hills Beauty School in Rapid City.