Trade Schools in Texas

Individuals looking to pursue a trade career in Texas will be happy to know that trade schools in the state were created to help them do just that. These schools offer comprehensive programs spanning various industries, including health, business, science, technology, and liberal arts.

Below, explore some of the best training destinations to consider. All entries on our list have been vetted to ensure high-quality training, hands-on curriculum, and industry connections to make job placement much easier.

The sections below also include other key considerations that a trade school student in Texas must be aware of. Among these are the prospective education costs, financial aid programs, and accreditation agencies to look out for.

Average Cost of Trade Schools in Texas

The average cost of attending a trade school in Texas is usually between $16,000 and $30,000 for private trade schools and between $4,000 and $12,000 for public trade schools.

Along with a school’s ownership and profit orientation, other factors such as program duration, accreditation, specialty, location, and variety will also influence how much a student will spend to complete training in that field.

Also contributing to a program’s overall completion costs are the tuition fees, accommodation costs, transportation costs, student fees, and the cost of books, materials, and equipment.

Notable Examples

Going with relevant examples in the state, an associate of applied science in nursing from the Houston Community College system may cost approximately $13,000 for in-state residents. In comparison, a welding certificate program may cost around $4,500.

An aircraft maintenance technician program at San Antonio College costs around $20,000, while an associate of applied science degree in electrical technology from the same school costs around $12,000.

All the figures above were estimated from relevant sources such as the National Center for Education Statistics and individual trade schools in the area.

Financial Aid for Trade Schools in Texas

As an aspiring trade school student in Texas – already enrolled in a trade school in the state – several financial aid initiatives may help you cover part or all of your training costs. We explore some of the most prominent options below.

• The Community Foundation of West Texas - offers more than 100 scholarships for students in South Plains. Requirements vary depending on the particular scholarship in sight.

• Texas Education and Training Voucher Program - includes up to $5,000 in financial support for students who are former foster children. Candidates must be attending a post-secondary institution, Including vocational trade schools.

• Amarillo Area Foundation - offers multiple scholarships for students in the Amarillo area.

• Maximum Independence Scholarship - offers up to $1,000 for students in North Texas attending vocational trade schools. Candidates must have participated in at least 15 hours of community Service.

• Stars Scholarship Fund - South and West Texas applicants with a GPA of at least 2.7 may apply for this scholarship. Candidates must be enrolled in an associate degree program at a community college.

Licensing and Accreditation for Trade Schools in Texas

As an aspiring trade school student in Texas, one of the things you should be concerned about is the accreditation status of your desired institution. Accreditation is important as it may help you access financial aid programs and give more gravitas to your certificates and degrees.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accredits trade schools in Tennessee on a regional level. At the same time, the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges is responsible for accrediting trade schools in the state on a national level.

One of the key differences between regional and national accreditation is the ease of transferring credits from one accredited institution to another. In this case, regional accreditation is usually better than national accreditation.

Along with institutional accreditation, candidates should also be concerned about the accreditation status of their programs, as completing an accredited program also offers several benefits, including certification and continuing education opportunities.

Top Vocational Trade Schools in Texas

The following are some of Texas’s top vocational trade schools, offering high-quality training in a wide range of technical and professional fields.

Notable Mentions

Other notable mentions include Vernon College in Vernon, Palo Alto College in San Antonio, Tarrant County College District in Fort Worth, South Plains College in Levelland, Coastal Bend College in Beeville, Saint Philip’s College in San Antonio, Panola College in Carthage, Lamar Institute of Technology in Beaumont, and North Central Texas College in Gainesville.