There are many reasons to choose a trade school in Arizona over a four-year college. Trade schools are often far less expensive and less likely to leave you in steep debt afterward. And it's not uncommon for vocational schools to lead to high-paying jobs sooner than many undergraduate degrees.
Another incentive is the nature of the work that tends to follow after a trade school. These careers often involve highly skilled work and can include ongoing training, leading to greater job security and advancement.
Facts About Trade School and Trade Jobs in Arizona
One of the professions in hot demand from trade schools in Arizona is welders. Pay for welders in nonmetropolitan Arizona locales is among the highest in the country. There are vocational schools in Arizona for everything from plumbing to electrician certificates to cybersecurity and more.
Trade Job Outlook in Arizona
When looking at the benefits of a trade school career, look at the high salaries and projected employment. The trades are in an employment shortage right now, meaning getting hired is all but guaranteed.
Also, you'll spend four times more on a bachelor's degree — but only earn about a quarter more annually. Here's a comparison between trade school and bachelor's degree salaries:
[stat-grid][stat-grid-item label="Trade School Average Salary" stat="$48,860"][stat-grid-item label="Bachelor's Degree Average Salary" stat="$75,883"][/stat-grid]Average Cost of Trade School in Arizona
Vocational schools in Arizona can cost from $5,000 to around $40,000, with many programs being on the lower end of that cost scale. Each program on our list below is under $35,000, so you can rest assured you're attending an affordable school.
By comparison, four-year colleges cost up to $150,000 on average (that's if you attend private school). You could pay less if you were to attend a public school in-state, but it will still be much more expensive than a trade school education.
Accreditations in Arizona
Before selecting a trade school in Arizona, it's vital to learn whether it is accredited. You might not be able to obtain a job license unless you attended an accredited program within a vocational school. Accreditation requirements are in place to ensure a high standard of training, education, and skill before professional engagement. These standards help protect consumers and public health while also helping ensure students are prepared for their chosen profession.
Before committing to a trade school program, it's helpful to research which licenses and exams you will have to take afterward, if any, to begin officially working in that profession. Then, you can find out if those particular exams require your program to be accredited. Counselors for the individual schools have this information and can provide it upon request. In general, most trade schools in Arizona need to be accredited, and many of the licenses and exams for vocational careers require that you attend an accredited program.
Financial Aid for Trade School in Arizona
Arizona Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (AzLEAP)
Who qualifies: Arizona postsecondary students with financial need
What it covers: Awards up to $2,500
Deadline: Varies between institutions and scholarships
For more information on paying for trade school through scholarships and grants, consider our Vocational Education Financial Aid portal.
FAQs About Continuing Education in Arizona
20 Arizona Trade Schools and Colleges
The following trade schools in Arizona are all under $35,000 in net price, have over 50% graduation rates, and are all institutionally accredited. Institutional accreditation means you can be secure, knowing your trade school education is legitimate.
