Trade school is a great educational alternative for those who don't want to attend a four-year university. It comes with plenty of benefits, including job opportunities, high trade job salaries, and the ability to grow in a field with ongoing training.
Additionally, while many undergraduate students enter the workforce with tens of thousands of dollars in debt, trade school students in Arkansas can start their careers with little to no debt. Keep reading to learn more about trade school in Arkansas and whether it's right for you.
Facts About Trade School and Trade Jobs in Arkansas
Some Arkansas trade school and trade job fun facts include:
The over 75 technical and vocational schools in Arkansas train students to work in healthcare, technology, and building trades.
The average annual salary for a trade school job in Arkansas is more than $42,000.
Many of the most in-demand jobs in Arkansas require only a trade school education. In-demand jobs include medical assistants, therapy aids, and industrial workers.
Trade Job Outlook in Arkansas
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual wage for a job that requires a postsecondary nondegree education in Arkansas is $42,663. That said, jobs without a degree in the state can have salaries that exceed $70,000.
Jobs that require a bachelor's degree in Arkansas have an annual salary of $69,954. Master's and doctoral degree jobs have average annual salaries of $73,272 and $101,450, respectively.
Average Cost of Trade School in Arkansas
One of the perks of attending a trade school is that they are often far more affordable than a four-year university, meaning you can get a better return on your investment.
According to College Board data, the average cost of attending trade school is $33,000 nationally. However, the trade schools in Arkansas on our list average just over $12,000. And none of them exceed $25,000.
Accreditations in Arkansas
When choosing your trade program in Arkansas, it's important to pay attention to whether it's accredited. Accreditation is an independent verification from a regionally, nationally, or industry-recognized organization to show the program provides a quality education that meets certain standards.
In addition to just ensuring you're getting a quality education, there are other reasons to look for an accredited program. First, you need to attend an accredited program to be eligible for federal financial aid. Additionally, you may need to graduate from an accredited program to sit for certain licensing exams in your state.
Trade schools in Arkansas are often accredited by national organizations such as:
Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
Distance Education Accrediting Commission
Higher Learning Commission
Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training
Council on Occupational Education
In addition to accreditation, many states require that schools become licensed to teach students in the state. Check with Arkansas's education department to find out if your school is licensed in the state.
Financial Aid for Trade School in Arkansas
Trade school in Arkansas usually comes with a much lower price tag than a four-year degree. Luckily, there are scholarships available that can help you save even more.
Arkansas Workforce Challenge
Who's eligible: Arkansas residents who are high school graduates and have been accepted for admission into an approved program as defined by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education.
Amount: Up to $800
Deadline: At least 30 days prior to enrollment in an eligible program
What to know: This program is designed for workforce training in high-demand areas of healthcare, information technology, and industry.
Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship
Who's eligible: Arkansas residents who have been accepted for admission at an approved higher learning institution in a program of study that leads to a bachelor's degree, associate degree, qualified certificate, or a nursing school diploma
Amount: $1,000 in the first year, $3,000 in the second year
Deadline: July 1 of a student's senior year in high school
What to know: The Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship is available to students regardless of their academic status, whether they just graduated from high school, enrolled in college, are enrolling in college for the first time, or are enrolling after time away.
For more information on paying for trade school, visit our guide on Vocational Education Financial Aid.
FAQs About Trade School and Continuing Education in Arkansas
Arkansas Trade Schools and Colleges
There are plenty of trade schools to choose from in Arkansas. We put together 15 of the best Arkansas trade schools and colleges because they all:
Graduate over 50% of attendees
Cost less than $25,000
Are institutionally accredited
Some of the top options include:
