Some of the best trade schools in California draw people because they can graduate with less debt and still find a high-paying job. Another perk is the ongoing growth of skill and expertise involved in many of these professions.
Numerous careers that require vocational schooling involve highly-skilled work and include ongoing training. It's not uncommon for these career paths to utilize skill growth, further training, and education to advance within the profession.
Click on a city close to you to find trade schools near you:
Facts About Trade School and Trade Jobs in California
When planning for a career in California, it helps to understand how different jobs in the area pay. For instance,plumbers in California are the highest paid in the entire country. And of all the metro areas in the U.S., San Francisco is the highest paying forelectricians.
There are over 200 trade schools in California, with an incredibly diverse selection of programs to choose from. Vocational schools offer a combination of one-year certificate programs and two-year associate degrees. Trade schools in California are associated with some of the lowest student-debt outcomes in the nation.
Trade School Job Outlook in California
When considering what to study with your continuing education, some critical metrics to be aware of are the expected job growth and average salaries. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects there to be nearly 850,000 jobs requiring a trade school.
When comparing careers that require trade school versus college, you'll see that, despite how much more you'll spend on education, you won't earn a whole lot more with a four-year degree.
[stat-grid][stat-grid-item label="Trade school average salary" stat="$64,908"][stat-grid-item label="Bachelor's degree average salary" stat="$99,160"][/stat-grid]Average Cost of Trade School in California
Trade schools in California can cost as much as $30,000 or more for the entire program. In contrast, four-year colleges can cost $100,000 or more before you earn a bachelor's degree.
Based on average salaries for trade school jobs in California, a trade school's return on investment (ROI) is much better than that of a bachelor's degree job. That said, depending on the program you choose, you might not need to take out any loans if you attend trade school. But students take out on average $30,000 in student loans to attend university.
Accreditations in California
Attending an accredited trade program comes with many benefits, not least of which is a much higher chance of having your training and expertise recognized by the industry you aim to work in. When a trade school is accredited, a third party recognizes that it meets educational standards.
The Department of Education must recognize these third parties. Another important perk of going to an accredited school is having access to federal student loans and aid programs.
You should check that the program you plan on attending is state-accredited and has the proper national accreditations. One important trade school accreditor is the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
Financial Aid for Trade School in California
Cal Grant
California offers six different grants for students attending California schools. The requirements of each vary, so check their website for the details.
What it covers: Amounts vary.
Deadline: March 2
Automotive Hall of Fame Scholarship Program
The AHF offers scholarships to students at universities, community colleges, and trade schools. This program is designed for students studying and training for an automotive career.
What it covers: Amounts vary.
Deadline: June 7
For more information on paying for trade school, visit our guide toVocational Education Financial Aid.
FAQs About Continuing Education in California
California Trade Schools and Colleges
The following trade schools in some of the biggest California cities all meet the following criteria:
Accredited
Less than $35,000 net price
Over 50% graduation rate
