A trade school can be an excellent alternative to a traditional university. Indiana students who choose to attend trade school can enjoy little to no student debt, compared to the large debt that students often leave college with.
A trade school education can also lead to a high salary and access to skilled jobs that provide ongoing training. Keep reading to learn more about trade schools in Indiana.
Facts About Trade School and Trade Jobs in Indiana
Are you considering attending a trade school in Indiana? Here are a few facts to know about trade school and trade jobs in Indiana:
There are more than 90 technical and vocational schools in Indiana that specialize in healthcare, technology, cosmetology, construction, and more.
The average annual salary for a job that requires only a trade school education in Indiana is roughly $48,000.
Trade Job Outlook in Indiana
A trade school education can provide you with plenty of opportunities for well-paying jobs. In Indiana, the average annual salary for a job that requires a postsecondary nondegree education is $48,358. And depending on the specific field you choose, you could easily find a career path that pays upwards of $70,000 without a degree.
So how does this compare with jobs at other levels of education? Graduates of bachelor's and master's programs usually leave with significant student debt. And while they make a higher salary, the payoff of higher education is less than that of a trade school education.
[stat-grid][stat-grid-item label="Trade School Job Salary" stat="$48,358"][stat-grid-item label="Bachelor's Degree Job Salary" stat="$70,818"][stat-grid-item label="Master's Degree Job Salary" stat="$74,978"][/stat-grid]Average Cost of Trade School in Indiana
One of the most significant benefits of attending a trade school over a traditional four-year university is the cost. Trades schools have a significantly lower price tag.
The average cost of trade school nationally is $33,000, but the trade schools in Indiana on our list below cost an average of $13,141. How much you'll pay is largely dependent on the type of school you attend and the program you choose.
If you attend an accredited school, you might be entitled to financial aid to help with your expenses. There are also plenty of scholarships available to vocational students.
Accreditations for Trade Schools in Indiana
When choosing a trade school, it's important to find one that is accredited by a regionally or nationally recognized organization. Accreditation is important for several reasons.
First, by attending an accredited school, you can rest assured that you're getting a quality education that meets certain standards. Accreditation is also required to be eligible for federal financial aid. Finally, you may not be able to sit for licensing exams in some trades if you don't attend an accredited program.
Some of the top accrediting agencies for Indiana trade schools include:
Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
Distance Education Accrediting Commission
Higher Learning Commission
Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training
Council on Occupational Education
You should also ensure that the program you attend at the trade school is accredited by the proper industry-recognized associations.
In addition to accreditation, it's also important to ensure the trade school you attend is licensed. You can check with your school's admissions department to ensure they are licensed by the appropriate Indiana state agency.
Financial Aid for Trade School in Indiana
Luckily, trade school is already relatively affordable compared to other levels of education. And there are financial aid opportunities in place to help you save even more. Here are a few scholarships available.
Next Level Jobs Workforce Ready Grant
Who's eligible: Indiana residents with a high school diploma who enroll in a qualifying program and file the FAFSA
Amount: Covers tuition and mandatory fees
Deadline: N/A
Mildred Sorensen National Scholarship
Who's eligible: Students with a 2.5 GPA who are high school graduates enrolled in a technical or vocational education program.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: March 1, 2022
For more information on paying for trade school, visit our guide on Vocational Education Financial Aid.
FAQs About Continuing Education in Indiana
15 Indiana Trade Schools and Colleges
Here are some of the top trade schools in Indiana. We chose them because they all :
Have a graduation rate of over 50%
Cost less than $30,000
Are institutionally accredited
Here they are in alphabetical order:
