20 Best Trade Schools in New Jersey
Trade school can be an excellent choice for someone interested in following a vocational career path. Trade school has plenty of benefits, including less debt than a traditional four-year university setting while still creating opportunities for a high salary and highly skilled work with ongoing training.
Wondering whether attending a New Jersey trade school is right for you? Keep reading to learn more.
Facts About Trade School and Trade Jobs in New Jersey
Here are a few fun facts about New Jersey trade schools and jobs:
- There are more than 125 trade and vocational schools to choose from in New Jersey with specialties in healthcare, beauty, technology, and more.
- Trade school graduates in New Jersey can expect to earn an average salary of more than $57,000.
- Depending on their household income, students in New Jersey may be eligible for tuition-free trade school through a state grant.
Trade Job Outlook in New Jersey
You might be surprised to learn how much you can earn with a trade school education. Jobs in New Jersey that require a postsecondary non-degree education have an average annual salary of $57,350. And depending on the career path you choose, you could earn six figures without a degree.
So how does this compare with the average salaries of other education levels? New Jersey has above-average salaries at most education levels. However, it's important to remember that those higher-level degrees often require a large price tag and substantial student loan debt, which can reduce the return on investment for that type of degree.
Here's the salaries different education levels will get you in New Jersey:
Average Cost of Trade School in New Jersey
The national average cost of a trade school education is $33,000 total. However, our list below of top trade schools in New Jersey averages $15,158.
If you opt to attend a four-year university instead, you could be looking at a $150,000 price tag, according to CollegeBoard data. You'll most likely end up earning more with a bachelor's degree, but for the cost and time you'll spend in education, trade school is still a great option with a viable career path and many job opportunities.
Many learners decide against attending trade school because they're scared of the messy, hands-on work they'll have to do. But technological advancement is just one of the trends changing the skilled trades right now.
Accreditations in New Jersey
When you're choosing which trade school to attend in New Jersey, it's important that you find one that is accredited by a regional or national organization. Accreditation means the school has been verified to provide a quality education.
Some New Jersey trade schools may be accredited by a regional organization like the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Others may be accredited by a national organization like the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and College or the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.
On top of regional and national accreditation, ensure the program you choose has the proper accreditation from industry-recognized organizations.
In addition to being accredited, the New Jersey Department of Education licenses trade schools in New Jersey to educate students.
Financial Aid for Trade School in New Jersey
As we've mentioned, trade school is far more affordable than other types of higher education. And luckily, there are also scholarships available to help reduce the cost burden even more. Below are some scholarship opportunities available to trade school students in New Jersey.
Community College Opportunity Grant
- Who's eligible: New Jersey students with an adjusted gross income below $65,000
- Amount: Full amount of tuition
- Deadline: Varies
- What to know: This grant is designed to provide tuition-free college to students enrolled at one of the state's county colleges.
New Jersey Governor's Industry Vocations Scholarship for Women and Minorities
- Who's eligible: Women and minority group members in New Jersey
- Amount: Up to $2,000
- Deadline: December 1 and June 1
- What to know: This scholarship can be used at any county college, county vocational-technical school, or proprietary trade school affiliated with an institution eligible to participate in the New Jersey TAG program.
For more information on paying for trade school, visit our guide on Vocational Education Financial Aid.
FAQs About Continuing Education in New Jersey
Are there online trade schools in New Jersey?
You can find online trade school programs in New Jersey. However, most programs like this will be hybrid, meaning online learning and in-person practice. If you choose a hands-on trade, such as electrical work or welding, you should always choose a school that teaches its labs partially in-person.
How much does trade school in New Jersey cost?
The national average for trade school is $33,000. The New Jersey trade schools on our list below cost an average of just over $15,000. New Jersey also has some great scholarships to help vocational students out with tuition and other educational expenses.
Can you attend trade school for free in New Jersey?
Students with an adjusted gross income below $65,000 may be eligible for the Community College Opportunity Grant, which provides tuition-free college to New Jersey trade school and community college students.
20 New Jersey Trade Schools and Colleges
There are many trade schools to choose from in New Jersey. We chose the top 25 New Jersey trade schools based on the following credentials:
- Under $20,000 tuition
- Over 50% graduation rate
- Institutional accreditation
Below are some of the top New Jersey trade schools in alphabetical order:
Adult and Continuing Education-BCTS
School type: Public
Net price: $13,164
Graduation rate: 65%
Largest program: Electrician
Adult and Continuing Education-BCTS offers the following programs:
Artistic Academy of Hair Design
School type: Private
Net price: $16,402
Graduation rate: 93%
Largest program: Cosmetology
Artistic Academy of Hair Design offers Cosmetology, Aesthetics, and Student Teacher programs.
Atlantic Beauty & Spa Academy LLC
School type: Private
Net price: $17,026
Graduation rate: 62%
Largest program: Cosmetology
Atlantic Beauty & Spa Academy's Shore Beauty School offers the following programs:
- Cosmetology
- Skin Care Specialty
- Barbering
- Manicuring
- Teacher Training
- Brush Up
- Shear Success
- Makeup Continued Education
Capri Institute of Hair Design-Clifton
School type: Private
Net price: $14,335
Graduation rate: 65%
Largest program: Cosmetology
Capri Institute of Hair Design's Clifton campus offers the following programs:
- Cosmetology & Hairstyling
- Barbering
- Skin Care Specialty
- Manicuring
- Teacher Training
Capri Institute of Hair Design-Paramus
School type: Private
Net price: $8,495
Graduation rate: 83%
Largest program: Cosmetology
Capri Institute of Hair Design's Paramus campus offers the same programs as Clifton:
- Cosmetology & Hairstyling
- Barbering
- Skin Care Specialty
- Manicuring
- Teacher Training
Christine Valmy International School of Esthetics & Cosmetology
School type: Private
Net price: $19,791
Graduation rate: 88%
Largest program: Cosmetology
Christine Valmy International School of Esthetics & Cosmetology offers courses in:
- Cosmetology & Hairstyling
- Skin Care
- Manicure
- Instructor Training
Empire Beauty School-Bloomfield
School type: Private
Net price: $16,716
Graduation rate: 65%
Largest program: Cosmetology
Empire Beauty School's Bloomfield campus offers a Cosmetology program.
Fortis Institute-Lawrenceville
School type: Private
Net price: $18,612
Graduation rate: 63%
Largest program: Medical/Clinical Assisting
Fortis Institute in Lawrenceville offers the following programs:
- HVAC & Refrigeration
- Electrical and Electronic Systems Technician
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Medical Assisting
- Dental Assisting
Fortis Institute-Wayne
School type: Private
Net price: $18,055
Graduation rate: 74%
Largest program: Dental Assisting
Fortis Institute's Wayne campus offers the following programs:
- Electrical Systems Technician
- HVACR
- Medical Billing/Coding
- Medical Assisting
- Lab Technician
- Dental Assisting
Healthcare Training Institute
School type: Private
Net price: $5,940
Graduation rate: 100%
Largest program: Nursing Assistant/Aide
Healthcare Training Institute offers the following programs:
- Medical Billing & Coding Specialist
- Medical Assistant Technician
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
- Patient Care Technician
- Phlebotomy & EKG Training
- Certified Nursing Assistant
Hohokus School of Trade and Technical Sciences
School type: Private
Net price: $13,646
Graduation rate: 81%
Largest program: Welding Technology
Hohokus School of Trades and Technical Sciences offers many different programs, including:
Lincoln Technical Institute-South Plainfield
School type: Private
Net price: $19,921
Graduation rate: 71%
Largest program: Heavy Equipment and Truck Technology
Lincoln Technical Institute's South Plainfield campus has the following courses:
- Diesel Technology
- Heavy Equipment
- Welding Technology
Lincoln Technical Institute-Union
School type: Private
Net price: $19,545
Graduation rate: 67%
Largest program: Electrician
The programs available at Lincoln Tech's Union campus include:
- Automotive Technology
- Electrical / Electronics
- HVAC
Mobile Technical Training
School type: Private
Net price: $11,008
Graduation rate: 87%
Largest program: Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology
Mobile Technical Training offers the following courses:
- Automotive Detailing
- Vinyl Wrap
- Mobile Electronic Installation & Vehicle Customizing
Ocean County Vocational-Technical School
School type: Public
Net price: $7,921
Graduation rate: 83%
Largest program: Licensed Practical/Vocational Nursing
Ocean County Vocational Technical School offers many programs in areas like:
- Engineering and Computer Design
- Applied Arts
- Construction Trades
- Health Technologies
- Service Occupations
- Transportation Technologies
PB Cosmetology Education Centre
School type: Private
Net price: $15,862
Graduation rate: 88%
Largest program: Cosmetology
PB Cosmetology Education Centre offers the following programs:
- Cosmetology
- Skin Care
- Nail Design
- Barber
- Makeup Certification
- Advanced Education
Paul Mitchell the School-Jersey Shore
School type: Private
Net price: $15,325
Graduation rate: 67%
Largest program: Cosmetology
Paul Mitchell the School in Jersey Shore offers programs in Cosmetology and Instructing.
Rizzieri Aveda School for Beauty and Wellness
School type: Private
Net price: $17,787
Graduation rate: 85%
Largest program: Cosmetology
Rizzieri Aveda School offers the following programs:
- Cosmetology
- Skin Care
- Barber
- Lash Technician
- Medical Aesthetics
- Manicuring
Robert Fiance Beauty Schools-North Plainfield
School type: Private
Net price: $17,597
Graduation rate: 67%
Largest program: Cosmetology
Robert Fiance Beauty School in North Plainfield offers programs including
- Cosmetology/Hairstyling
- Barbering
- Esthetics/Makeup Artistry
- Cosmetology Educator
Total Image Beauty Academy
School type: Private
Net price: $16,006
Graduation rate: 74%
Largest program: Cosmetology
Total Image Beauty Academy offers the following programs:
- Cosmetology & Hairstyling
- Manicure
- Student Teacher
- Skin Care Specialist
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