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:
[stat-grid][stat-grid-item label="Trade School Average Salary" stat="$57,350"][stat-grid-item label="Bachelor's Degree: Average Salary" stat="$96,510"][stat-grid-item label="Master's Degree Average Salary" stat="$97,2781"][/stat-grid]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
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:
