Trade Schools in New York

Are you considering attending a trade school in New York? Trade school can be a great choice, as you can graduate with little to no debt. Compare that to the tens of thousands in debt the average college grad is. And while a trade school education is more affordable, it can still lead to a competitive salary and highly skilled jobs with ongoing training.

Keep reading to learn more about trade schools in New York. Or, find some of the best trade schools in a city near you:

New York | Albany | Rochester | Buffalo | Mount Vernon | Brentwood | Schenectady | Hempstead | Tonawanda | Levittown

Facts About Trade School and Trade Jobs in New York

Here are a few facts to know about trade school and trade jobs in New York:

• Jobs in New York that require only a trade school education earn an average of almost $60,000.
• As one of the largest career centers in the country, New York residents can enjoy plenty of six-figure careers that don't require a traditional higher education.
• There are more than 300 technical and vocational schools in New York that focus on fields like healthcare, cosmetology, technology, industrial arts, and more.

Trade Job Outlook in New York

A trade school education in New York can lead to a lucrative career. The average annual salary for a job that requires a postsecondary non-degree education in New York is $59,325. That said, there are jobs in this category that exceed six-figure salaries.

So how does a New York trade salary compare to other education levels? New York enjoys some of the highest average salaries in the nation, and jobs in the state that require a bachelor's degree pay an average of $98,276. And the average is $96,034 for jobs that require a master's degree and $131,757 for those that require a doctoral degree.

Average Cost of Trade School in New York

Aside from the high salaries and little time spent in a classroom, one of the main draws of trade schools in New York is the low cost. The average cost of trade school nationally is $32,000. On our list of the best trade schools in New York below, not one exceeds $30,000.

If you decide to attend a four-year college, you could spend more than $100,000 on tuition for a bachelor's degree — but it might not be worth it considering how much a trade school grad makes versus how much they spend on education.

Trade School Accreditations in New York

Like four-year universities, trade schools must be accredited to ensure they provide a quality education. When you're looking for a trade school to attend, be sure those you're considering are accredited by a regional or national organization. Also, make sure the program you attend is recognized by the proper industry organizations.

Some schools are accredited by regional organizations like the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Others are accredited by national organizations like the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and College or the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.

Accreditation isn't the only thing to look for when determining if a school meets the right standards. Schools in New York must also be licensed with the state. You can visit the New York State Office of Higher Education to see a list of licensed schools in the state.

Financial Aid for Trade School in New York

While trade schools are far more affordable than some other forms of higher education, they can still be a cost burden for some students. Luckily, there are scholarships in place to make trade school in New York more affordable.

New York State Tuition Assistance Program

• Who's eligible: Legal residents of NYS for at least 12 months who graduated from a high school in the U.S. and study at an approved postsecondary institution in New York State
• Amount: Up to $5,665
• Deadline: N/A
• What to know: This is a need-based scholarship available to dependent students with a household income of less than $80,000, independent students who are married with a household income of $40,000, and single independent students with no dependents with a household income of $10,000.

Career & Technical Scholarship Program

• Who's eligible: Students who have completed high school and are completing a career or technical program at an accredited non-profit postsecondary institution in the U.S.
• Amount: Up to $2,500
• Deadline: July 15
• What to know: Scholarships are awarded to students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their lives who wish to pursue a career or technical education at an accredited non-profit postsecondary institution in the United States.

For more information on paying for trade school, visit our guide on Vocational Education Financial Aid.

FAQs About Continuing Education in New York

New York Trade Schools and Colleges

As we've mentioned, there are hundreds of trade schools to choose from in New York. However, not all of them are accredited, affordable, and have high graduation rates. We chose the following trade schools in some of the top cities in New York because they all:

• Cost less than $30,000
• Have a graduation rate over 50%
• Are institutionally accredited

Erin Gobler

Contributing Writer

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