Attending trade school gives you hands-on skills in a short amount of time that can lead you to an enriching and fulfilling career. In general, trade schools have much lower tuition than colleges. In many cases, the total tuition of a trade school amounts to one year of a college education.
From electricians to nursing assistants, job opportunities are abundant. Trades give more job security due to the high demand for trade workers. This also leads to high wages that can grow over time, along with your educational opportunities to maintain a high level of skills and knowledge.
If you want to take up a career as a craftsperson or in a skilled trade, trade school can be a path to a fulfilling career and higher salary without the time and debt required to attend college. Click on the city nearest to you to find some great trade schools:
Facts About Trade School and Trade Jobs in Texas
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there are more than 300 trade schools in Texas, teaching everything from beauty and hair design to IT, medical professions, and welding.
The fastest-growing job in Texas is ambulance drivers and attendants. Personal care aide positions are also on the rise. Texas also employs more welders than any other state. Considering a job as a commercial pilot? Texas has 1,450 airports with 24 commercial airports.
Depending on the trade you choose, job security, growth opportunities, and a good salary are available after trade school in Texas.
Trade Job Outlook in Texas
Trade jobs in Texas are on the rise. Demand for wind turbine technicians has increased by 50%, while the demand for medical assistants, mental health counselors, non-oil and gas drilling, and phlebotomists is also on the rise.
The average salary for someone with a trade school education is $50,839. On average, the job prospects and compensation for someone with a trade qualification are comparable to someone with a college or graduate degree.
Bachelor's degree holders make an average of $81,200, but consider that four-year students spend more time and money in school. Selecting the right trade can lead to excellent long-term income and job security and offset the expensive education and student debt you'd incur otherwise.
Average Cost of Trade School in Texas
In general, trade schools are less expensive than colleges and universities. A college student in Texas spends an average of over $100,000 for a bachelor's degree. A degree from a trade school can cost an average of $33,000, while a trade school diploma can cost an average of $16,000.
When you calculate your return on investment (ROI), trade school makes more sense. You'll only make about $30,000 more per year with a bachelor's degree, but you'll spend at least $70,000 more on your education. Plus, you'll likely have student loan debt to pay off over time.
However, you might end up earning more over your lifetime with a bachelor's degree, so it might make sense to continue your education after some time in the workforce with a Texas trade school education.
Trade School Accreditations in Texas
You have to make sure that the trade school and program that you are planning to attend has the proper state, national, and industry accreditation. You might not be able to sit for the licensing exam in many trades if your program is not accredited.
For example, if your trade school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, but the physical therapist assistant program you plan to take isn't accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, you won't be able to become licensed.
An accredited certification will demonstrate that you have the necessary skills to be hired for a specific trade. Non-accredited programs might not cover the necessary content or skills.
Financial Aid for Trade School in Texas
Public Scholarships in Texas
Federal Pell Grant
Who's eligible: Students with financial need without a previous degree
Amount: Maximum $6,495
Deadline: July 1
What to know: The amount of money you get will depend on your expected family contribution, the cost of attendance to your specific program, your status as a full-time or part-time student, and your plans to attend school for a full academic year.
Private Scholarships in Texas
Urban Scholarship Fund
Who's eligible: High School Seniors who are Texas residents
Amount: $700 for community and technical colleges
Deadline: July 2022
What to know: To be eligible for this scholarship, you must be a high school student in certain cities in Texas. Please check the Urban Scholarship Fund webpage to see if you can apply.
FAQs About Continuing Education in Texas
Texas Trade Schools and Colleges
We chose the following trade schools in some of the biggest Texas cities because they had:
A net price under $35,000
A graduation rate over 50%
The proper accreditations
Make sure to check that the individual program you plan on attending has the necessary industry accreditation.
