Trade school can be an excellent alternative to traditional higher education. Virginia students who attend trade school have access to high-paying and highly skilled jobs with plenty of room for advancement. Additionally, unlike many university students, trade school attendees can leave school with little to no debt. Keep reading to learn more about trade schools in Virginia.
Facts About Trade School and Trade Jobs in Virginia
Are you considering attending a trade school in Virginia? Here are a few facts to know about trade school and trade jobs in the state:
Virginia trade school graduates can earn an average salary of more than $50,000.
There are more than 100 trade and vocational schools in Virginia that teach healthcare, technology, construction, and more.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the trucking industry offers the largest number of trades jobs in Virginia, followed by nursing assistants.
Trade Job Outlook in Virginia
You might be surprised to learn just how much you can earn with a trade school education in Virginia. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs that require a postsecondary non-degree education pay an average of $50,967. But depending on the field, the pay for these non-degree jobs can easily exceed $70,000 or $80,000.
Wondering how this compares to the average earnings of other levels of education? According to that same BLS data, jobs in the state that require a bachelor's degree pay an average of $88,639. Jobs requiring a master's degree pay an average of $91,423, while those that require a doctoral or professional degree pay roughly $124,533.
Average Cost of Trade School in Virginia
One key benefit of attending a trade school in Virginia is the cost. While a university education can cost you upwards of $100,000, a trade school education costs on average a third of that. The schools on our list below, however, cost much less — averaging just below $16,000.
Accreditations in Virginia
If you're planning to attend a trade school, it's important that you find one that's accredited by either a regional or national organization. When a school is accredited, it means it's gone through a review process by a trusted third party to ensure it provides a quality education that meets certain standards.
In Virginia, some schools are accredited by regional organizations like the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Others are accredited by national organizations like the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and College or the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.
In addition to being accredited, it's also important that the school you attend is licensed to operate in the state. You can contact the State Council of Education in Virginia to see a list of approved schools in the state.
Financial Aid for Trade School in Virginia
If you're attending trade school in Virginia, there are several scholarships you can apply for to make your education even more affordable.
Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant
Who's eligible: Virginia residents enrolled as full-time students at an eligible institution in an eligible degree program
Amount: Up to $4,000
Deadline: July 31 or December 1
What to know: This grant program is administered by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and is available for renewal.
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 Trade School and Continuing Education in Virginia
20 Virginia Trade Schools and Colleges
Are you considering attending trade school in Virginia? Here are 20 of the top trade schools in Virginia:
