Trade Schools in Virginia
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
How much does trade school cost in Virginia?
The average cost of a trade school in the U.S. ranges from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the program you choose.
Are there online trade schools in Virginia?
There are online trade schools in Virginia. But whether you should attend trade school online depends on the type of trade you're interested in.
For a hands-on trade such as electrical or welding, you should attend a trade school in person. This will allow you to practice your trade in front of an experienced professional who can correct your work on the spot (and keep you safe).
What kind of trades are offered in Virginia trade schools?
Common trade school specialties include healthcare, cosmetology, technology, construction, and more.
20 Virginia Trade Schools and Colleges
Are you considering attending trade school in Virginia? Here are 20 of the top trade schools in Virginia:
Advanced Technology Institute
School type: Private for-profit
Graduation rate: 75%
Net price: $18,978
Largest program: Automotive technology
Advanced Technology Institute offers programs including:
- Automotive Technology
- HVAC/Refrigeration
- Heavy Vehicle Technology
- Welding
- Commercial Driving
Asher Institute of Hampton
School type: Private for-profit
Graduation rate: 71%
Net price: $14,205
Largest program: Cosmetology
Asher Institute of Hampton offers cosmetology, barbering, and instructor training programs.
Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Norfolk
School type: Private for-profit
Graduation rate: 83%
Net price: $22,490
Aviation Institute of Maintenance's Norfolk campus offers programs to become an Aviation Maintenance Technician or an Aviation Maintenance Technical Engineer.
Bristol School of Hair Design
School type: Private for-profit
Graduation rate: 71%
Net price: $14,395
Largest program: Barbering
Bristol School of Hair Design offers the following programs:
- Cosmetology
- Barbering
- Nail Technology
- Esthetics
- Master Esthetics
- Instructor Training
Centura College
School type: Private for-profit
Graduation rate: 82%
Net price: $22,669
Centura College's Norfolk campus offers programs including:
- Carpentry
- Construction Electrician
- Medical Assistant
- Dental Assistant
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Wind Turbine Technician
CET
School type: Private not-for-profit
Graduation rate: 72%
Net price: $22,900
Largest program: HVAC Technician
The Center for Employment Training offers programs in:
- Business
- Childcare
- Construction & Building Maintenance
- Culinary
- HVAC Technology
- Truck Driving
Columbia College
School type: Private for-profit
Graduation rate: 64%
Net price: $10,852
Largest program: English as a second language
Columbia College's Vienna campus teaches English as a Second Language, and has many trade programs, including:
- Cosmetology
- Culinary Arts
- Dental Laboratory Technology
- Massage Therapy
Columbia College
School type: Private for-profit
Graduation rate: 67%
Net price: $10,766
Largest program: English as a second language
Columbia College's Centreville campus offers the same programs as their Vienna campus.
Culpeper Cosmetology Training Center
School type: Public
Graduation rate: 67%
Net price: $11,740
Largest program: Cosmetology
Culpeper Cosmetology Training Center offers Cosmetology and Barbering programs.
Fortis College
School type: Private for-profit
Graduation rate: 52%
Net price: $20,686
Fortis College in Richmond offers the following programs:
- Practical Nursing
- Surgical Technology
- Sterile Processing Technician
- Medical Assisting
- Dental Assisting
- Massage Therapy
- HVAC Technician
Kenny's Beauty Academy
School type: Private for-profit
Graduation rate: 100%
Net price: $11,948
Largest program: Cosmetology
Kenny's Beauty Academy offers Cosmetology and Waxing programs.
Luckes Beauty Academy LLC
School type: Private for-profit
Graduation rate: 50%
Net price: $11,306
Largest program: Cosmetology
Luckes Beauty Academy offers a Cosmetology program.
Paul Mitchell the School
School type: Private for-profit
Graduation rate: 90%
Net price: $10,552
Largest program: Cosmetology
Paul Mitchell the School in Roanoke offers a Cosmetology program.
Paul Mitchell the School-Tysons Corner
School type: Private for-profit
Graduation rate: 72%
Net price: $18,550
Largest program: Cosmetology
Paul Mitchell the School in Tysons Corner offers a Cosmetology program.
Paul Mitchell the School
School type: Private for-profit
Graduation rate: 86%
Net price: $16,264
Largest program: Cosmetology
Paul Mitchell the School in Woodbridge offers a Cosmetology program.
Rudy & Kelly Academy
School type: Private for-profit
Graduation rate: 58%
Net price: $19,061
Largest program: Cosmetology
Rudy & Kelly Academy offers a Cosmetology program.
Staunton School of Cosmetology
School type: Private for-profit
Graduation rate: 87%
Net price: $13,487
Largest program: Cosmetology
Staunton School of Cosmetology offers a Cosmetology program.
Sylvain Melloul International Hair Academy
School type: Private for-profit
Graduation rate: 52%
Net price: $15,558
Largest program: Cosmetology
Sylvain Melloul International Hair Academy has programs including:
- Cosmetology
- Barbering
- Esthetician
- Massage Therapy
Tidewater Tech-Trades
School type: Private for-profit
Graduation rate: 84%
Net price: $21,743
Tidewater Tech has training programs like:
- Auto Technician
- Building & Construction Trades
- Combination Maritime Welding
- Combination Welding
- Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
Tomorrow's Image Barber And Beauty Academy of Virginia
School type: Private for-profit
Graduation rate: 65%
Net price: $11,035
Largest program: Barbering
Tomorrow's Image Barber and Beauty Academy of Virginia offers a Barber program and Cosmetology program.
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