Best Trade Schools in Oregon

Attending trade school in Oregon can provide you with access to job opportunities in your trade and the potential for competitive salaries. Many careers in healthcare, technology, and other skilled trades do not require a four-year degree. Instead, graduates with up to two years of specialized training and the necessary certification can qualify for many entry-level positions in the state.

Several Oregon trade schools offer affordable tuition, allowing many students to complete their education with little to no student loans. Also, graduating in two or fewer years lets individuals enter the workforce sooner. Many schools in the state offer online and accelerated programs, benefiting students who need to balance school with professional and family obligations.

Each program on the list will meet our criteria, being:

Four-year or graduate degrees do not provide the only paths to stable employment. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that professionals with trade or occupational credentials experienced slightly higher employment rates than individuals with academic degrees in 2009. Trade school degrees can lead to jobs with higher than the national median annual salary of $45,760 or higher demand than the average job growth rate of 8%. In Oregon, some common careers include CDL driver, carpenter, and medical assistant.

People wanting to train for a specific career path might opt for trade school. These public or private vocational institutions d offer programs that take 1-2 years to complete. In comparison, associate degrees often require 2 years. Students attending accredited trade schools in Oregon may transfer their credits to a four-year college or university, however that is up to each school.

Students in Oregon can choose from 43 accredited trade schools to acquire specialized skills training. Vocational schools in the state offer programs in healthcare, cosmetology, legal services, carpentry, and other skilled professions.

Students attending an accredited trade school in Oregon can apply for federal financial aid if they meet other requirements. They can also receive scholarships and grants.

The average cost of trade school in Oregon is $15,011 total for tuition. In contrast, the NCES reports that in-state tuition in Oregon averaged $11,537 for four-year colleges and $5,136 for two-year colleges for the 2020-2021 school year. Net average in-state tuition for these degrees equals $46,148 and $10,272, respectively.

Some trade school graduates might see their education as a good return on their investment regarding post-study employment. The NCES also reports that people with occupational credentials enjoy slightly higher employment rates than professionals with academic degrees. They also generally find jobs in their field of study more often than graduates with bachelor’s degrees or higher.

Some of the best trade schools in Oregon offer grants and scholarships to students seeking financial assistance. Applicants with good grades can pursue merit-based awards. Individuals can also apply for some scholarships if they show financial need or demonstrate preparation for a particular trade.

Students in Oregon trade schools can seek financial aid for vocational education. Before applying for a grant or scholarship, students should read the application instructions carefully to ensure they meet eligibility requirements. They might also start early to complete and submit their applications to avoid missing important deadlines.

Trade schools with accreditation demonstrate they meet educational standards. Furthermore, students enrolled in accredited schools can access federal financial aid. Trade schools can receive accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

Private vocational and trade schools in Oregon need state-based licenses, which they can obtain from the Private Career School Unit of the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission.

Trade school graduates can pursue apprenticeships in Oregon, which offer on-the-job training and work experience under the supervision of qualified professionals. Vocational high schools in Oregon also offercareer and technical education, allowing students to acquire specialized skills and knowledge before they graduate and enter the workforce.

Students can choose among 43 accredited trade schools in Oregon, some of which offer online and accelerated courses. These public and private institutions can prepare individuals for in-demand professions that require technical skills but not a four-year degree.

People graduating from vocational programs can pursue entry-level positions in their trade. With work experience and continuous training, some professionals can increase their earning potential and professional development in career tracks such as technology, HVAC, and healthcare.

Some Oregon jobs requiring community college, trade school, or on-the-job training can offer relatively high pay, including electrical trades and healthcare positions. According to the BLS, elevator installers and repair persons in Oregon can earn more than $100,000, and these professionals might see promising job growth in the next few years.

Another high-paying job in the state, a position in radiation therapy, only requires an associate degree but can pay more than $95,000 with work experience. Also, power distributors and dispatchers with accumulated experience can make more than $90,000, and these positions typically require on-the-job training plus some coursework.

While some individuals take about two years to earn an associate degree, others can spend up to one year earning a certification in a specialized trade. Some vocational programs, such as electrical trades, truck driving, or carpentry, allow students to complete their education in months or weeks, preparing them for entry-level employment. Some occupations with on-the-job training require only a high school diploma or GED certificate.