How old do you have to be to go to trade school in Illinois?

Most Illinois trade schools set a minimum age of 16 to attend. Some may require students to be 18. Many of the best trade schools in Illinois require applicants to have a high school diploma or the equivalent. For example, many trade schools admit students with a GED certificate. Because each trade school sets its own requirements, students should review the application process and regulations for their prospective schools.

What is the highest-paying trade in Illinois?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some of the highest-paying tradespeople in the country are HVAC mechanics, with a median annual salary of $57,300; electricians, with a salary of $61,590; and plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters, with a salary of $61,550.

Trade Schools in Illinois: Complete List

Updated on October 25, 2024

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Looking to learn a new trade in Illinois? Check out the most popular trade schools in the state and compare in-demand trade careers.

Trade schools provide career-focused training. Vocational programs provide trade school graduates with hands-on skills that transition directly into the workforce.

Many professionals can increase their salary with vocational training. Trade programs can offer students reduced debt, career-ready skills, and high-salary potential. And attending an Illinois trade school offers several benefits.

We’ve compiled a list of some of the best trade schools in Illinois to help you find the right fit for your career goals.

Popular Online Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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3 Popular Trade Schools in Illinois

Trades and vocational careers are some of the most in-demand occupations right now. If you’re not as interested in college or want to pivot your career, try out a trade school license or certificate program for a fraction of the cost and time of college.

1. Midwest Technical Institute

Locations: Springfield, Moline, and East Peoria, Illinois
Graduation Rate: 74%
Net Price: $26,815
Largest Program: Medical/Clinical Assistant

Midwest Technical Institute’s (MTI) three campuses provide year-round programs in health sciences, mechanical trades like HVAC/R and welding, truck driving, and cosmetology.

MTI’s shortest programs are the commercial driver’s license, which you can complete in about two weeks, and phlebotomy, which can be done in five weeks. Phlebotomy is a career in which you professionally insert needles into veins for blood drawing or fluid insertion

Although the price can be high, MTI offers scholarships as well as federal financial aid for those who fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

2. Illinois Media School

Location: Chicago, Illinois
Graduation Rate: 61%
Net Price: $26,038
Largest Program: Radio and Television

Have you ever wanted to learn how to be on TV, make a movie, or produce a podcast? Illinois Media School (IMS) is a media-focused trade school for anyone interested in digital media, radio, television, digital marketing, sports broadcasting, and audio and film production.

Unlike other trade schools on our list, IMS focuses on media trade programs lasting 24-32 weeks with lab/studio work and internships, depending on your program.

The school qualifies for federal financial aid, so fill out the FAFSA to see how much assistance you’ll receive.

3. Rockford Career College

Location: Rockford, Illinois
Graduation Rate: 62%
Net Price: $18,695
Largest Program: N/A

If you’re looking for a trade school with associate degree opportunities and online programs, try Rockford Career College (RCC). RCC offers nine associate of science degrees and 16 trade programs across animal sciences, business, cannabis, health sciences, paralegal studies, and skilled trades like electrical.

RCC offers 15 trade diplomas and associate degrees completely online, including a paralegal studies program, a veterinary assistant and grooming program, and several administrative diploma programs.

All Trade Schools in Illinois

There are 29 trade schools in Illinois, with Universal Technical Institute Illinois (UTI) enrolling the most students (1,216). UTI Illinois’ most popular program is automotive mechanics technology, and it is one of the higher-priced schools in the state, with a net price of $23,756.

Our data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a government agency tracking statistics for educational institutions.

School Name⇅	Student Population⇅	Graduation Rate⇅	Net Price⇅	Largest Program⇅
Universal Technical Institute of Illinois Inc	1216	59%	$23,756	Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician
Lincoln College of Technology-Melrose Park	1209	65%	$24,326	Electrician
Midwest Technical Institute-Illinois	1108	74%	$26,815	Medical/Clinical Assistant
Midwestern Career College	676	63%	$12,846	Medical/Clinical Assistant
Rockford Career College	473	62%	$18,695	N/A
G Skin & Beauty Institute	468	82%	$24,532	Aesthetician/Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist
G Skin & Beauty Institute	378	76%	$20,316	Aesthetician/Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist
Cosmetology & Spa Academy	359	60%	$12,488	Cosmetology/Cosmetologist
MDT College of Health Sciences	324	86%	$27,375	N/A
ETI School of Skilled Trades	323	78%	$27,351	Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician

Source: NCES

In-Demand Trade Careers in Illinois

Some of the fastest-growing trade careers in the state are in the health sciences. According to the Illinois Department of Employment Security, occupational therapy assistants, medical and health service managers, and physical therapist assistants are not only some of the fastest-growing trades, but also the fastest-growing careers in Illinois.

However, these careers are growing at less than 3% in the state. Occupational therapy assistants had the highest growth from 2022-2032 at 2.31%. Nationwide, occupational therapy assistant careers are projected to grow 21% faster than average.

How Much Does Trade School Cost in Illinois?

Most trade schools in Illinois cost between $9,000 and $28,000, with trade schools with popular cosmetology programs tending to be less expensive and schools with popular programs in HVAC, electrical, and medical sciences being more expensive.

However, you may qualify for federal financial aid to knock tuition down from the listed price. If a school is accredited and federally funded, you can qualify for financial assistance through the FAFSA. After completing the FAFSA, submit it using the code associated with your school, and you’ll hear back with grant and loan information. Grants are aid that you don’t have to pay back.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trade Schools in Illinois

No. The least expensive trade school in Illinois is Pivot Point Academy in Bloomingdale, a beauty school with an 81% graduation rate. While there aren’t any free trade schools in the state, you may qualify for federal financial aid to help you pay for your education through the FAFSA.