Best Trade Schools in Oklahoma

The Oklahoma state government projects growth in many trade professions between 2016 and 2026. A need for trade workers may translate to an easier job hunt and higher pay. Trade schools in Oklahoma can prepare residents with a high school or GED diploma for one of these jobs.

The best trade schools in Oklahoma provide educational and financial advantages over four-year colleges. Students pay less for their education and may avoid debt. Some graduates even enter a career offering more than the U.S. median salary.

The best trade schools in Oklahoma help students qualify for a job not requiring a college degree. As of June 2022, commercial driver’s license (CDL) drivers, licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and welders are some of Oklahoma’s most common trade professions.

Professions in different fields make up the skilled trades. Each requires hands-on training and practical knowledge. Various job opportunities make the career appealing to workers with different interests.

Top-paying jobs in the trades include elevator installer and repairer, radiation therapist, and web developer, according to the BLS. Workers prepare for these and other careers with a trade school education or apprenticeship.

Oklahoma residents may want to consider pursuing a career in the trades. Oklahoma Works labels many of these careers as critical occupations to the state’s economic growth. CDL drivers, for example, rank at the top of the state’s critical occupations list.

Prospective students should compare trade schools in Oklahoma to determine whether their programs offer a positive return on investment. Doing so requires research.

Oklahoma trade schools charge slightly less than community colleges offering two-year associate degrees. Aspiring welders, for example, should expect to pay around $17,500-$21,700 for a program. Veterans and active-duty service members may save on their costs at some schools.

Compare these figures to what undergraduates earning a four-year degree at the University of Oklahoma and other colleges pay. In addition to tuition and fees, many college students also pay for room, books, meal plans, and other hidden costs related to their education.

These expenses make a four-year college education more expensive. Also, attending trade school can get you into the workforce in less time than attending a four-year college or university.

Consider your short- and long-term financial goals when deciding between trade school and a traditional college education.

Trade schools in Oklahoma can provide more affordable educational opportunities than a four-year college or university. However, some learners at trade schools still need financial aid to avoid debt.

Fortunately, scholarships, federal programs, and employer tuition reimbursement provide students with many options.

Typical eligibility requirements include financial need and an application.

For more information on paying for trade school, research Vocational Education Financial Aid. This resource provides dozens of scholarship opportunities.

The best trade schools in Oklahoma can earn institutional and/or programmatic accreditation through authorized agencies.

Accreditation helps ensure that a school or program is offering a quality education and meeting established standards. Schools typically show accreditation information on their homepage or a consumer information page.

Only consider trade schools that are accredited.

Schools that lack accreditation may offer a substandard education. Also, if you don’t attend an accredited trade school, you may not qualify for an apprenticeship or be able to transfer to a four-year school. Many employers also only consider hiring job-seekers from an accredited school or program.

Learn more about how accreditation agencies review trade schools in Oklahoma:

Oklahoma Works offers residents nearly 200 apprenticeship programs as of June 2022. Companies in different industries offer training opportunities, such as powerline installation, home care, and industrial manufacturing.

First-time visitors can start their journey toward a new career by reading Oklahoma Works’ in-depth apprenticeship guides.

Middle and high school students interested in apprenticeships can take career and technical education (CTE) classes. Learners attending a public high school in Oklahoma City may take CTE classes in construction, horticulture, welding, and other subjects.

High school graduates can then further develop their skills by enrolling in a trade school.

The Oklahoma state government funds 29 schools throughout the state offering vocational training. These schools feature 59 separate campuses offering programs in approximately 90 subjects. This variety gives learners access to many educational opportunities.

Oklahoma features private trade schools, such as those focused solely on cosmetology or healthcare. Like public schools, private schools should hold accreditation. These schools may charge more than public Oklahoma trade schools.

Review tuition costs, classes, and graduate outcomes when comparing trade schools in Oklahoma. Doing so helps prospective students find the school aligned with their academic interests and professional goals.

No difference exists between vocational schools and technical schools. Programs in both require few general education classes. Instead, the coursework emphasizes practical knowledge that learners need to pursue a career. These schools also require extensive hands-on training.

Vocational and technical schools offer programs to adults and high school students. The latter can dual-enroll, taking college-level classes in the evenings or weekends as they complete their high school coursework. These programs help learners become more employable once they graduate high school.

Please note, vocational schools may also refer to trade schools. A typical trade school does not award associate degrees. Some other vocational and technical schools do.

Career technical schools offer advantages for learners wanting to start a new career. Classes focus on what learners need to know to enter the job market. Schools may feature smaller class sizes than traditional colleges, as well.

Learners may benefit from the more affordable tuition, reducing their reliance on student loans and putting them in a better financial position than their co-workers with college debt.

Although career technical schools differ from four-year colleges, they offer many of the same student services. Learners benefit from academic and career counselors. These counselors help students explore job and apprenticeship opportunities.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.