Best Trade Schools in Tennessee

Tennessee added over 72,000 private sector jobs in 2023, reports the state’s department of economic and community development. The state also has a low 3.3% unemployment rate, only slightly lower than the national average.

People exploring skills-focused educational opportunities can consider the best trade schools in Tennessee. The state’s dozens of trade schools feature programs for different career paths.

Tennessee trade schools may feature advantages over traditional four-year colleges, such as lower tuition and an emphasis on hands-on training. Use the information in this guide to explore the state’s trade schools in depth.

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

Trade schools in Tennessee prepare students for one of many well-paying jobs, such as CDL driver, licensed professional nurse (LPN), and medical assistant. These and other lucrative positions require only a postsecondary non-degree education.

Trade schools in Tennessee prepare students for an in-demand job not requiring a college education. The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development projects strong job growth for nursing assistants, HVAC technicians, and medical records technicians. Trade schools prepare learners for these and other professions through extensive hands-on training.

Tennessee trade schools appeal to people with a wide range of professional interests. Residents living in and around Nashville don’t need to look far to find a top cosmetology school, as the city features more than a dozen options. Other schools also offer programs preparing students for a job in Nashville’s large healthcare industry.

Prospective students must consider return on investment (ROI) when comparing trade schools in Tennessee to four-year colleges. Learners attending Tennessee College of Applied Technology in 2021-2022 paid about $4,700 in tuition and fees.

Full-time degree-seekers at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville pay over $11,000 per year in tuition and fees. However, this figure falls well below what top private universities charge. Vanderbilt University undergraduates pay over $58,000 yearly in tuition alone.

Consider salary potential when calculating an education’s ROI. In 2020, the average worker with a bachelor’s made $64,900 per year. Professionals with only some college earned only $43,320.

Students pay for trade school by exploring state scholarships and grants, federal aid, and employers with tuition reimbursement programs. Each option assists learners with reducing student debt. Please use the embedded links to learn the most up-to-date information about each opportunity.

For more information on paying for trade school, link here: Vocational Education Financial Aid

Trade schools with accreditation in Tennessee ensure students that programs meet educational standards. Attending an accredited school is often required for apprenticeships or careers. Attending a school without accreditation may lead to negative academic and professional outcomes, such as the inability to obtain certification and disqualification from some career opportunities.

Prospective students can learn more about the agencies that accredit the best trade schools in Tennessee by visiting their official website:

The Tennessee state government helps high school graduates explore nearly 400 apprenticeship programs throughout the state. Companies and government organizations run programs in construction, educational services, manufacturing, and other fields. Registered apprenticeship programs let workers without a trade school education learn, work, and earn money.

The Tennessee Department of Education offers high school students career and technical education (CTE) in 16 career fields, including advanced manufacturing, finance, and human services. Traditional high schools feature CTE classes in these and other subjects. Learners take these classes alongside their school’s college-preparation curriculum.

Founded by the Tennessee Board of Regents, TCAT features vocational programs on campuses throughout the state. The college offers learners full- and part-time vocational certificates and diplomas. Students take classes during the day or in the evenings.

Programs vary by TCAT campus. Learners studying in Nashville select from 20 programs that include administrative office technology, building construction technology, and early childhood education. The school also features healthcare-aligned programs in practical nursing and phlebotomy technology.

TCAT offers more than career-aligned certificates and diplomas for learners wanting to start a new job. The school partners with Tennessee businesses to provide employees with continuing education opportunities.

Tennessee’s most common trade schools feature programs in one or more employment areas. Typical programs take 1-2 years to complete.

Like traditional four-year colleges, Tennessee trade schools offer student services that include career and academic advising. Some feature activities and organizations learners may participate in outside of class. These benefits help students network with peers and develop transferable skills employers want.

Common trade schools in Tennessee train students not only for a career but also for transfer to an associate or bachelor’s program. This feature provides academic flexibility if learners’ academic or career goals change.

Some benefits of trade school include less tuition costs than traditional four-year colleges. These programs also prepare learners to enter the workforce quickly. These benefits let workers start saving money for their long-term goals as soon as possible.

The best trade schools in Tennessee feature programs that train students for jobs paying well above the U.S. median salary. The most high-paying positions include air traffic controller, construction manager, and elevator mechanic.

Answering this question requires personal reflection. Although some trades pay well, the field may not appeal to all workers. Consider your short and long-term professional goals while researching trade schools in Tennessee.