Best Trade Schools in Utah

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Utah has 38 trade schools. Also known as technical colleges or vocational schools, trade programs train students for in-demand skilled trades in healthcare, construction, business, personal care services, and transportation.

Many of these programs result in a certification, which validates your skills to potential employers. Trade programs can offer a much quicker and less costly route into a career than a four-year bachelor’s degree. Many trade school graduates head into the workforce with less debt than college graduates.

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

High demand and pay draw students to trade school programs. Some schools work with local businesses to determine workforce needs and teach students the required skills. A few of the highest-employed trade jobs in Utah only require training or a certificate after high school. These jobs include CDL drivers, electricians, and medical assistants.

Utah’s 38 trade schools and 13 community colleges offer numerous programs leading to certifications and associate degrees. These credentials can lead to increased earnings and in-demand careers. Additionally, trade skills usually come at a much lower cost than a bachelor’s degree and take less time to complete.

The programs offered at the best trade schools in Utah lead to careers in healthcare, plumbing, electrical, information technology, and more. Many trade jobs pay above the national median annual wage for all workers, which was $45,760 as of May 2021, reports the BLS. For example, plumbers in Utah earn an average wage of $63,350.

While the BLS projects a nationwide 5% job growth for these professionals from 2020-2030, the DOL projects 33% employment growth for plumbers in Utah from 2018-2028.

The average cost of trade schools in Utah ranges from $2,050-$24,200. This is the net price, or the price students pay after receiving grants, scholarships, or other financial aid. In comparison, NCES reports that in-state students attending Utah’s public colleges paid an average of $6,700 in annual tuition and fees in 2019-2020. This figure rose to $21,273 for out-of-state students.

Students should also consider their student loan amount and the interest they will pay over the life of the loan. According to the Education Data Initiative, federal student loan debt in Utah averages $32,835 per student. This does not account for any private loans. While students ideally pay back their loans within 10 years, the average borrower takes 20 years to pay off their student debt.

Utah trade schools also offer shorter completion times than bachelor’s degree programs. Students may complete trade programs in about 10-24 months, depending on the school, program, and full-time or part-time enrollment.

Calculating your return on investment (ROI) considers the cost of education, average salary, the potential for advancement, student loan amount, and the time required to complete a program and enter the labor market.

Students attending accredited trade schools may be eligible for federal student aid. This may include need-based federal grants, low-interest student loans, and the direct loan program. If the trade school qualifies for federal financial aid, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.

Many schools and companies offer scholarships for varying trade programs. Employers may also offer tuition reimbursement or assistance. The following lists a few of the many available scholarships.

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

Accreditation ensures that a school meets acceptable quality educational standards. Independent accrediting bodies perform these reviews, accrediting schools and programs. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education oversee and approve accrediting agencies.

Accreditation affects federal financial aid eligibility. Additionally, students may need to graduate from an accredited program or institution to qualify for certification exams or state licensure.

The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges accredits trade schools in the U.S. The Council on Occupational Education accredits postsecondary institutions that offer certificates, diplomas, or applied associate degree programs.

The National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences accredits cosmetology and beauty schools. The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools accredits health education disciplines, like massage therapy programs.

In 2021, the state launched the Apprenticeship Utah initiative. It includes a comprehensive website connecting employers and apprentices. Apprentices learn an in-demand skill while receiving pay and on-the-job training. This approach offers trade school graduates additional training and career opportunities. According to the Utah Department of Workforce Services, over 4,400 active apprentices are in Utah.

According to the NCES, there are about 38 trade schools in Utah. These institutions offer numerous programs, preparing students for roles in high-demand fields, such as allied health, skilled trades, the personal care industry, and technology. The trade schools also include over 20 aesthetics, skincare, and cosmetology schools and two massage therapy institutions.

Students may also attend one of the eight technical colleges. Utah also hosts 13 community colleges that lead to certifications or associate degrees. For example, the Salt Lake Community College offers certification programs in lineworker apprenticeship, medical billing and coding, and solar photovoltaic installation.

The eight technical colleges in Utah are the following: Bridgerland Technical College, Davis Technical College, Dixie Technical College, Mountainland Technical College, Ogden-Weber Technical College, Southwest Technical College, Tooele Technical College, and Uintah Basin Technical College.

These colleges offer many programs. For example, Bridgerland Technical College offers programs in over 10 industries, including construction, business, public services, transportation, and health. Ogden-Weber Technical College offers hands-on business and computer technology, construction, health, and manufacturing training.

Students usually attend a traditional college to earn a bachelor’s or graduate degree. Many students earn their bachelor’s degree in four years, devoting the first two years to general education requirements. A technical school teaches students job-ready skills focusing on a specific trade or career.

While program length varies at technical schools, most students can graduate within two years or less. Many technical schools prepare students to sit for exams that lead to certifications in their field. Most technical schools also offer smaller class sizes. Trade school graduates can pursue in-demand careers as dental hygienists, welders, and medical coding specialists.