How do I choose a trade school?

Before enrolling at an online trade school, you should confirm that the school or program is accredited. Prioritize attending a nonprofit school, such as a community college, over a for-profit school. Ideally, the school should also have decent retention and graduation rates and offer career resources that help students transition into the workforce. Consider reaching out to alumni to gain more insight into the quality of the faculty, curriculum, and resources.

How much does trade school cost?

Annual tuition for trade school ranges from under $5,000 to over 18,000. Ultimately, what you spend will depend on institution type, program length, and whether you qualify for financial aid or in-state tuition. You can minimize debt by applying for institutional grants and scholarships. You should also fill out the FAFSA to see if you're eligible for federal funding.

Does FAFSA cover trade school?

Yes, you can use FAFSA funds for an accredited online trade school. Students should always choose an accredited program since accreditation guarantees both the quality of the program and the availability of federal funding, such as grants and loans for students.

How long does it take to learn a trade online?

The length of time it takes to learn a trade online varies per program and per student. For example, some certificates can take a few months or less to earn, while an associate degree typically requires two years of study. Additionally, part-time students take longer to complete program requirements than full-time students.

Online Trade Schools: How To Study A Trade Online

Interested in online training for a hands-on profession? Vocational schools offer students the opportunity to learn in-demand skills to prepare for a career in the trades. Many programs offer vocational degrees, licensure, and certification programs partially or entirely online.

Online trade schools often afford students more flexibility than in-person programs. For example, learners typically don't need to relocate to attend online trade school classes. That said, many vocational training programs include in-person components. Be sure to check your prospective program's specific requirements before enrolling.

Why Take Online Trade School Classes?

Most trade programs take just 1-2 years to complete, allowing you to enter the workforce quickly.
You'll gain in-demand skills through practical, hands-on training.
Online tech schools can grant you balance and flexibility in your schedule.
Trade programs often have smaller class sizes, which means more one-on-one instruction.
Online trade schools are usually more affordable than traditional, in-person programs.

Top 5 Accredited Online Trade Schools

Why Accreditation Matters for Trade School

Postsecondary institutions are evaluated by independent agencies to ensure quality. This process, called accreditation, checks if they meet set standards. Degrees from unaccredited schools may not be widely accepted, and you might not be eligible for federal financial aid.

Potential employers may prefer or require that you graduate from an accredited trade school or program since accreditation verifies that your curriculum meets field-specific standards.

Many agencies accredit trade schools and programs, including:

Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET)
Council on Occupational Education (COE)

Can You Learn a Trade Online?

Yes, you can attend trade and vocational schools online. But how does it work exactly?

Online trade schools blend virtual coursework with practical, hands-on training. These programs prepare you for popular roles such as licensed practical nurse, HVAC technician, plumber, and electrician.

Some trades may require additional training in the form of an apprenticeship.

To enroll in an online vocational certificate program or associate degree program, you'll need a high school diploma or GED certificate. Some trade schools also accept the HiSET.

If you don't have a high school diploma or equivalent credential, consider taking GED prep classes, which many community colleges offer at little to no cost.

Find Online Trade School Classes and Programs

Are Online Trade Schools Worth It?

Median Annual Wage by Typical Entry-Level Education

$47,150
High school diploma or equivalent

$48,980
Postsecondary certificate or diploma

$63,280
Associate degre

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Reasonable costs, increasing job demand, and promising earning potential allow online trade schools to offer a strong return on investment.

For reference, public, below-associate-level schools charge an average of $11,000, and private institutions of the same level charge an average of $18,000, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Two-year institutions charge lower tuition on average — around $4,000 at public and $16,000 at private schools.

It may not take you long to recoup your costs once you start working: Occupations that only require a certificate/diploma for entry (which include many trades) earned a median annual salary of $48,980 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That's over $1,800 more per year than the median earnings for jobs that only require a high school diploma.

Additionally, BLS data shows that unemployment rates typically decrease with higher levels of education, such as some college or an associate degree.

Skilled trades also face persistent demand. McKinsey projects annual hiring for critical trades, like welding and carpentry, to outpace overall new job growth by more than 20 times from 2022-2032.