Why Choose Trade School?
Trade schools, sometimes referred to as vocational or tech schools, offer skills-based educational programs that prepare students for specific occupations in areas like plumbing, welding, cosmetology, and technology.
Trade school students enjoy many benefits compared to students in four-year programs. For instance, trade school programs take 1-2 years to complete, allowing students to enter the workforce faster than students in four-year programs. Additionally, professionals with an occupational credential enjoy higher employment rates than professionals with an academic credential, according to the National Center for Education Statistics .
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This guide ranks the best vocational schools in Massachusetts to help students find the right program for their needs. This page also provides information on potential careers and salaries for trade school graduates and lists scholarship opportunities for trade school students in Massachusetts.
FAQ
Question | Answer |
---|---|
What is the difference between a trade school and a college? | Trade schools provide career-focused training in areas like allied health and technology, while colleges focus more on academic training. |
What can you learn at a trade school? | Trade schools offer career-focused programs that prepare students for jobs in areas like cosmetology, technology, and allied health. |
What are examples of vocational jobs ? | Potential jobs for vocational school graduates include paralegal, aircraft mechanic, computer technician, and cosmetologist. |
How much does a trade school cost? | Cost varies by school and program, but trade school programs cost an average of $33,000 for the entire program. |
Accreditation and Licensing for Trade Schools
All schools need a state license to operate. Students should also check the accreditation status of their prospective schools. Accreditation indicates that a school meets high standards with respect to factors like faculty qualifications, student learning outcomes, and academic rigor.
Students benefit from accreditation in several ways. For example, only students at accredited schools qualify for federal financial aid, and many schools only accept degrees and transfer credits from accredited institutions. Additionally, many professional licenses and certifications require an accredited degree.
Schools may hold regional or national accreditation. Regional accreditation typically applies to nonprofit, degree-granting institutions. The New England Commission on Higher Education provides regional accreditation to Massachusetts schools. National accreditation applies to for-profit, vocational, and technical schools. The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges grants national accreditation to over 650 trade and technical schools nationwide. Other specialized accrediting agencies include the Distance Education Accrediting Commission , which accredits online schools.
Vocational Trade Schools in Massachusetts
The list below ranks the best vocational schools in Massachusetts to help students find the right program for their needs. Continue reading to learn more about each school, including accreditation status, available programs, and financial aid opportunities .
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Mount Wachusett Community CollegeLocation
Gardner, MA
Tuition$7574
Graduation Rate15%
Mount Wachusett Community College enrolls recent high school graduates, nontraditional learners, and high school students pursuing dual enrollment. Based in Gardner, MWCC operates satellite campuses in Devens, Leominster, and Fitchburg. Students choose from more than 70 associate degrees and certificates. Programs cover many fields, including education, computer information systems, engineering and physics, and pharmacy science.
Students interested in a technical career choose an associate degree such as automotive technology or veterinary technology. The liberal arts and sciences associate degree, with several tracks, provides learners with the general education they need for a four-year degree.
Recognized as one of the best trade schools in Massachusetts, MWCC offers certificates transferable to associate programs. The dual-enrollment program allows participants to begin their college education early by earning college credits while still in high school. Another option allows students to earn while they learn in manufacturing apprenticeships. Support services include childcare subsidies, food stamps, peer mentoring, and counseling services.
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Middlesex County CollegeLocation
Edison, NJ
Tuition$4250
Graduation Rate13%
At Middlesex Community College , about 11,000 students from diverse backgrounds pursue certificates, degrees, and workplace skills on campuses in Lowell and Bedford. The catalog of 80 programs includes technical degrees such as aviation maintenance, radiologic, and energy utility technology. MCC administers a strong healthcare program that includes dental hygiene and nursing degrees.
For more than 20 years, MCC has offered online learning to give students greater flexibility. 电竞赚钱决赛积分(电竞赚钱详情登录) options include associate degrees in business administration, criminal justice, and paralegal studies. Students interested in transferring to a bachelor's program choose the associate degree in liberal arts and sciences, which saves them time and money. Learners who want to gain skills quickly can earn a certificate in a field such as dental lab technology or IT cybersecurity in less than one year.
MCC, one of the top trade schools in Massachusetts, provides academic support to build students' foundational skills for academic success.
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Bunker Hill Community CollegeLocation
Boston, MA
Tuition$7232
Graduation Rate11%
Founded in 1973, Bunker Hill Community College is the state's largest community college. The Boston college operates campuses in Charleston, Chelsea, and satellites. BHCC's 19,000 students enroll in associate and certificate programs spanning the disciplines. All degrees require general education, liberal arts or career electives, and requirements in the major.
BHCC's catalog includes associate degrees in accounting, computer information systems, and early childhood development. Several associate degrees offer a pathway to four-year programs at senior colleges. Options include an AS in electrical engineering, AS in criminal justice, and AS in biology. To prepare workers for jobs in biotechnology, one of the state's major sectors, BHCC offers an AS in biomedical engineering and AS in biotechnology.
Students can pursue several unique two-year degrees, such as baking and pastry arts or cardiac sonography. Learners interested in acquiring skills quickly choose from a variety of certificates. One of the top vocational schools in Massachusetts, BHCC offers internship and career development opportunities accessible through a virtual or in-person career fair.
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Bristol Community CollegeLocation
Fall River, MA
Tuition$6510
Graduation Rate17%
Bristol Community College continues a 50-year tradition of education and workforce development with programs on campuses in Fall River, Attleboro, Taunton, and New Bedford. The school's extensive catalog consists of more than 150 programs leading to degrees and certificates. Majors include traditional fields such as business administration, criminal justice, and a liberal arts and science transfer option with eight concentrations.
To prepare workers for the state's high-tech industries, BCC offers associate degrees in biomedical manufacturing technology, electro-mechanical, and offshore wind power technology. The school's unique deaf studies associate degree offers four emphasis areas, including interpreter and deaf studies transfer. BCC manages a strong healthcare program that trains nurses, dental hygienists, and veterinary techs. Dozens of standalone or add-on certificates include gerontology or A+ certification. Bristol 电竞赚钱决赛积分(电竞赚钱详情登录) operates one of the state's largest digital learning platforms. 电竞赚钱决赛积分(电竞赚钱详情登录) students at BCC, one of the best technical schools in Massachusetts, receive 24/7 online tutoring and access to on-campus resources.
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Springfield Technical Community CollegeLocation
Springfield, MA
Tuition$7770
Graduation Rate21%
Located on the Springfield Armory National Historic Site, Springfield Technical Community College is officially the state's only technical community college. STCC offers 76 degrees and certificates in fields as diverse as nursing, IT security, and optics and photonics. Students interested in getting a head start on a four-year degree save time and money by enrolling in degrees designed specifically for transfer. Options include business, liberal arts, and engineering. The general studies option allows undecided students to explore classes and careers and tailor the degree to meet their needs.
Certificates include the unique one-year Internet of Things (IoT) option to prepare workers for jobs in IoT networking/security and infrastructure. Other one-year programs include medical coding and billing specialist and microcomputer specialist. One of the best Massachusetts technical colleges, STCC offers the College Now program for high school students to complete a free college course each semester.
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North Shore Community CollegeLocation
Danvers, MA
Tuition$7768
Graduation Rate17%
In 1965, North Shore Community College opened its doors to serve residents of the North Shore. Today, almost 11,000 students benefit from high-quality programming delivered in state-of-the-art facilities on three campuses. Students earn degrees that prepare them for the workforce or to transfer to a four-year college. About 75 programs cover an array of pathways, including business administration, nursing and allied health, and science and math.
Transfer options include an AA in liberal arts with a comprehensive suite of concentrations. Learners interested in a technical degree can pursue majors such as engineering, computer programming, or aviation management. A newer program, the AS in aviation science professional pilot, includes classroom instruction and flight training to prepare enrollees for a professional career as a pilot.
Certificates at NSCC, one of the best trade schools in Massachusetts, empower learners with the skills they need for a new career such as computer-aided design, medical assisting, or healthcare technician. Affordability remains a centerpiece of the school's mission.
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Cape Cod Community CollegeLocation
Barnstable, MA
Tuition$8282
Graduation Rate14%
Cape Cod Community College serves about 6,000 students each year. The West Barnstable-based school offers 40 degrees and 45 certificate programs. Students can pursue an AA in several concentrations, including liberal arts, psychology, and education. The AA serves as the best pathway for those planning to transfer to a four-year college. The school's technical programs include aviation maintenance technology, funeral science, and IT with three concentrations. Certificates cover fields as diverse as aviation and bookkeeping.
AT CCCC, students can earn advanced degrees not available at many vocational schools in Massachusetts. Through CCCC's agreements with the University of Massachusetts-Boston, learners may earn an RN-to-BSN or master of clinical social work. Other students may begin their studies at CCCC leading to a master's in clinical mental health counseling from Lesley University. Every semester, CCCC offers online programs to give learners flexibility. All students receive access to 24/7 online tutoring.
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Quinsigamond Community CollegeLocation
Worcester, MA
Tuition$7254
Graduation Rate17%
Since the 1960s, learners in central Massachusetts have turned to Quinsigamond Community College for workforce development and continuing education. The Worcester college administers 120 programs to 13,000 students. Learners choose associate degrees in traditional fields such as automotive technology, hospitality and recreation management, and small business management. Certificates develop students' clerical and office skills, or their technical proficiency such as HVAC or energy utility technology.
QCC manages a strong IT program with associate degrees in domains such as web development/programming and interactive media-digital design. Several transfer options provide learners with the first two years of a four-year degree. QCC's emphasis on flexible scheduling includes online options and night and weekend classes. The school charges among the region's lowest tuition, enabling students to graduate with limited debt. As one of the best trade schools in Massachusetts, QCC provides support services such as a children's school, food pantry, and counseling services.
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Quincy CollegeLocation
Quincy, MA
Tuition$12980
Graduation Rate17%
Quincy College enrolls students on campuses in Quincy and Plymouth. About 4,000 students from greater Boston and 100 countries receive the training they need for careers and further education. QC's 37 associate degrees cover fields such as accounting, computer science, and paralegal studies. Students can pursue degrees in high-demand fields such as surgical technology or EMT.
QC's professional programs include options that require just a few months to a year of enrollment. The phlebotomy technician certificate requires one semester and prepares graduates to sit for the national certification examination as a phlebotomist. The 18-credit certificate in gerontology trains workers to address the needs of an aging population. The one- or two-year web and mobile development certificate teaches programming languages, webpage design, and client- and server-side scripting.
As one of the best vocational schools in Massachusetts, QC maintains strong transfer arrangements with four-year institutions such as UMass Boston and Northeastern University.
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Holyoke Community CollegeLocation
Holyoke, MA
Tuition$166133
Graduation Rate16%
Established as the first two-year college in Massachusetts, Holyoke Community College offers affordable, high-quality education. About 9,000 students attend classes on a 135-acre green campus. Students short on time and money can earn in-demand credentials in just a few months. The options include certificates in growing fields such as medical assistant, veterinary assistant, and computer networking. Associate degrees require two years and cover diverse fields, including IT management, nursing, clean energy, and criminal justice.
The school, a designated Hispanic-serving institution, offers a unique associate degree in Latinx Studies. HCC also maintains distinction as the state's largest community college feeder to Westfield State and UMass. Other schools high on HCC students' transfer list include Smith, Amherst, and Cornell. Support services such as tutoring and disability and deaf services help learners achieve their academic goals. HCC's tuition and fees make it among the most affordable trade schools in Massachusetts. Scholarships and grants add to the school's affordability.
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Northern Essex Community CollegeLocation
Lawrence, MA
Tuition$8272
Graduation Rate18%
Northern Essex Community College , located in Haverhill, offers a variety of credit and noncredit programs. Students earn degrees in traditional fields such as business, nursing, criminal justice, and computer and information sciences. NECC offers an American Sign Language studies associate degree not always available at community colleges. A comprehensive portfolio of certificates includes more than a dozen healthcare options.
NECC partners with UMass, Cambridge College, and Regis College to offer bachelor's programs in majors such as early childhood education, psychology, and business administration. Students interested in distance learning can choose from 11 fully online or mostly online degrees.
NECC's dual-enrollment program allows students at local high schools to simultaneously earn college credit and satisfy high school graduation requirements. The benefits of dual enrollment include a head start on a degree, significant tuition reduction, and the opportunity to experience college life early. All students at NECC, one of the best vocational schools in Massachusetts, benefit from access to tutoring centers that maximize their proficiencies in various subjects.
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Greenfield Community CollegeLocation
Greenfield, MA
Tuition$8303
Graduation Rate24%
Greenfield Community College offers students a vibrant learning experience on campus in picturesque Pioneer Valley. About 3,000 students study in classrooms with a 12-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio that encourages personalized learning. The school manages a strong business program with degrees and certificates in areas such as accounting, computer information systems, management, and digital marketing.
GCC's robust science, math, engineering, and technology program includes degrees and certificates in environmental conservation, farm and food systems, and engineering technology. Students interested in sustainability develop high-tech skills when they complete the associate degree in renewable energy.
GCC offers associate degrees specifically to meet MassTransfer requirements. Students receive the comprehensive transfer counseling they need for a successful transition. Learners who need academic support receive free peer tutoring. Those transitioning from adult education programs also receive special attention. One of the best technical schools in Massachusetts, GCC offers in-state tuition to all for online/remote, evening, and summer classes.
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Massasoit Community CollegeLocation
Brockton, MA
Tuition$9139
Graduation Rate15%
At Massasoit Community College , located in Brockton, students choose from 64 programs. Some require as little as a few months to complete, while associate degrees require a two-year commitment. Programs fall into several categories, including business administration and management, culinary and hospitality, and health and public safety. The school's newer programs include transfer associate degrees in computer science and engineering. A networking certificate provides learners with hands-on, competency-based instruction on networking topics.
Massasoit offers about 40 fully online and hybrid programs, making it one of the best technical schools in Massachusetts for virtual learning. The college's internship program matches students with employers so they can receive invaluable hands-on training. Support services include TRIO, a federal program for first-generation, low income, or underrepresented students. TRIO participants receive access to tutoring, academic advising, mentoring, and other services. In addition to competitive tuition, Massasoit offers grants, scholarships, and other financial aid.
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Berkshire Community CollegeLocation
Pittsfield, MA
Tuition$9194
Graduation Rate25%
One of the state's 15 community colleges, Berkshire Community College offers 50 programs of study. Two-year options include AS degrees in fire science, health science, criminal justice, and social work. Fifteen short-term options lead to certificates in fields such as allied health and human services. BCC developed the law enforcement certificate in collaboration with the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association to prepare learners for entry-level jobs.
Nursing students complete general education and foundation courses at BCC and transfer to a BSN awarded by UMass. BCC's articulation agreements with 30 colleges in Massachusetts and other parts of the country streamlines the transfer process. Agreements ensure that students who meet program requirements enter four-year colleges as juniors. Academic support for all BCC students includes free tutorial services, transfer counseling, and career development. As one of the best Massachusetts technical colleges, BCC charges in-state tuition for online and evening programs regardless of students' residency.
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Roxbury Community CollegeLocation
Boston, MA
Tuition$8862
Graduation Rate12%
Largely serving residents of the greater Boston area, Roxbury Community College offers about 30 programs delivered on campus in Roxbury Crossing. The AA degree covers majors such as liberal arts, social science, and health careers. The AS degree focuses on technology, engineering, and healthcare fields. Those interested in short-term credentials can receive training for a career in less than a year.
RCC maintains transfer agreements with schools throughout the region, including Bay State College, Lesley University, and Northeastern University. Tutoring services give students access to the online writing lab, math support, and assistance for those learning English as a second language. Eligible Boston residents with a high school diploma may qualify for Boston's tuition-free community college plan. This makes RCC one of the most affordable trade schools in Massachusetts. Further, RCC belongs to an 11-member library consortium that gives students access to additional libraries.
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Dean CollegeLocation
Franklin, MA
Tuition$31835
Dean College is a small institution in Franklin. Unlike most of the trade schools in Massachusetts, Dean administers a comprehensive catalog of programs in various disciplines. Associate degrees include business management, communications, sociology, and health sciences. The associate degree in general studies provides the most flexible curriculum, allowing learners to design their own plan of study to meet interests or career objectives. Students design the curriculum around a theme such as arts and social change or women's studies.
Experience beyond the classroom remains a hallmark of enrollment at Dean. The school's bachelor's in criminal justice and homeland security gives students real-world experience as they work with a company to solve criminal justice or homeland security challenges. All students receive access to academic coaching to build foundational writing and math skills. Scholarships and grants help keep tuition affordable.
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Bay Path UniversityLocation
Longmeadow, MA
Tuition$21100
Established as a women's college, Bay Path University serves both women and men today. While undergraduate programs enroll only women, graduate programs enroll both. The school, located in Longmeadow, delivers programs on two campuses and three satellites. Students interested in an associate degree choose the AA in liberal arts, AS in paralegal studies, AS in business administration, or AS in early childhood leadership.
Certificates cover subjects such as digital marketing management and advanced paralegal studies. Students can transfer the 15-credit certificate in digital forensics and incident response to a linked online or on-campus bachelor's program at Bay Path. Bay Path American Women's College offers 40 online degrees and certificates in fields such as business, cybersecurity, and health services.
All students at one of the best technical schools in Massachusetts must create an e-portfolio highlighting their written work, videos, presentations, and digital badges. Bay Path charges a flat rate tuition for American Women's College, regardless of students' residency.
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University of MassachusettsLocation
Boston, MA
Tuition$21740
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is the state's flagship college. UMass Amherst offers a comprehensive catalog of undergraduate and professional degrees. The online AS in sustainable food and farming allows learners to design a plan of study, focusing on areas such as marketing, agricultural education, or community development. While UMass Amherst does not offer other associate degrees, the school remains transfer-friendly.
UMass Amherst participates in MassTransfer, which allows learners to transfer an associate degree from one of the community colleges or trade schools in Massachusetts. The school lists the approved schools and programs that transfer. The extensive list includes associate degrees in business administration, hospitality administration, computer information systems, and health sciences.
Students interested in distance learning can choose from a comprehensive portfolio of offerings. UMass Amherst's virtual college, University Without Walls , also facilitates transfer students by allowing them to complete degrees or undergraduate certificates in subjects such as business administration, criminal justice, or human resource management.
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Becker CollegeLocation
Worcester, MA
Tuition$33266
Becker College is a private career school located in Worcester. Becker offers associate degrees in business administration, early childhood education, animal care, and law and criminal justice. The school manages a strong nursing program that begins with the associate of science in nursing, which provides learners with the skills and training they need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
The BSN accommodates students with degrees from one of the community and technical schools in Massachusetts, and also prepares them to pass the NCLEX-RN. The RN-to-BSN program provides an online format for busy nurses seeking to upgrade their skills and training.
Students interested in a four-year technical degree choose from options such as the BS in applied computer science, BA in interactive media design, and BS in health sciences. The transfer-friendly school streamlines the process and offers transfer scholarships to lower tuition. Becker highlights an average 90% placement rate for employment or further study after graduation.
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Boston University-Wheelock CollegeLocation
Boston, MA
Tuition$22261
Wheelock College of Education and Human Development specializes in the preparation of educational professionals. Part of Boston University, the school offers bachelor's programs in 10 areas. Students may begin their education at one of the community and technical schools in Massachusetts, and they may transfer into options such as the BS in bilingual education, BS in early childhood education, or BS in special education. Students in the BS in deaf studies develop proficiency in American Sign Language as they prepare to work in settings such as education, counseling, or human services.
The college collaborates with Boston Public Schools and the city of Boston to give learners classroom experience. Students may also teach learners abroad in London, Sydney, or Quito. Enrollees participate in internships at the Department of Youth Services, the Learning Center for the Deaf, and other organizations. To facilitate the success of transfer students, the college manages a transfer mentor program that matches freshmen with a BU transfer student who helps them assimilate.
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Lesley UniversityLocation
Cambridge, MA
Tuition$32225
A private school in Cambridge, Lesley University was established as a women's college to train kindergarten teachers. Today, Lesley enrolls both men and women. The institution continues a tradition of teacher preparation while offering degrees in many other fields. Students interested in teacher preparation enroll in programs such as the BA in early childhood education, elementary education, or secondary education.
Community college graduates may choose Lesley's on-campus degree-completion options such as the bachelor's degree in liberal studies, early childhood studies, or business management. 电竞赚钱决赛积分(电竞赚钱详情登录) degrees provide greater flexibility and offer six options, such as the BA in psychology. Lesley maintains a transfer agreement with Bunker Hill Community College, and it manages a streamlined credit-transfer process so that students at other community and technical schools in Massachusetts can enter a four-year program. Learners can reduce their tuition expenses by transferring up to 90 credits.
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North Bennet Street SchoolLocation
Boston, MA
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Laboure CollegeLocation
Milton, MA
Tuition$35549
A Catholic school located in Milton, Labour é College specializes in nursing and healthcare education. Most students classify as nontraditional learners returning to school. The college works to accommodate students' need to juggle work, school, and family obligations. The nursing program at Labouré, one of the best vocational schools in Massachusetts, offers an on-campus associate degree in nursing. In just two years, students receive the education and training necessary to sit for the national NCLEX-RN exam and earn RN credentials.
Another on-campus program, the RN-to-BSN degree, lets RNs take their education to the next level while maintaining their careers. Labouré also offers online programs such as the one-year neurodiagnostic technology program, which prepares technologists ready for board certification. Aspiring radiation therapists can also enroll at Labouré, completing an AS in radiation therapy that includes work experience in different hospitals around the state. Labouré maintains affordable tuition and flat rates regardless of residency.
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Massachusetts College of Art and DesignLocation
Boston, MA
Tuition$23222
For more than 145 years, Massachusetts College of Art and Design has helped scholar-artists make their mark in art and design. About 1,700 students attend the institution, taking classes on campus in Boston. Undergraduate programs give students a strong foundation in the use of traditional methods while encouraging innovation. All freshmen complete a foundational year to acquire technical expertise in their chosen field. Four-year degree options include animation, architectural design, industrial design, and fashion design.
MassArt, one of the best trade schools in Massachusetts for the arts, offers a BFA in communication design that equips learners with expertise in print design, branding, and user experience design. Students seeking a short-term option choose the certificate in graphic design. Aspiring filmmakers engage in experimentation across genres when they enroll in the BFA in film/video. Through the school's partnerships with organizations around Boston, students use their skills in projects that demonstrate their talents.
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Hellenic College-Holy CrossLocation
Brookline, MA
Tuition$19918
Students interested in earning a degree or learning a craft in an Orthodox Christian community choose Hellenic College Holy Cross . The school offers bachelor's degrees in subjects such as elementary education, human services, and business management. Those interested in a church-related music career can earn the very unique certificate in Byzantine music. The program teaches participants how to chant the Orthodox Church's sacred hymns. Students learn the psaltic notational system, the modal system, and how to sight-read musical scores.
One of the more unique vocational schools in Massachusetts, HCHC also offers the diaconate program to prepare deacons for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. The program incorporates intensive mentoring, distance learning, and summer sessions on HCHC's campus in Brookline. Through HCHC's career services, students get resume reviews, practice mock interviews, and pursue leads for job openings to begin or advance their careers.
Career and Salary Outlook for Trade School Graduates
Salary varies by factors like industry, location, and role, but the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that trade school occupations pay an average of $59,370 per year. Trade school graduates in certain industries can earn significantly higher salaries. For example, elevator repair professionals earned a median annual salary of $84,990 in 2019. The BLS also projects faster-than-average job growth for many trade school occupations, such as electrician (10%), HVAC technician (13%), and plumber (14%).
Job location also impacts salary and career potential. The states that hire the highest number of trade school graduates include Indiana, Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana, and Iowa. Students should research the salary potential and projected job growth for their intended career.
What Kinds of Trade School Programs Are Available?
Trade school graduates can pursue diverse careers in areas like allied health, technology, legal services, and cosmetology. The following list outlines some potential careers for trade school graduates. Dental Hygienist Schools
Dental hygienists conduct dental exams to protect patients' teeth and educate patients about oral health. These professionals typically need an associate degree. Dental hygienists need a state license to practice, so dental hygienist programs typically prepare students to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination , which is part of the licensure process. Only students who complete an accredited program can sit for the exam. The Commission on Dental Accreditation serves as the main accrediting agency for these programs.
Dental hygienists earned an annual median pay of $76,220 in 2019, which is much higher than the annual median pay for all occupations. In addition, the BLS projects an 11% growth rate for jobs in this sector between 2018 and 2028. Mechanic Schools Paralegal Schools Radiology Technician Schools
Financial Aid for Trade School Students
Students can take advantage of many financial aid opportunities to help offset the cost of their education, such as loans, scholarships, and grants. To qualify for federal financial aid, students must submit the FAFSA every year. However, only students at accredited schools qualify for federal aid. Postsecondary institutions, private organizations, and professional associations also offer financial aid opportunities.
Unlike loans, scholarships and grants do not require repayment, making them ideal forms of financial aid. The following section outlines several scholarship opportunities for trade school students in Massachusetts.
Scholarship for Trade School Students
Students at trade schools in Massachusetts can take advantage of many scholarship opportunities. The following list outlines several scholarships for vocational students in the state, but students can research additional opportunities based on factors like their field, school, and identity.
Dental Hygienist Schools
Dental hygienists conduct dental exams to protect patients' teeth and educate patients about oral health. These professionals typically need an associate degree. Dental hygienists need a state license to practice, so dental hygienist programs typically prepare students to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination , which is part of the licensure process. Only students who complete an accredited program can sit for the exam. The Commission on Dental Accreditation serves as the main accrediting agency for these programs.
Dental hygienists earned an annual median pay of $76,220 in 2019, which is much higher than the annual median pay for all occupations. In addition, the BLS projects an 11% growth rate for jobs in this sector between 2018 and 2028.
Mechanic Schools
Mechanic programs offered at trade schools typically take around one year to complete. Many programs include classes in areas like automotive powertrains and transmissions, vehicle brake systems, and hybrid vehicle system maintenance. Students can also explore mechanic apprenticeships offered by trade unions and large automotive companies. Apprenticeships take longer to complete but provide compensation, allowing students to earn money as they learn their trade.
States do not require mechanics to hold licensure or certification, but mechanics can pursue certification in various specialties from the National Automotive Education Foundation to stand out in the job market.
According to the BLS, automotive service technicians and mechanics earned an annual median salary of $42,090 in 2019.
Paralegal Schools
Paralegals assist lawyers by conducting research on relevant laws, drafting legal documents, fact-checking cases, and filing briefs and appeals with courts. Many of these professionals specialize in an area of law, such as litigation.
Some paralegal certificate programs take around one year to complete, but many employers prefer paralegals to hold a two-year associate degree in the field. The BLS projects jobs for paralegals to grow 12% between 2018 and 2028. These professionals earned an annual median salary of $51,740 in 2019.
Radiology Technician Schools
Radiology technicians work in healthcare settings, creating diagnostic images like x-rays. These professionals typically hold a radiologic technology associate degree. During an associate program, learners study topics like radiation physics, radiobiology, and principles of imaging.
Most states require radiology technicians to hold a license to practice. The American Registry of Radiologic Technicians administers several tests that many states use as a basis for granting licensure to applicants. According to the BLS, radiology technicians earned an annual median salary of $62,280 in 2019, with faster-than-average projected job growth between 2018 and 2028.