Best Trade and Vocational Schools in California

Located in Norwalk, California, Cerritos College offers premier programs to students from all walks of life. The school specializes in vocational trade programs for leaners wanting to gain practical experience and enter the workforce quickly.

All enrollees benefit from rigorous core curriculums, skilled faculty, and supportive learning environments. While enrolled, students complete foundational and advanced coursework in their subject area. Participants can further their learning through experiential learning opportunities, such as internships.

The college connects students with numerous institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising. Prospective applicants can speak with the financial aid office to determine scholarship eligibility. Of those admitted to the college, 80% receive financial aid awards. Of all admitted learners, 27% graduate from the college.

Individuals seeking flexible hybrid study should consider enrolling at Southwestern College. Located in Chula Vista, California, the school specializes in vocational trade programs. These programs are a great option for learners looking to get practical hands-on training and join the workforce quickly.

Students benefit from a supportive learning community, whether in-person or online, and skilled faculty. Participants complete foundational and advanced coursework throughout their studies. While enrolled, students can pursue additional learning opportunities, such as internships and externships.

Enrollees benefit from institutional resources throughout their studies, through guidance from career services and academic advising. The financial aid office connects students with funding opportunities and can help prospective enrollees determine their eligibility for financial aid. Out of all incoming learners, 80% receive financial aid awards. 

Located in California, Long Beach City College offers premier programs to students from all walks of life. The school supports several vocational trade programs from its main campus in Long Beach. As the school's specialty, these programs are suited to individuals who want to join the workforce quickly after gaining practical, hands-on training and experience in a specific trade.

Whether in person or online, enrollees benefit from a rigorous curriculum, engaged faculty, and experiential learning opportunities. Students complete general and subject-specific coursework throughout the program. Learners can collaborate with faculty on research projects, pursue internships, and explore other experiential learning opportunities during their degree.

Enrollees can access institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising, throughout their program. The financial aid office connects students with funding opportunities and can help prospective applicants determine their eligibility for financial aid. The institution discloses that 77% of all learners receive some form of financial aid. Of all students, 20% graduate from their programs.

Located in San Marcos, California, Palomar College provides premier study opportunities to students through its hybrid programs. One of the school's specialties is its vocational trade program. They are a great option for people who want to gain hands-on experience and enter the workforce quickly in a specific trade.

Distance learning modalities enable enrollees to learn at their own pace. While enrolled, students complete industry-specific and general coursework, gaining skills and knowledge needed to succeed. Learners can pursue additional learning opportunities, such as faculty-driven research projects and internships.

Students can access career services, academic advising, and other resources throughout their program. Applicants can connect with the financial aid office to explore their eligibility for scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities. Of those admitted to the college, 78% receive financial aid awards. Institutional support contributes to the college's 30% graduation rate.

Ventura College is public school supporting in-person and online programs from its main campus in Ventura, California. The public college specializes in vocational trade programs. These are a great option for people who want to enter a specific trade quickly after gaining practical, hands-on training and experience. 

Distance learning modalities enable participants to learn at their own pace. Once enrolled, students complete foundational and advanced coursework relevant to their field. Enrollees can further their learning through research projects, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities.

Learners can access career services, academic advising, and other resources throughout their program. Prospective applicants seeking to fund their studies can meet with the financial aid office to explore scholarships, fellowships, and other aid. At the college, 89% of all enrollees receive financial aid awards. 

A leader in hybrid education, Oxnard College supports in-person and online learning opportunities from its main campus in Oxnard, California. The public institution provides many options for a vocational trade program. Many people choose these types of program to gain practical, hands-on training in a specific trade and join the workforce with some experience already under their belts.

Every student benefits from a supportive learning community, complete with skilled faculty and industry-relevant coursework. Participants complete general and subject-specific coursework throughout the program. Enrollees can pursue internships, research projects, and other learning opportunities throughout their studies.

Learners can access career services, academic advising, and other resources throughout their program. Students can connect with the financial aid office to explore their eligibility for scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities. Of all enrollees, 97% receive internal and external funding awards. 

Santa Rosa Junior College is public school supporting in-person and online programs from its main campus in Santa Rosa, California. Students can enroll in one of several vocational trade programs. People often choose these to join the workforce in a specific trade after getting some hands-on experience under their belts.

Enrollees in either degree modality benefit from rigorous coursework, skilled faculty, and a supportive learning community. Once enrolled, students complete foundational and advanced coursework relevant to their field. Participants can pursue internships, research projects, and other learning opportunities throughout their studies.

Enrollees can access institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising, throughout their program. Prospective applicants seeking to fund their studies can meet with the financial aid office to explore scholarships, fellowships, and other aid. The college notes that approximately 75% of all incoming learners are awarded financial aid. 

With 59 associate programs and 72 certificate programs, De Anza College offers options for many different learners. From its main campus in Cupertino, California, the public institution offers both online and on-campus enrollment. Working students benefit from the flexible course options.

In the school's career-focused programs, enrollees gain specialized skills for a defined career path or field. Associate programs include general education requirements that build broad, transferable skills. Instead of general education classes, certificate candidates complete a focused curriculum in their area of study.

With a certificate, graduates qualify for entry-level roles in their field. With an associate degree, graduates apply for jobs or pursue a bachelor's degree.

De Anza College at a Glance:

Total Online Certificate Programs: 3

Undergrad Tuition In State: $1,395

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $9,360

Students choose from 68 associate programs and 80 certificate programs at Bakersfield College. From its Bakersfield campus in California, the public institution lets enrollees choose from online and on-campus enrollment options. Busy learners benefit from the school's flexible options, which make it easier to work while in college.

Many of the school's certificate and associate programs emphasize industry-specific skills that prepare graduates for a particular career path. Associate programs incorporate general education classes that strengthen writing, communication, and other soft skills. Instead of general education courses, certificate candidates complete classes related to their field.

A certificate prepares graduates for the workforce. After earning an associate degree, graduates pursue employment or apply to bachelor's programs as a transfer student. Undergrad tuition at the college averages $1,288 for in-state learners and $7,700 for out-of-state learners.

Fullerton College enrolls learners in 78 associate programs and 64 certificate programs. The public institution prioritizes flexibility in its course options, which include classes offered online and on the Fullerton campus in California. These flexible options help busy students continue to work while in school.

Many of the school's programs emphasize career training and include practical skills. In associate programs, degree-seekers strengthen transferable skills during general education classes. Rather than taking general education courses, certificate candidates complete a focused curriculum of courses in their field of study.

With a certificate, graduates pursue entry-level positions in their field. An associate degree prepares graduates for entry-level careers or bachelor's programs. Undergraduate tuition at the college averages $1,104 for in-state students and $6,360 for out-of-state students.

At Orange Coast College, learners choose from 95 associate programs and 101 certificate programs. The public institution offers flexible enrollment options, including online classes and courses offered at the Costa Mesa campus in California. Students enrolled at the school rely on the flexible options to balance classes with work.

Many of the school's programs strengthen career-focused skills that train participants for a particular role. Associate programs incorporate general education courses to build transferable skills like critical thinking and writing. Certificate candidates take classes related to their field with no requirements outside of their major.

With a certificate, graduates pursue entry-level positions in their field. With an associate degree, graduates apply for jobs or pursue a bachelor's degree. The college's undergraduate tuition stands at $1,104 for in-state enrollees and $7,752 for out-of-state enrollees.

Students advance their education in 90 associate programs and 101 certificate programs at American River College. Learners benefit from the public institution's diverse enrollment options, which include online classes and on-campus options from the Sacramento location. These flexible options make it easier for enrollees to balance school with work or other responsibilities.

The school's career-focused programs train participants for specialized career paths. Associate degree-seekers also complete general education courses that build broad skills, such as writing and critical thinking. Rather than taking general education courses, certificate candidates complete a focused curriculum of courses in their field of study.

With a certificate, graduates apply for entry-level positions in their field. After earning an associate degree, graduates apply for jobs or continue their education at a four-year college.

American River College at a Glance:

Total Online Associate Programs: 8

Total Online Certificate Programs: 5

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $7,824

Imperial Valley College enrolls students in 61 associate programs and 58 certificate programs. Located in Imperial, California, the public institution offers online and on-campus enrollment options, increasing flexibility for learners. These flexible options appeal to busy enrollees balancing school with other obligations.

In the school's career-focused programs, participants strengthen industry-specific knowledge and skills. Associate programs include general education requirements that build broad, transferable skills. Instead of general education classes, certificate candidates complete a focused curriculum in their area of study.

With a certificate, graduates enter the workforce prepared for many entry-level roles. Associate degree-holders apply for jobs or enter a bachelor's program. At the college, in-state and out-of-state enrollees pay $1,104 and $6,024 in tuition, respectively.

Foothill College enrolls students in 69 associate programs and 43 certificate programs. From its main campus in Los Altos Hills, California, the public institution provides flexible enrollment options. Learners can sometimes work full time while in school.

In the school's career-focused programs, enrollees gain specialized skills for a defined career path or field. General education classes in associate programs strengthen transferable skills like critical thinking and writing. Instead of general education courses, certificate program participants take courses in their field of study.

With a certificate, graduates pursue entry-level positions in their field. With an associate degree, alumni can enter the job market or apply to four-year colleges as a transfer student.

Foothill College at a Glance:

Total Online Associate Programs: 26

Total Online Certificate Programs: 15

Undergrad Tuition In State: $1,395

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $9,360

At Modesto Junior College, learners choose from 65 associate programs and 55 certificate programs. The public institution offers flexible enrollment options, including online classes and courses offered at the Modesto, California, campus. Many students work while pursuing a degree or certificate.

The school's career-focused programs strengthen specialized skills that prepare graduates for the job market. Those in associate programs take general education courses that build transferable skills like writing and critical thinking. Certificate candidates complete a focused curriculum that does not include classes outside of their field.

With a certificate, graduates move into the workforce and pursue entry-level roles. Associate degree-holders either enter the workforce or apply to four-year colleges as a transfer student.

Modesto Junior College at a Glance:

Total Online Certificate Programs: 2

Undergrad Tuition In State: $1,104

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $7,464

San Bernardino Valley College lets learners choose from 56 associate programs and 57 certificate programs. From its San Bernardino campus in California, the public institution lets individuals choose either online or on-campus enrollment. Working students benefit from the flexible course options.

The school's career-focused programs provide the knowledge and skills required for specialized roles. Associate programs incorporate general education classes that strengthen writing, communication, and other soft skills. Instead of general education courses, certificate candidates complete classes related to their field.

With a certificate, graduates move into the workforce and pursue entry-level roles. With an associate degree, graduates either pursue employment or transfer into a bachelor's program. Visit the school's website for more information on enrollment requirements.

Students advance their education in 75 associate programs and 73 certificate programs at Diablo Valley College. The public institution, located in Pleasant Hill, California, offers online and on-campus enrollment options which appeal to a variety of learners. People often choose to continue working while enrolled at the school.

The school's career-focused programs emphasize industry-specific knowledge and skills. In general education courses, associate degree-seekers strengthen critical thinking, communication, and writing skills. Rather than taking general education courses, certificate candidates complete a focused curriculum of courses in their field of study.

Professionals with a certificate qualify for entry-level roles in their field. With an associate degree, graduates either pursue employment or transfer into a bachelor's program.

Diablo Valley College at a Glance:

Total Online Associate Programs: 1

Total Online Certificate Programs: 7

Undergrad Tuition In State: $1,288

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $8,540

Saddleback College offers 103 associate programs and 97 certificate programs. Learners benefit from flexible enrollment options at the public institution, which includes online courses and classes on the Mission Viejo campus in California. These flexible options appeal to busy students balancing school with other obligations.

The school's career-focused programs train participants for specialized career paths. General education classes in associate programs strengthen transferable skills like critical thinking and writing. Instead of general education courses, certificate candidates take courses in their field of study.

A certificate prepares graduates for entry-level positions in their field. An associate degree prepares degree-holders for the workforce or for bachelor's programs.

Saddleback College at a Glance:

Total Online Associate Programs: 1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $1,288

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $9,548

Students enroll in 65 associate programs and 45 certificate programs at College of San Mateo. Learners select from online and on-campus courses offered by the public institution from its location in San Mateo, California. These enrollment options appeal to working professionals and other busy enrollees.

The school's career-focused programs train participants for specialized career paths. In associate programs, degree-seekers strengthen transferable skills during general education classes. Certificate candidates take courses in their area of study rather than general education courses.

With a certificate, graduates enter the workforce prepared for many entry-level roles. An associate degree prepares alumni for the workforce or for bachelor's programs. At the college, undergraduate tuition averages $1,362 for in-state students and $9,006 for out-of-state students.

Students advance their education in 52 associate programs and 61 certificate programs at Ohlone College. Learners choose between online and on-campus courses offered from the Fremont, California, campus of the public institution. Working professionals benefit from the flexibility to attend school without leaving their job.

Many of the school's programs emphasize career training and include practical skills. General education classes in associate programs build key soft skills like communication, writing, and critical thinking. Certificate candidates complete courses in their field of study without general education requirements.

A certificate trains graduates for entry-level positions in a specific field. With an associate degree, alumni either pursue employment or transfer into a bachelor's program.

Ohlone College at a Glance:

Total Online Certificate Programs: 1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $1,104

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $7,464