Best Vocational Trade Schools in Colorado

Vocational and trade schools in Colorado provide career-focused training in areas like allied health, technology, the skilled trades, and legal services. Trade school graduates can pursue careers as occupational therapy assistants, mechanics, respiratory therapists, electricians, and paralegals. Many of these in-demand fields offer above-average salaries and strong projected job growth.

Vocational programs offer several benefits over four-year academic programs. For example, completing a vocational certificate or degree generally takes 1-2 years, meaning learners can enter the workforce faster than students at four-year programs. Vocational schools also often typically cost much less than four-year programs.

Additionally, professionals with an occupational credential benefit from a higher employment rate than professionals with an academic credential, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

Many vocational and technical schools in Colorado offer self-paced or accelerated options to fit the schedule of busy students. Learners can also consider online vocational programs, which prioritize flexibility.

During a vocational program, students complete coursework and hands-on training. For example, paramedic studies students build their emergency care skills through laboratory and experiential learning requirements, while electrician students apply their training during practicum requirements.

Our list introduces the top-ranked trade schools in Colorado. By researching these schools, prospective students can find the best fit for their interests and professional goals. This page also provides information on the career and salary outlook for trade school graduates and scholarship opportunities for students.

Yes. Many trade schools offer online vocational programs. During an online program, students complete coursework in a distance learning format while meeting any onsite requirements locally.

Yes. Vocational students qualify for many scholarship and grant opportunities. Some scholarships require attendance at an accredited institution.

Many trade schools accept applications on a rolling basis, meaning new students can apply at any time. Most programs also offer multiple start dates throughout the year.

Earning a certificate or degree from a vocational school generally takes 1-2 years, depending on the program. Students receive classroom and experiential training during their program.

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

Vocational schools in Colorado prepare students for careers in growing fields. By choosing a top-ranked vocational program, professionals can advance their career and increase their earning potential. Our list ranks the best trade schools in Colorado to help prospective students find the right fit to reach their goals.

Prospective trade school students should always check a school’s accreditation and licensure status before applying. Attending an unaccredited or unlicensed school can affect a student’s education and their ability to find jobs after completing a program.

Accredited schools meet high standards for educating students. To earn accreditation, colleges and universities undergo a rigorous review from an independent accrediting agency. During the review, the agency evaluates the school’s student learning outcomes, academic mission, and faculty qualifications. Accredited institutions must regularly repeat the review process to maintain their status.

Accreditation benefits students in several ways. For instance, 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.

In Colorado, schools that offer vocational programs may hold regional or national accreditation. Community colleges and four-year universities typically hold regional accreditation. The Higher Learning Commission grants regional accreditation to schools in Colorado.

Vocational and trade schools in Colorado often hold national accreditation from a specialized agency like the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), which holds approval from the Department of Education. ACCSC grants accreditation to over 650 trade and technical schools nationwide. Other specialized agencies, such as the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, accredit online schools.

Postsecondary schools also need a state license to educate students. In Colorado, the Department of Education maintains a list of licensed schools.

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

Many trade school careers offer above-average salaries and strong projected job growth. Salaries vary by factors like role, industry, and location, but the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that trade school occupations pay an average annual salary of $55,000.

Trade school graduates can pursue opportunities in many fields with varying salary potential. For example, personal care and service occupations pay $32,700 per year, on average, while installation, maintenance, and repair occupations offer over $50,000 per year. Additionally, healthcare practitioner and technical occupations pay around $55,000 annually.

Location also affects the salary outlook for trade school graduates. In Colorado, BLS wage estimates indicate strong salary numbers for many trade occupations. For instance, respiratory therapists make an average salary of over $64,000 per year, while dental hygienists earn over $86,000 annually. Paralegals in the state earn over $62,000 per year and electricians make around $55,000 per year.

The BLS also reports much faster-than-average growth for several trade school occupations, including dental hygienists, paralegals, and HVAC technicians.

Colorado trade school students can pursue certificates and degrees in many high-demand fields, including healthcare, the skilled trades, and personal services. This section covers some popular trade school programs in Colorado. In addition to these options, prospective students can research vocational programs in other fields.

Trade school students typically pay less for their education than students at four-year universities. For example, public universities in Colorado charge over $9,500 per year in tuition and fees, on average, while private universities cost over $22,000 a year. In contrast, Colorado community colleges charge an average of $3,600 per year.

In addition to choosing an affordable program, trade school students can lower the cost of their education by applying for financial aid. To qualify for federal aid, students must submit the FAFSA every year. However, schools must hold accreditation in order for their students to qualify for federal financial aid. Prospective students can check with schools to find out if their students can receive federal aid.

Unlike loans, scholarships and grants do not require repayment, making them among the best forms of financial aid. The next section covers scholarship opportunities for trade school students in Colorado.

Students attending trade schools in Colorado may qualify for scholarship opportunities offered by private foundations, professional organizations, and government agencies. The following list outlines several scholarship opportunities for trade school students in the state.

Who Can Apply: Colorado residents with a minimum 3.0 GPA can apply for this scholarship. Recipients can use the scholarship to earn a degree at any two-year accredited college in the United States.

Amount: Varies

Who Can Apply: Colorado residents who attend school in the state can apply for this scholarship. Candidates must demonstrate financial need.

Amount: $1,000

Who Can Apply: The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association offers regional scholarships for students who demonstrate achievements and leadership skills. Recipients can use the scholarship to attend any college.

Amount: $3,500

Who Can Apply: This scholarship funds students from Fort Collins who demonstrate financial need. Recipients need a minimum 3.5 GPA and must attend a postsecondary college or vocational school.

Amount: $2,500

Who Can Apply: Offered through Diabetes Scholars, this award funds students with Type I diabetes who attend accredited colleges or technical schools in Colorado. Applicants must submit recommendations.

Amount: $1,000