Vocational Trade Schools in Oregon

Vocational and trade schools in Oregon offer career training in healthcare, professional trades, and technology. Graduates with a vocational certificate or degree can work as plumbers, medical assistants, dental hygienists, and paralegals. Many trade school careers offer strong salaries and growth potential.

During a vocational program, students complete a mix of classroom and experiential requirements. In addition to coursework, many vocational programs include practical training. For example, electricians and HVAC technicians build career-ready skills through internships.

Many trade and tech schools in Oregon charge lower tuition rates than four-year colleges. The ability to complete a certificate or degree in 1-2 years also helps professionals enter the workforce in less time. Many trade schools prioritize flexibility by offering self-paced or accelerated options, and several also offer online vocational programs.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, professionals with an occupational credential report a higher employment rate than people with an academic credential.

This page ranks the best vocational schools in Oregon to help prospective trade school students find a top-ranked, affordable program. It also provides career and salary outlook information for trade school jobs, introduces popular trade school programs, and lists scholarship opportunities for trade school students.

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

Prospective trade school students should always check a school’s accreditation and licensing status before applying. Credits earned at an accredited school are more likely to transfer, and some professional licenses and certifications require an accredited degree.

In many vocational career paths that require a license, practitioners must attend an accredited institution. Students at accredited schools can also receive federal financial aid.

Colleges and universities undergo a rigorous screening process to earn accreditation. During an accreditation review, an independent accrediting agency evaluates the school’s student learning outcomes, academic mission, and faculty qualifications. Only schools that meet high standards earn accreditation, and accredited schools must regularly repeat the review to maintain their status.

Trade schools, colleges, and universities may hold regional or national accreditation. Liberal arts and research institutions, including community colleges, generally hold regional accreditation. In Oregon, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities grants regional accreditation to two-year and four-year institutions.

Vocational, trade, and technical schools in Oregon often pursue national accreditation. Several specialized agencies grant national accreditation, such as the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. The Distance Education Accrediting Commission grants accreditation to online schools.

In addition to accreditation, private trade and vocational schools in Oregon must hold a state-issued license. In Oregon, the Private Career School Unit of the Higher Education Coordinating Commission​licenses schools that offer training and certificate programs with a career focus.

Vocational schools in Oregon prepare students for careers in healthcare, legal services, cosmetology, skilled trades, and other in-demand fields. Our list ranks the best vocational and trade schools in Oregon to help prospective students find the right fit for their interests and career goals.

Many vocational and trade careers offer strong career and salary outlooks. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that dental hygienists, HVAC technicians, and paralegals all earn strong salaries with much faster-than-average projected job growth between 2018 and 2028. Other trade careers, including in allied health, professional trades, and STEM fields, report strong job growth and earning potential for professionals with a vocational certificate or degree.

The salary and job outlook for trade school graduates varies widely depending on industry, experience, and location. For example, technical and trade school occupations earn an average wage of $55,000 per year. Management occupations make more than $96,000 per year on average, while construction occupations earn around $60,000 per year.

Prospective trade school students can research Oregon salary data to learn about the earning potential in their field. For example, dental hygienists in Oregon earn an average salary of over $87,000 per year, while occupational therapy assistants earn around $63,000 per year. By researching salary information in their field, prospective students can make an informed decision about their educational path.

Trade schools in Oregon offer programs for electricians, dental hygienists, occupational therapy assistants, and other growing fields. Vocational programs provide career training for fields like healthcare, legal services, personal services, and professional trades.

The following list introduces some common trade school programs. In addition to these examples, prospective students can research certificates and degrees at top-ranked vocational schools in Oregon.

Trade school students can use financial aid to pay for their degree. Accredited schools meet the requirements for federal financial aid. Students can apply for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs by filling out the FAFSA every year. Prospective students can check with potential schools to find out if their students can receive federal financial aid.

The cost of a vocational certificate or degree varies depending on the school and program. Oregon’s four-year colleges and universities cost $10,000-$38,000 per year in tuition and fees, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. In contrast, community colleges cost under $4,500 per year. By researching tuition and fees, students can find a program that fits their budget.

Grants and scholarships offer one of the best forms of financial aid for trade school. Unlike loans, students do not need to pay back scholarships and grants.

The following section provides information about scholarships available to students at vocational schools in Oregon.

Government agencies, private organizations, and foundations provide scholarships for students pursuing a vocational certification or degree. In addition to the following scholarships, students can find opportunities based on their major or school.

TRADE AND VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS