Attending a trade school in Texas is a great way to get started in your career with low-cost training and less debt. Trade programs offer training for highly skilled workers in growing industries. Some programs even prepare people for jobs with comparable salaries to positions that require a college education.
If attending trade school appeals to you, this guide offers a list of the best trade schools in Texas, along with career and financial advice.
Careers Institute of America
- Type: Private for-profit
- Net Cost: $20,883
- Location: Dallas, Texas
- Admission/application Requirements: High school or GED diploma; at least 17 years of age; interview with an admission representative
- Graduation Requirements: Successful completion of courses
- Accreditation: Council on Occupational Education
Established in 2013, the Careers Institute of America offers courses that train students in specific technical skills. Individuals can enroll in courses in Cisco networking, network administration, and basic and advanced welding. They can also take air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration classes. In addition, they can earn several certifications.
Austin Career Institute
- Type: Private for-profit
- Net Cost: $17,436
- Location: Austin, Texas
- Admission/application Requirements: High school or GED diploma
- Graduation Requirements: Successful completion of coursework
- Accreditation: Council on Occupational Education
Austin Career Institute’s mission is to educate low-income people, veterans, laid-off workers, immigrants, and first-generation Americans and prepare them for in-demand careers. The programs train students for certificates in medical assistance, HVAC tech, and electrical tech. Students can graduate in 6.5-10 months, depending on their program.
CyberText Institute of Technology
- Type: Private for-profit
- Net Cost: $19,439
- Location: Austin, Texas
- Admission/application Requirements: High school or GED diploma; ability to read at basic eighth-grade level; nursing students must pass an assessment
- Graduation Requirements: Successful completion of courses
- Accreditation: Council on Occupational Education
CyberTex facilitates four areas of study, including medical assisting, network engineering, and vocational nursing. The final study area is heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. The nursing program trains students to become licensed vocational nurses (LVNs). Students can take advantage of career services, and the school offers benefits for veterans as well.
Elite Welding Academy
- Type: Private for-profit
- Net Cost: $19,660
- Location: Houston, Texas
- Admission/application Requirements: High school or GED diploma; at least 18 years old; good physical condition including good eyesight
- Graduation Requirements: Successful completion of coursework
- Accreditation: Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training
Elite Welding Academy offers a training program in structural and pipe welding. It lasts 26 weeks, with students participating in courses for 40 hours a week. Learners can also choose evening classes. The second program in manufacturing welding only lasts 240 hours. A mechanical contractor that owns the academy employs many graduates directly after graduation.
Nuvani Institute
- Type: Private, for-profit
- Net Cost: $14,067
- Location: San Antonio, Texas
- Admission/application Requirements: High school or GED diploma; at least 17 years of age
- Graduation Requirements: Successful completion of courses
- Accreditation: Council on Occupational Education
This small beauty institute teaches students how to become hairstylists, nail technicians, and cosmetology instructors. The programs teach skills such as hair coloring and manicuring procedures.
FAQs
What are the best trade schools in Texas?
Some top trade schools in Texas include Lincoln Tech, South Texas Vocational Technical Institute, and Texas State Technical College.
What programs do trade schools in Texas offer?
Trade schools in Texas offer programs in welding, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, healthcare, automotive technology, and more.
How much does trade school cost in Texas?
The cost varies by program and school but typically ranges from $5,000 to $30,000, depending on the course length and specialization.
How long does it take to complete a trade school program in Texas?
Most programs take between 6 months to 2 years to complete, depending on the field of study.
Are there online trade school programs in Texas?
Yes, some Texas trade schools offer online or hybrid programs for fields like medical billing, IT, and business administration.
What are the admission requirements for Texas trade schools?
Requirements vary, but most schools require a high school diploma or GED. Some programs may have additional prerequisites.
Can I get financial aid for trade school in Texas?
Yes, students can apply for federal financial aid (FAFSA), scholarships, and state grants to help cover tuition costs.
What are the highest-paying trade jobs in Texas?
Some high-paying trade jobs include electricians, HVAC technicians, welders, dental hygienists, and IT specialists.
Do trade schools in Texas offer job placement assistance?
Many trade schools provide career services, including job placement assistance, internships, and resume-building support.
Are trade school credits transferable to a college in Texas?
Some trade school credits may transfer to colleges, but it depends on the institution and program accreditation.
