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Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Ohio

2023 Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Ohio

38 Schools Ranked
$7,520 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$17,595 Avg Student Debt

With all the trade school programs available today, it can be tough to choose which one is the best for you. You can choose a traditional brick and mortar school, or with the growth of online education, you can attend a school half-way across the country without even leaving your house.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Trade College Search has created its Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Ohio ranking. This report analyzed 38 schools in Ohio to see which ones offered the best associate degree programs for trade school students.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Trade Associate Degree Schools in Ohio

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Miami University - Hamilton

Hamilton, Ohio
111 Total Awards
$6,704 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,499 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Miami University - Hamilton to be the best school for trade school students who want to pursue a associate degree in Ohio. Located in Hamilton, Ohio, the small public school awarded 111 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Ohio pay an average of $6,704 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Miami University - Hamilton. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $17,490. On average, associate degree students take out $21,499 in loans while pursuing their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Miami University - Hamilton does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2020-2021 year, about 85% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Miami University - Hamilton

109 Total Awards
$12,750 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,352 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 38 schools in Ohio that were part of this year’s ranking, Herzing University - Akron landed the # 2 spot on the list. This very small private not-for-profit school is located in Akron, Ohio, and it awarded 109 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $12,750 to cover tuition and fees at Herzing Akron. The school does not offer an in-state discount. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,352 in student loans.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Herzing Akron. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 77% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#3

Miami University - Middletown

Middletown, Ohio
66 Total Awards
$6,670 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,499 Avg Student Debt

The excellent associate degree programs at Miami University - Middletown helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the best trade school schools in Ohio. Miami University - Middletown is a small public school situated in Middletown, Ohio. It awarded 66 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Miami University - Middletown is $6,670. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $17,390. On average, associate degree students take out $21,499 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Miami University - Middletown does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 88% took at least some of their classes online.

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1,009 Total Awards
$5,274 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,555 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Cincinnati State Technical and Community College. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Ohio list. Cincinnati State Technical and Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Cincinnati, Ohio that handed out 1,009 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from Ohio who attend Cincinnati State full time pay an average of $5,274 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $9,558. On average, associate degree students take out $14,555 in loans while pursuing their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Cincinnati State. During the 2020-2021 year, about 57% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Cincinnati State Technical and Community College

301 Total Awards
$4,532 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,353 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means James A Rhodes State College is a great place for trade school students working on their associate degree. Rhodes State College is located in Lima, Ohio and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 301 associate degrees to qualified students.

Students from Ohio who attend Rhodes State College full time pay an average of $4,532 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,742. On average, associate degree students take out $13,353 in loans while pursuing their degree.

One thing to take note of is that Rhodes State College does offer online classes in some areas. In 2020-2021 about 35% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on James A Rhodes State College

996 Total Awards
$11,867 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,602 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #6, University of Northwestern Ohio did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. University of Northwestern Ohio is located in Lima, Ohio and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 996 associate degrees to qualified students.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $11,867 to cover tuition and fees at University of Northwestern Ohio. The school does not offer an in-state discount. On average, associate degree students take out $17,602 in loans while pursuing their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since University of Northwestern Ohio does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 28% took at least some of their classes online.

Full University of Northwestern Ohio Report

#7

Youngstown State University

Youngstown, Ohio
105 Total Awards
$9,585 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,730 Avg Student Debt

Youngstown State University came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Ohio ranking. Youngstown, Ohio is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 105 students in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $9,585 in tuition and fees if they attend Youngstown State University full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $9,945. On average, associate degree students take out $22,730 in loans while pursuing their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Youngstown State University. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 52% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

634 Total Awards
$6,364 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,313 Avg Student Debt

University of Cincinnati - Clermont College ranked #8 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Ohio list. University of Cincinnati - Clermont College is a medium-sized public school located in Batavia, Ohio that handed out 634 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Ohio pay an average of $6,364 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend UC Clermont College. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $13,596. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,313 in student loans.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at UC Clermont College. During the 2020-2021 year, about 89% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on University of Cincinnati - Clermont College

759 Total Awards
$6,790 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,164 Avg Student Debt

University of Cincinnati - Blue Ash College landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree trade school programs. Blue Ash, Ohio is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 759 students in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Ohio pay an average of $6,790 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend UC Blue Ash College. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $15,588. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,164 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at UC Blue Ash College. During the 2020-2021 year, about 72% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full University of Cincinnati - Blue Ash College Report

325 Total Awards
$6,036 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,772 Avg Student Debt

Bowling Green State University - Firelands did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get an associate degree. It came in at #10 on the list. Huron, Ohio is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 325 students in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Ohio pay an average of $6,036 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend BGSU-Firelands. Out-of-state students pay an average of $14,025. On average, associate degree students take out $19,772 in loans while pursuing their degree.

BGSU-Firelands does offer online classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 68% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read More…

32 Total Awards
$21,173 Avg Student Debt

Remington College - Cleveland Campus ranked #11 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Ohio list. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, the very small private not-for-profit school handed out 32 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.

Associate Degree recipients from Remington College - Cleveland Campus accumulate an average of $21,173 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Since Remington College - Cleveland Campus is primarily an online school, it is an excellent choice for undergraduate students who need more flexibility than what is offered at some other schools.

Read full report on Remington College - Cleveland Campus

192 Total Awards
$6,995 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,114 Avg Student Debt

Kent State University at Ashtabula landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree trade school programs. Located in Ashtabula, Ohio, the small public school awarded 192 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $6,995 in tuition and fees if they attend Kent State University at Ashtabula full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $15,910. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,114 in student loans.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Kent State University at Ashtabula does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2020-2021 year, about 87% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Kent State University at Ashtabula Report

#13

Owens Community College

Perrysburg, Ohio
1,046 Total Awards
$5,630 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,299 Avg Student Debt

Owens Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get an associate degree. It came in at #13 on the list. Perrysburg, Ohio is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 1,046 students in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Ohio pay an average of $5,630 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Owens State Community College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $10,022. Associate Degree recipients from Owens State Community College accumulate an average of $18,299 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Owens State Community College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 48% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read More…

393 Total Awards
$12,427 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,870 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #14, University of Akron Main Campus did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Located in Akron, Ohio, the fairly large public school awarded 393 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $12,427 in tuition and fees if they attend University of Akron Main Campus full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $15,500. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,870 in student loans.

Online courses are available at University of Akron Main Campus, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2020-2021 about 66% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#15

Lakeland Community College

Kirtland, Ohio
814 Total Awards
$4,477 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,198 Avg Student Debt

Lakeland Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get an associate degree. It came in at #15 on the list. Located in Kirtland, Ohio, the small public school awarded 814 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $4,477 in tuition and fees if they attend Lakeland full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $9,105. Associate Degree recipients from Lakeland accumulate an average of $16,198 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Lakeland does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 61% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Lakeland Community College Report

#16

Zane State College

Zanesville, Ohio
285 Total Awards
$5,706 Average Tuition & Fees
$8,865 Avg Student Debt

Zane State College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get an associate degree. It came in at #16 on the list. Zane State College is a small public school situated in Zanesville, Ohio. It awarded 285 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Zane State College is $5,706. Out-of-state students pay an average of $11,166. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $8,865 in student loans.

Online courses are available at Zane State College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 58% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Zane State College

#17

North Central State College

Mansfield, Ohio
354 Total Awards
$5,786 Average Tuition & Fees
$9,480 Avg Student Debt

North Central State College landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree trade school programs. North Central State College is located in Mansfield, Ohio and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 354 associate degrees to qualified students.

Full-time students from Ohio pay an average of $5,786 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend North Central State College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $11,384. On average, associate degree students take out $9,480 in loans while pursuing their degree.

North Central State College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 65% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on North Central State College

124 Total Awards
$6,995 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,120 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #18, Kent State University at Salem did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Kent State University at Salem is a small public school situated in Salem, Ohio. It awarded 124 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Kent State University at Salem is $6,995. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $15,910. Associate Degree recipients from Kent State University at Salem accumulate an average of $21,120 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Online courses are available at Kent State University at Salem, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2020-2021 about 82% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

344 Total Awards
$14,718 Avg Student Debt

Central Ohio Technical College ranked #19 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Ohio list. Located in Newark, Ohio, the small public school awarded 344 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,718 in student loans.

COTC does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 39% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#20

Sinclair Community College

Dayton, Ohio
2,094 Total Awards
$4,569 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,597 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #20, Sinclair Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Sinclair Community College is a fairly large public school located in Dayton, Ohio that handed out 2,094 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Sinclair Community College is $4,569. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,316. On average, associate degree students take out $13,597 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Sinclair Community College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In fact, around 63% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

2,352 Total Awards
$10,641 Avg Student Debt

Cuyahoga Community College District ranked #21 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Ohio list. Cleveland, Ohio is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 2,352 students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,641 in student loans.

Cuyahoga Community College District does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. During the 2020-2021 year, about 86% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

115 Total Awards
$16,699 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,881 Avg Student Debt

Stautzenberger College - Maumee ranked #22 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Ohio list. This very small private for-profit school is located in Maumee, Ohio, and it awarded 115 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at Stautzenberger College - Maumee is $16,699. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from Stautzenberger College - Maumee accumulate an average of $24,881 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Stautzenberger College - Maumee. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 92% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Stautzenberger College - Maumee Report

#23

Shawnee State University

Portsmouth, Ohio
160 Total Awards
$18,137 Avg Student Debt

Shawnee State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get an associate degree. It came in at #23 on the list. Shawnee State University is a small public school situated in Portsmouth, Ohio. It awarded 160 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Associate Degree recipients from Shawnee State University accumulate an average of $18,137 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Shawnee State University. During the 2020-2021 year, about 69% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#24

Stark State College

North Canton, Ohio
1,081 Total Awards
$4,548 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,140 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #24, Stark State College did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Located in North Canton, Ohio, the fairly large public school awarded 1,081 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.

Students from Ohio who attend Stark State College full time pay an average of $4,548 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $7,644. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,140 in student loans.

One thing to take note of is that Stark State College does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 58% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Stark State College Report

307 Total Awards
$14,048 Avg Student Debt

Washington State Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get an associate degree. It came in at #25 on the list. Washington State Community College is a small public school located in Marietta, Ohio that handed out 307 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Associate Degree recipients from WSCC accumulate an average of $14,048 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at WSCC. In 2020-2021 about 58% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Washington State Community College Report

Best Trade Associate Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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