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2023 Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Ohio
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.
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Top Trade Associate Degree Schools in Ohio
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
Our 2023 rankings named Miami University - Hamilton the best school in Ohio for trade school students working on their associate degree. Located in Hamilton, Ohio, the small public school handed out 111 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.
Students from Ohio who attend Miami University - Hamilton full time pay an average of $6,704 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $17,490. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,499 in student loans.
Miami University - Hamilton does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 85% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.
You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Herzing University - Akron. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Ohio list. Located in Akron, Ohio, the very small private not-for-profit school awarded 109 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.
Herzing Akron does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $12,750. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, associate degree students take out $24,352 in loans while pursuing their degree.
Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Herzing Akron. In fact, around 77% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.
Out of the 38 schools in Ohio that were part of this year’s ranking, Miami University - Middletown landed the # 3 spot on the list. Miami University - Middletown is located in Middletown, Ohio and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 66 associate degrees to qualified students.
Full-time students from Ohio pay an average of $6,670 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Miami University - Middletown. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $17,390. On average, associate degree students take out $21,499 in loans while pursuing their degree.
You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Miami University - Middletown. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 88% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Cincinnati State Technical and Community College is a great place for trade school students working on their associate degree. 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. Out-of-state students pay an average of $9,558. Associate Degree recipients from Cincinnati State accumulate an average of $14,555 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
One thing to take note of is that Cincinnati State does offer online classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 57% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
Read full report on Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
The excellent associate degree programs at James A Rhodes State College helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the best trade school schools in Ohio. James A Rhodes State College is a small public school located in Lima, Ohio that handed out 301 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Students from Ohio who attend Rhodes State College full time pay an average of $4,532 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,742. Associate Degree recipients from Rhodes State College accumulate an average of $13,353 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
Some students may be able to take online classes at Rhodes State College. In fact, around 35% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.
University of Northwestern Ohio ranked #6 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Ohio list. Located in Lima, Ohio, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 996 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.
The average tuition and fees at University of Northwestern Ohio is $11,867. 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 University of Northwestern Ohio accumulate an average of $17,602 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
One thing to take note of is that University of Northwestern Ohio does offer online classes in some areas. In 2020-2021 about 28% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
With a ranking of #7, Youngstown State University did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. This fairly large public school is located in Youngstown, Ohio, and it awarded 105 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
In-state students pay an average of $9,585 in tuition and fees if they attend Youngstown State University full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $9,945. On average, associate degree students take out $22,730 in loans while pursuing their degree.
Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Youngstown State University. In 2020-2021 about 52% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
University of Cincinnati - Clermont College came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Ohio ranking. Batavia, Ohio is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 634 students 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. Out-of-state students pay an average of $13,596. Associate Degree recipients from UC Clermont College accumulate an average of $17,313 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
You may have the opportunity 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.
University of Cincinnati - Blue Ash 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 #9 on the list. Located in Blue Ash, Ohio, the medium-sized public school awarded 759 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.
Students from Ohio who attend UC Blue Ash College full time pay an average of $6,790 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $15,588. On average, associate degree students take out $17,164 in loans while pursuing their degree.
One thing to take note of is that UC Blue Ash College does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2020-2021 year, about 72% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
With a ranking of #10, Bowling Green State University - Firelands did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. This small public school is located in Huron, Ohio, and it awarded 325 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at BGSU-Firelands is $6,036. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $14,025. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,772 in student loans.
BGSU-Firelands 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 68% took at least some of their classes online.
Read full report on Bowling Green State University - Firelands
Remington College - Cleveland Campus landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree trade school programs. Remington College - Cleveland Campus is located in Cleveland, Ohio and has a very small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 32 associate degrees to qualified students.
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.
With a ranking of #12, Kent State University at Ashtabula did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Kent State University at Ashtabula is a small public school situated in Ashtabula, Ohio. It awarded 192 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Full-time students from Ohio pay an average of $6,995 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Kent State University at Ashtabula. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $15,910. Associate Degree recipients from Kent State University at Ashtabula accumulate an average of $21,114 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
Online courses are available at Kent State University at Ashtabula, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 87% took at least some of their classes online.
With a ranking of #13, Owens Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Owens State Community College is a medium-sized public school situated in Perrysburg, Ohio. It awarded 1,046 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
In-state students pay an average of $5,630 in tuition and fees if they attend Owens State Community College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to 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. During the 2020-2021 year, about 48% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
University of Akron Main Campus came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Ohio ranking. Akron, Ohio is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 393 students in 2021-2022.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at University of Akron Main Campus is $12,427. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $15,500. Associate Degree recipients from University of Akron Main Campus accumulate an average of $22,870 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
You may have the opportunity to take online classes at University of Akron Main Campus. In fact, around 66% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.
Lakeland Community College came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Ohio ranking. This small public school is located in Kirtland, Ohio, and it awarded 814 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Students from Ohio who attend Lakeland full time pay an average of $4,477 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $9,105. On average, associate degree students take out $16,198 in loans while pursuing their degree.
Some students may be able to take online classes at Lakeland. In fact, around 61% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.
With a ranking of #16, Zane State College did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Zane State College is located in Zanesville, Ohio and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 285 associate degrees to qualified students.
Full-time students from Ohio pay an average of $5,706 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Zane State College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $11,166. Associate Degree recipients from Zane State College accumulate an average of $8,865 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 Zane State College does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 58% took at least some of their classes online.
North Central 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 #17 on the list. Mansfield, Ohio is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 354 students in 2021-2022.
Students from Ohio who attend North Central State College full time pay an average of $5,786 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $11,384. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $9,480 in student loans.
If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since North Central State College does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2020-2021 about 65% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
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. Located in Salem, Ohio, the small public school handed out 124 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.
Students from Ohio who attend Kent State University at Salem full time pay an average of $6,995 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $15,910. On average, associate degree students take out $21,120 in loans while pursuing their degree.
You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Kent State University at Salem. In fact, around 82% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.
Central Ohio Technical 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 #19 on the list. Central Ohio Technical College is a small public school located in Newark, Ohio that handed out 344 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
On average, associate degree students take out $14,718 in loans while pursuing their degree.
Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at COTC. During the 2020-2021 year, about 39% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
Sinclair Community College ranked #20 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Ohio list. Located in Dayton, Ohio, the fairly large public school awarded 2,094 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Sinclair Community College is $4,569. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,316. Associate Degree recipients from Sinclair Community College accumulate an average of $13,597 in student debt by the time they complete 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.
Cuyahoga Community College District came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Ohio ranking. Cuyahoga Community College District is a public institution located in Cleveland, Ohio. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 2,352 associate degrees 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.
One thing to take note of is that Cuyahoga Community College District does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 86% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.
Stautzenberger College - Maumee ranked #22 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Ohio list. Stautzenberger College - Maumee is a private for-profit institution located in Maumee, Ohio. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 115 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Stautzenberger College - Maumee does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $16,699. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, associate degree students take out $24,881 in loans while pursuing their degree.
One thing to take note of is that Stautzenberger College - Maumee does offer online classes in some areas. 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.
Shawnee State University ranked #23 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Ohio list. Located in Portsmouth, Ohio, the small public school awarded 160 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 $18,137 in student loans.
Online courses are available at Shawnee State University, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2020-2021 about 69% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
Stark 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 #24 on the list. Stark State College is a public institution located in North Canton, Ohio. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 1,081 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Students from Ohio who attend Stark State College full time pay an average of $4,548 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $7,644. On average, associate degree students take out $16,140 in loans while pursuing their degree.
If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Stark State College does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2020-2021 year, about 58% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
Washington State Community College ranked #25 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Ohio list. Washington State Community College is a small public school located in Marietta, Ohio that handed out 307 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,048 in student loans.
Online courses are available at WSCC, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2020-2021 about 58% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
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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.