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Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

2023 Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

121 Schools Ranked
$16,458 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$15,419 Avg Student Debt

There are so many trade school programs in today's world that it can tough to figure out which one is the right one for you. As online education oppotunities continue to grow, you're not restricted to just schools in your local area anymore. Even some of the 'big name' schools are offering online courses.

Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Trade College Search has created the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region to help you in your search for the best school for you. Our analysis looked at 121 schools in the Middle Atlantic Region to see which associate degree programs offered the best educational experiences for trade school students.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Trade Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region of the U.S.

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#3

Excelsior University

Albany, New York
1,240 Total Awards
$12,110 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Excelsior University. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Albany, New York is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out associate degrees to 1,240 students in 2021-2022.

Associate Degree recipients from Excelsior University accumulate an average of $12,110 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Interested in an online degree? Then you definitely want to check out Excelsior University. Every undergraduate student at the school took at least one class online.

Read full report on Excelsior University

#4

Molloy College

Rockville Centre, New York
22 Total Awards
$36,030 Average Tuition & Fees

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Molloy College is a great place for trade school students working on their associate degree. Rockville Centre, New York is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out associate degrees to 22 students in 2021-2022.

If you want to attend Molloy, expect to pay an average of $36,030 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Molloy. In fact, around 62% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Molloy College Report

1,741 Total Awards
$4,945 Average Tuition & Fees
$10,189 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Delaware Technical Community College - Terry. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. This fairly large public school is located in Dover, Delaware, and it awarded 1,741 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Delaware Tech is $4,945. Out-of-state students pay an average of $11,808. On average, associate degree students take out $10,189 in loans while pursuing their degree.

One thing to take note of is that Delaware Tech does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 43% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Delaware Technical Community College - Terry Report

#6

Union County College

Cranford, New Jersey
1,519 Total Awards
$11,937 Avg Student Debt

Union County College ranked #6 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. This medium-sized public school is located in Cranford, New Jersey, and it awarded 1,519 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,937 in student loans.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Union County College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 73% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Union County College

#7

Widener University

Chester, Pennsylvania
13 Total Awards
$51,639 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,311 Avg Student Debt

Widener University came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. Located in Chester, Pennsylvania, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school handed out 13 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $51,639 to cover tuition and fees at Widener. 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 $15,311 in student loans.

Widener does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 36% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#9

County College of Morris

Randolph, New Jersey
1,107 Total Awards
$10,260 Average Tuition & Fees
$10,222 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #9, County College of Morris did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. County College of Morris is a medium-sized public school situated in Randolph, New Jersey. It awarded 1,107 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at County College of Morris is $10,260. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $14,040. On average, associate degree students take out $10,222 in loans while pursuing their degree.

County College of Morris does offer online classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 43% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on County College of Morris

#10

Middlesex County College

Edison, New Jersey
1,616 Total Awards
$6,876 Average Tuition & Fees
$9,350 Avg Student Debt

Middlesex County College ranked #10 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Middlesex County College is a medium-sized public school located in Edison, New Jersey that handed out 1,616 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $6,876 to cover tuition and fees at Middlesex County College. 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 $9,350 in student loans.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Middlesex County College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 79% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Middlesex County College

#11

Central Penn College

Summerdale, Pennsylvania
119 Total Awards
$19,404 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,442 Avg Student Debt

Central Penn 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 #11 on the list. Summerdale, Pennsylvania is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out associate degrees to 119 students in 2021-2022.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $19,404 to cover tuition and fees at Central Penn. 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 $15,442 in student loans.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Central Penn does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 79% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#12

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology

Lancaster, Pennsylvania
412 Total Awards
$8,450 Average Tuition & Fees
$8,889 Avg Student Debt

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree trade school programs. Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology is a small public school located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania that handed out 412 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $8,450 to cover tuition and fees at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. 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 $8,889 in student loans.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 94% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#13

Harcum College

Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
363 Total Awards
$28,240 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,109 Avg Student Debt

Harcum 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. Harcum College is a private not-for-profit institution located in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 363 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

If you want to attend Harcum College, expect to pay an average of $28,240 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,109 in student loans.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Harcum College does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2020-2021 year, about 64% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Harcum College Report

#14

Pennsylvania College of Technology

Williamsport, Pennsylvania
711 Total Awards
$17,940 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,551 Avg Student Debt

Pennsylvania College of Technology 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 #14 on the list. Located in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, the small public school awarded 711 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Pennsylvania pay an average of $17,940 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Penn College. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $25,680. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,551 in student loans.

Penn College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 47% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Pennsylvania College of Technology

#15

Thomas Edison State University

Trenton, New Jersey
430 Total Awards
$15,208 Avg Student Debt

Thomas Edison State University landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree trade school programs. Thomas Edison State University is a medium-sized public school located in Trenton, New Jersey that handed out 430 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,208 in student loans.

TESU is primarily an online school, so it is a great choice for returning adults and students who work full time.

Read More…

#16

Raritan Valley Community College

Branchburg, New Jersey
1,068 Total Awards
$7,296 Average Tuition & Fees
$11,194 Avg Student Debt

Raritan Valley Community College ranked #16 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. RVCC is a medium-sized public school situated in Branchburg, New Jersey. It awarded 1,068 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

RVCC does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $7,296. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from RVCC accumulate an average of $11,194 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at RVCC. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 32% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#17

Bergen Community College

Paramus, New Jersey
2,011 Total Awards
$8,438 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,518 Avg Student Debt

Bergen Community College came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. Bergen Community College is a fairly large public school situated in Paramus, New Jersey. It awarded 2,011 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $8,438 in tuition and fees if they attend Bergen Community College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,822. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,518 in student loans.

Online courses are available at Bergen Community College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. During the 2020-2021 year, about 87% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Bergen Community College

#18

Baltimore City Community College

Baltimore, Maryland
385 Total Awards
$3,314 Average Tuition & Fees

Baltimore City Community College came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. Baltimore City Community College is a public institution located in Baltimore, Maryland. The school has a small population, and it awarded 385 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Maryland pay an average of $3,314 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Baltimore City Community College. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $7,394.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Baltimore City Community College. In 2020-2021 about 100% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#19

Lehigh Carbon Community College

Schnecksville, Pennsylvania
853 Total Awards
$9,030 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,247 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #19, Lehigh Carbon Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. LCCC is a medium-sized public school situated in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania. It awarded 853 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at LCCC is $9,030. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $12,960. On average, associate degree students take out $12,247 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at LCCC. In fact, around 73% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Lehigh Carbon Community College Report

#21

Salem Community College

Carneys Point, New Jersey
212 Total Awards
$12,695 Avg Student Debt

Salem Community College came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. Salem Community College is a small public school located in Carneys Point, New Jersey that handed out 212 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, associate degree students take out $12,695 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Salem County College. During the 2020-2021 year, about 64% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Salem Community College

#22

Brookdale Community College

Lincroft, New Jersey
1,611 Total Awards
$8,948 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,160 Avg Student Debt

Brookdale Community College came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. Brookdale Community College is a public institution located in Lincroft, New Jersey. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,611 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from New Jersey who attend Brookdale Community College full time pay an average of $8,948 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $9,698. On average, associate degree students take out $13,160 in loans while pursuing their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Brookdale Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 32% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#23

Bucks County Community College

Newtown, Pennsylvania
823 Total Awards
$9,184 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,561 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #23, Bucks County Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Newtown, Pennsylvania is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 823 students in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Pennsylvania pay an average of $9,184 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Bucks County Community College. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $13,384. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,561 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Bucks County Community College. During the 2020-2021 year, about 81% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Bucks County Community College Report

#24

Nassau Community College

Garden City, New York
2,247 Total Awards
$6,330 Average Tuition & Fees
$11,890 Avg Student Debt

Nassau Community College landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree trade school programs. Nassau Community College is a fairly large public school situated in Garden City, New York. It awarded 2,247 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from New York pay an average of $6,330 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Nassau Community College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $12,130. Associate Degree recipients from Nassau Community College accumulate an average of $11,890 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Nassau Community College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2020-2021 about 85% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#25

Mercyhurst University

Erie, Pennsylvania
111 Total Awards
$43,460 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,242 Avg Student Debt

Mercyhurst University ranked #25 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Mercyhurst University is a small private not-for-profit school located in Erie, Pennsylvania that handed out 111 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Mercyhurst does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $43,460. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,242 in student loans.

Mercyhurst does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 25% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Mercyhurst University Report

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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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