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Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

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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

Out of the 121 schools in the Middle Atlantic Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Excelsior University landed the # 3 spot on the list. Excelsior University is located in Albany, New York and has a fairly large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,240 associate degrees to qualified students.

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

If you are interested in distance education, Excelsior University is an excellent choice, since the school is online.

Full Excelsior University Report

#4

Molloy College

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

Out of the 121 schools in the Middle Atlantic Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Molloy College landed the # 4 spot on the list. Molloy is located in Rockville Centre, New York and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 22 associate degrees to qualified students.

The average tuition and fees at Molloy is $36,030. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid.

Molloy does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 62% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

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. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $11,808. On average, associate degree students take out $10,189 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Delaware Tech does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 43% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#6

Union County College

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

Union County College landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree trade school programs. Located in Cranford, New Jersey, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,519 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 $11,937 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Union County College. In 2020-2021 about 73% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Union County College Report

#7

Widener University

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

Widener University ranked #7 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Widener University is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school located in Chester, Pennsylvania that handed out 13 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

If you want to attend Widener, expect to pay an average of $51,639 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, associate degree students take out $15,311 in loans while pursuing their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Widener does offer online classes for certain majors. 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

County College of Morris ranked #9 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. County College of Morris is located in Randolph, New Jersey and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,107 associate degrees to qualified students.

Students from New Jersey who attend County College of Morris full time pay an average of $10,260 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $14,040. Associate Degree recipients from County College of Morris accumulate an average of $10,222 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at County College of Morris. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 43% took at least some of their classes online.

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 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. Middlesex County College is located in Edison, New Jersey and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,616 associate degrees to qualified students.

The average tuition and fees at Middlesex County College is $6,876. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. 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. During the 2020-2021 year, about 79% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Middlesex County College Report

#11

Central Penn College

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

With a ranking of #11, Central Penn College did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Central Penn is a very small private for-profit school situated in Summerdale, Pennsylvania. It awarded 119 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at Central Penn is $19,404. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. On average, associate degree students take out $15,442 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Central Penn 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 79% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Central Penn College

#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 ranked #12 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the small public school handed out 412 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology is $8,450. 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 Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology accumulate an average of $8,889 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 94% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology Report

#13

Harcum College

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

With a ranking of #13, Harcum College did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out associate degrees to 363 students in 2021-2022.

Harcum College does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $28,240. 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 $20,109 in student loans.

Online courses are available at Harcum College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 64% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

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. Penn College is located in Williamsport, Pennsylvania and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 711 associate degrees to qualified students.

In-state students pay an average of $17,940 in tuition and fees if they attend Penn College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $25,680. On average, associate degree students take out $20,551 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Penn College. During the 2020-2021 year, about 47% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Pennsylvania College of Technology Report

#15

Thomas Edison State University

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

Thomas Edison State University came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. TESU is a medium-sized public school situated in Trenton, New Jersey. It awarded 430 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Associate Degree recipients from TESU accumulate an average of $15,208 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

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

Read More…

#16

Raritan Valley Community College

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

With a ranking of #16, Raritan Valley Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Located in Branchburg, New Jersey, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,068 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students 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. On average, associate degree students take out $11,194 in loans while pursuing their degree.

RVCC does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 32% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class 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. This fairly large public school is located in Paramus, New Jersey, and 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. If you are from out of state, expect to 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.

Bergen Community College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 87% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

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 ranked #18 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. 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.

In-state students pay an average of $3,314 in tuition and fees if they attend Baltimore City Community College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $7,394.

Baltimore City Community College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 100% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Baltimore City Community College Report

#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. Located in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania, the medium-sized public school handed out 853 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.

Students from Pennsylvania who attend LCCC full time pay an average of $9,030 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $12,960. On average, associate degree students take out $12,247 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Depending on your major, you 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 landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree trade school programs. Located in Carneys Point, New Jersey, the small public school handed out 212 associate degree awards 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 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 #22 on the list. Lincroft, New Jersey is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 1,611 students in 2021-2022.

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

Some students may be able to take online classes at Brookdale Community College. In fact, around 32% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#23

Bucks County Community College

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

Bucks County Community College came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. Bucks County Community College is a public institution located in Newtown, Pennsylvania. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 823 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $9,184 in tuition and fees if they attend Bucks County Community College full time. Out-of-state students 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.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Bucks County Community College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 81% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Bucks County Community College

#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 came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. Located in Garden City, New York, the fairly large public school awarded 2,247 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.

Students from New York who attend Nassau Community College full time pay an average of $6,330 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $12,130. On average, associate degree students take out $11,890 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Online courses are available at Nassau Community College, 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 85% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Nassau Community College

#25

Mercyhurst University

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

With a ranking of #25, Mercyhurst University did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Mercyhurst is located in Erie, Pennsylvania and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 111 associate degrees to qualified students.

If you want to attend Mercyhurst, expect to pay an average of $43,460 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, associate degree students take out $20,242 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Mercyhurst does offer online classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 25% of undergraduates took at least one course online 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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