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2023 Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region
When it comes to higher education, there are a lot of options for trade school students. With more and more schools offering online options, you could even register for a great program on the other side of the country.
The Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking is one of many tools that Trade College Search has developed to help you make your educational decision. Our analysis looked at 50 schools in the Rocky Mountains Region to see which associate degree programs offered the best educational experiences for trade school students.
View our full ranking methodology.
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Top Trade Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region of the U.S.
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
Our analysis found University of Providence to be the best school for trade school students who want to pursue a associate degree in the Rocky Mountains Region . Located in Great Falls, Montana, the very small private not-for-profit school handed out 1 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.
If you want to attend University of Providence, expect to pay an average of $27,606 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid.
University of Providence is primarily an online school, so it is a great choice for returning adults and students who work full time.
You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Highlands College of Montana Tech. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. Butte, Montana is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 53 students in 2021-2022.
Students from Montana who attend Highlands College of Montana Tech full time pay an average of $3,667 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $9,642. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,254 in student loans.
Highlands College of Montana Tech 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 29% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.
Out of the 50 schools in the Rocky Mountains Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Utah State University landed the # 3 spot on the list. USU is located in Logan, Utah and has a large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,092 associate degrees to qualified students.
Full-time students from Utah pay an average of $8,305 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend USU. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $24,223. Associate Degree recipients from USU accumulate an average of $15,964 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at USU. In fact, around 70% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.
A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Montana State University - Northern is a great place for trade school students working on their associate degree. Montana State University - Northern is a public institution located in Havre, Montana. The school has a small population, and it awarded 104 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Full-time students from Montana pay an average of $5,955 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Montana State University - Northern. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $18,665. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,483 in student loans.
One thing to take note of is that Montana State University - Northern does offer online classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 61% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
The excellent associate degree programs at Utah Valley University helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the best trade school schools in the Rocky Mountains Region . Located in Orem, Utah, the large public school awarded 4,917 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.
In-state students pay an average of $6,270 in tuition and fees if they attend UVU full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $17,830. On average, associate degree students take out $12,562 in loans while pursuing their degree.
One thing to take note of is that UVU 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.
Brigham Young University - Idaho 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 #6 on the list. Brigham Young University - Idaho is a large private not-for-profit school located in Rexburg, Idaho that handed out 1,895 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Associate Degree recipients from BYU - I accumulate an average of $13,442 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
You may have the opportunity to take online classes at BYU - I. During the 2020-2021 year, about 78% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
Western Wyoming Community College ranked #7 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. Located in Rock Springs, Wyoming, the small public school awarded 262 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.
Full-time students from Wyoming pay an average of $3,600 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend WWCC. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,640. Associate Degree recipients from WWCC accumulate an average of $11,197 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
One thing to take note of is that WWCC does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 55% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.
Colorado Northwestern 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 #8 on the list. Colorado Northwestern Community College is a small public school located in Rangely, Colorado that handed out 137 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Students from Colorado who attend CNCC full time pay an average of $4,236 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $6,740. On average, associate degree students take out $12,923 in loans while pursuing their degree.
Online courses are available at CNCC, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 25% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.
Northern Wyoming Community College District ranked #9 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. Northern Wyoming Community College District is a public institution located in Sheridan, Wyoming. The school has a small population, and it awarded 472 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Northern Wyoming Community College District is $4,830. Out-of-state students pay an average of $11,130. On average, associate degree students take out $11,152 in loans while pursuing their degree.
Northern Wyoming Community College District does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 37% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.
Laramie County 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 #10 on the list. Laramie County Community College is a small public school located in Cheyenne, Wyoming that handed out 445 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at LCCC is $4,613. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $10,913. Associate Degree recipients from LCCC accumulate an average of $13,675 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
Some students may be able to take online classes at LCCC. 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.
With a ranking of #11, Montana State University did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. MSU Bozeman is located in Bozeman, Montana and has a fairly large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 115 associate degrees to qualified students.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at MSU Bozeman is $7,727. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $29,604. Associate Degree recipients from MSU Bozeman accumulate an average of $16,147 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
MSU Bozeman 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 19% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
Weber State University came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking. Located in Ogden, Utah, the large public school handed out 3,110 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.
In-state students pay an average of $6,391 in tuition and fees if they attend WSU full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $17,084. On average, associate degree students take out $18,082 in loans while pursuing their degree.
You may have the opportunity to take online classes at WSU. In 2020-2021 about 47% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
Salt Lake Community College landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree trade school programs. Salt Lake Community College is a large public school situated in Salt Lake City, Utah. It awarded 3,261 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Salt Lake Community College is $4,257. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $13,701. Associate Degree recipients from Salt Lake Community College accumulate an average of $10,066 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Salt Lake Community College. In 2020-2021 about 47% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
Idaho State University came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking. Idaho State University is a fairly large public school located in Pocatello, Idaho that handed out 529 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Students from Idaho who attend ISU full time pay an average of $7,958 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $25,936. On average, associate degree students take out $22,532 in loans while pursuing their degree.
If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since ISU does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 54% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
Community College of Aurora came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking. CCA is a public institution located in Aurora, Colorado. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 620 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Students from Colorado who attend CCA full time pay an average of $4,030 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $15,832. On average, associate degree students take out $17,334 in loans while pursuing their degree.
Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at CCA. In fact, around 22% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.
Montana State University - Billings ranked #17 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. Located in Billings, Montana, the small public school awarded 202 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.
Students from Montana who attend Montana State University - Billings full time pay an average of $6,198 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $19,924. On average, associate degree students take out $18,205 in loans while pursuing their degree.
You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Montana State University - Billings. In 2020-2021 about 61% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
Aims Community College landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree trade school programs. Aims Community College is a public institution located in Greeley, Colorado. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 686 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Students from Colorado who attend Aims Community College full time pay an average of $2,954 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $10,850. Associate Degree recipients from Aims Community College accumulate an average of $10,156 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
Aims 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 2020-2021 about 44% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
Red Rocks Community College came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking. Located in Lakewood, Colorado, the medium-sized public school handed out 593 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.
In-state students pay an average of $4,471 in tuition and fees if they attend Red Rocks Community College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $16,135. On average, associate degree students take out $14,553 in loans while pursuing their degree.
Red Rocks Community College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 51% took at least some of their classes online.
Arapahoe 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 #20 on the list. Littleton, Colorado is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 754 students in 2021-2022.
Students from Colorado who attend Arapahoe Community College full time pay an average of $4,080 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $15,502. Associate Degree recipients from Arapahoe Community College accumulate an average of $15,611 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
Arapahoe Community College is primarily an online school, so it is a great choice for returning adults and students who work full time.
Lewis - Clark 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 #21 on the list. Lewis - Clark State College is a public institution located in Lewiston, Idaho. The school has a small population, and it awarded 204 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Associate Degree recipients from Lewis - Clark State College accumulate an average of $18,177 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
Lewis - Clark State 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, 51% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
Miles Community College ranked #22 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. Located in Miles City, Montana, the very small public school handed out 81 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.
In-state students pay an average of $6,240 in tuition and fees if they attend Miles Community College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $10,110. On average, associate degree students take out $17,203 in loans while pursuing their degree.
Some students may be able to take online classes at Miles Community College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 75% took at least some of their classes online.
The University of Montana 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. Located in Missoula, Montana, the medium-sized public school awarded 296 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.
Students from Montana who attend UM full time pay an average of $7,719 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $29,634. On average, associate degree students take out $19,416 in loans while pursuing their degree.
If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since UM does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 41% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
Casper College ranked #24 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. Casper College is a public institution located in Casper, Wyoming. The school has a small population, and it awarded 609 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Casper College is $3,528. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,568. Associate Degree recipients from Casper College accumulate an average of $12,545 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Casper College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 54% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
North Idaho College came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking. Located in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, the small public school handed out 729 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.
In-state students pay an average of $4,960 in tuition and fees if they attend NIC full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,736. Associate Degree recipients from NIC accumulate an average of $11,435 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
Some students may be able to take online classes at NIC. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 72% took at least some of their classes online.
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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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