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Best Bachelor's Degree Trade Schools in the Southeast Region

2023 Best Bachelor's Degree Trade Schools in the Southeast Region

203 Schools Ranked
$16,385 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$23,511 Avg Student Debt

With all the trade school programs available today, it can be tough to choose which one is the best 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.

The Best Bachelor's Degree Trade Schools in the Southeast Region ranking is one of many tools that Trade College Search has developed to help you make your educational decision. This report analyzed 203 schools in the Southeast Region to see which ones offered the best bachelor's degree programs for trade school students.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Trade Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Southeast Region of the U.S.

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Columbia Southern University

Orange Beach, Alabama
2,691 Total Awards
$6,015 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,110 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Columbia Southern University the best school in the Southeast Region for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. Columbia Southern University is located in Orange Beach, Alabama and has a fairly large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 2,691 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

If you want to attend Columbia Southern University, expect to pay an average of $6,015 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Columbia Southern University accumulate an average of $24,110 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

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

Read full report on Columbia Southern University

#2

Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, Virginia
7,289 Total Awards
$14,666 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,726 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Virginia Tech. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Southeast Region list. Virginia Tech is located in Blacksburg, Virginia and has a large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 7,289 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

Full-time students from Virginia pay an average of $14,666 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Virginia Tech. Out-of-state students pay an average of $34,920. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $20,726 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Virginia 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. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 60% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Virginia Tech

#3

Clemson University

Clemson, South Carolina
5,123 Total Awards
$15,558 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,939 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Clemson University is a great place for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. Clemson University is a large public school located in Clemson, South Carolina that handed out 5,123 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Clemson is $15,558. Out-of-state students pay an average of $39,502. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $20,939 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Online courses are available at Clemson, 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, 49% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

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#4

University of Virginia - Main Campus

Charlottesville, Virginia
5,483 Total Awards
$21,425 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,901 Avg Student Debt

The excellent bachelor’s degree programs at University of Virginia - Main Campus helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the best trade school schools in the Southeast Region . Located in Charlottesville, Virginia, the large public school awarded 5,483 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at University of Virginia is $21,425. Out-of-state students pay an average of $57,374. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from University of Virginia accumulate an average of $16,901 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at University of Virginia. During the 2020-2021 year, about 22% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on University of Virginia - Main Campus

1,180 Total Awards
$13,842 Average Tuition & Fees
$28,981 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Rasmussen University - Florida. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Southeast Region list. Located in Ocala, Florida, the medium-sized private for-profit school awarded 1,180 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.

Rasmussen University - Florida does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $13,842. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Rasmussen University - Florida accumulate an average of $28,981 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Rasmussen University - Florida. During the 2020-2021 year, about 93% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Rasmussen University - Florida Report

#6

Emory University

Atlanta, Georgia
2,663 Total Awards
$57,948 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,314 Avg Student Debt

Emory University came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Emory is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Atlanta, Georgia. It awarded 2,663 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

If you want to attend Emory, expect to pay an average of $57,948 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Emory accumulate an average of $18,314 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Online courses are available at Emory, 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 61% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#7

Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw, Georgia
5,756 Total Awards
$5,786 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,379 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #7, Kennesaw State University did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. Located in Kennesaw, Georgia, the large public school awarded 5,756 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.

Students from Georgia who attend KSU Georgia 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 $17,040. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,379 in student loans.

Online courses are available at KSU Georgia, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2020-2021 about 57% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Kennesaw State University

#8

Murray State University

Murray, Kentucky
1,500 Total Awards
$9,432 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,717 Avg Student Debt

Murray State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #8 on the list. This medium-sized public school is located in Murray, Kentucky, and it awarded 1,500 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Kentucky pay an average of $9,432 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Murray State. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $18,888. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Murray State accumulate an average of $21,717 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Murray State does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2020-2021 year, about 42% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Murray State University

1,282 Total Awards
$40,564 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,970 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #9, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach is located in Daytona Beach, Florida and has a fairly large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,282 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

The average tuition and fees at Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach is $40,564. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach accumulate an average of $23,970 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 Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 7% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach

#10

Herzing University - Kenner

Metairie, Louisiana
34 Total Awards
$12,750 Average Tuition & Fees
$32,896 Avg Student Debt

Herzing University - Kenner came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Herzing University - Kenner is a very small private not-for-profit school located in Metairie, Louisiana that handed out 34 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

If you want to attend Herzing University - Kenner, expect to pay an average of $12,750 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $32,896 in loans while pursuing their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Herzing University - Kenner does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2020-2021 year, about 80% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Herzing University - Kenner Report

#11

Tennessee Technological University

Cookeville, Tennessee
1,970 Total Awards
$9,802 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,987 Avg Student Debt

Tennessee Technological University ranked #11 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Southeast Region list. Tennessee Technological University is a medium-sized public school located in Cookeville, Tennessee that handed out 1,970 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Tennessee Tech University is $9,802. Out-of-state students pay an average of $19,834. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Tennessee Tech University accumulate an average of $16,987 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Tennessee Tech University. In 2020-2021 about 78% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Tennessee Technological University Report

#12

East Carolina University

Greenville, North Carolina
4,764 Total Awards
$7,325 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,335 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #12, East Carolina University did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. Greenville, North Carolina is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 4,764 students in 2021-2022.

Students from North Carolina who attend ECU full time pay an average of $7,325 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $23,602. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from ECU accumulate an average of $22,335 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Online courses are available at ECU, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2020-2021 about 74% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#13

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, Virginia
4,688 Total Awards
$13,092 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,303 Avg Student Debt

James Madison University came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Harrisonburg, Virginia is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 4,688 students in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Virginia pay an average of $13,092 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend JMU. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $30,152. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,303 in student loans.

JMU 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 34% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

10,145 Total Awards
$6,410 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,471 Avg Student Debt

University of South Florida - Main Campus landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree trade school programs. Located in Tampa, Florida, the large public school handed out 10,145 bachelor’s degree awards in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $6,410 in tuition and fees if they attend USF Tampa full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $17,324. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,471 in student loans.

USF Tampa 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 71% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on University of South Florida - Main Campus

#15

Herzing University - Birmingham

Birmingham, Alabama
16 Total Awards
$12,750 Average Tuition & Fees
$32,896 Avg Student Debt

Herzing University - Birmingham ranked #15 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Southeast Region list. Herzing University - Birmingham is a very small private not-for-profit school located in Birmingham, Alabama that handed out 16 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Herzing University - Birmingham 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. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $32,896 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Herzing University - Birmingham. 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 full report on Herzing University - Birmingham

#16

Herzing University - Atlanta

Atlanta, Georgia
93 Total Awards
$12,750 Average Tuition & Fees
$31,941 Avg Student Debt

Herzing University - Atlanta ranked #16 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Southeast Region list. Herzing University - Atlanta is a very small private not-for-profit school situated in Atlanta, Georgia. It awarded 93 bachelor’s 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 University - Atlanta. The school does not offer an in-state discount. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $31,941 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Herzing University - Atlanta does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2020-2021 about 90% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Herzing University - Atlanta Report

#17

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, North Carolina
6,451 Total Awards
$8,989 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,485 Avg Student Debt

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ranked #17 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Southeast Region list. UNC Chapel Hill is located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and has a large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 6,451 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at UNC Chapel Hill is $8,989. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $37,550. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,485 in student loans.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since UNC Chapel Hill does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 25% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#18

Trevecca Nazarene University

Nashville, Tennessee
419 Total Awards
$28,500 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,112 Avg Student Debt

Trevecca Nazarene University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #18 on the list. Nashville, Tennessee is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 419 students in 2021-2022.

TNU does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $28,500. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $19,112 in loans while pursuing their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since TNU does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2020-2021 year, about 22% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Trevecca Nazarene University

#19

Old Dominion University

Norfolk, Virginia
3,756 Total Awards
$11,220 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,437 Avg Student Debt

Old Dominion University ranked #19 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Southeast Region list. Norfolk, Virginia is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 3,756 students in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Virginia pay an average of $11,220 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Old Dominion. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $31,170. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,437 in student loans.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Old Dominion. 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…

#20

University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida
10,063 Total Awards
$6,381 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,884 Avg Student Debt

University of Florida came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Located in Gainesville, Florida, the large public school handed out 10,063 bachelor’s degree awards in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $6,381 in tuition and fees if they attend UF full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $28,659. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,884 in student loans.

Online courses are available at UF, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 63% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on University of Florida

#21

Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, Virginia
5,197 Total Awards
$15,642 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,634 Avg Student Debt

Virginia Commonwealth University landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree trade school programs. VCU is a public institution located in Richmond, Virginia. The school has a large population, and it awarded 5,197 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from Virginia who attend VCU full time pay an average of $15,642 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $37,588. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $21,634 in loans while pursuing their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since VCU does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 89% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Virginia Commonwealth University Report

#22

King University

Bristol, Tennessee
469 Total Awards
$33,784 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,442 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #22, King University did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Bristol, Tennessee, and it awarded 469 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

If you want to attend King, expect to pay an average of $33,784 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $24,442 in loans while pursuing their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at King. In fact, around 70% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on King University

#23

Augusta University

Augusta, Georgia
1,098 Total Awards
$8,122 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,870 Avg Student Debt

Augusta University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #23 on the list. Augusta University is a medium-sized public school located in Augusta, Georgia that handed out 1,098 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Georgia pay an average of $8,122 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Augusta University. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $23,500. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Augusta University accumulate an average of $22,870 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

One thing to take note of is that Augusta University does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 69% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Augusta University Report

#24

Mercer University

Macon, Georgia
1,325 Total Awards
$30,317 Average Tuition & Fees
$28,593 Avg Student Debt

Mercer University landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree trade school programs. Mercer is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school situated in Macon, Georgia. It awarded 1,325 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

If you want to attend Mercer, expect to pay an average of $30,317 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,593 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Mercer. In 2020-2021 about 30% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

13,617 Total Awards
$6,565 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,051 Avg Student Debt

Florida International University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #25 on the list. Miami, Florida is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 13,617 students in 2021-2022.

Students from Florida who attend FIU full time pay an average of $6,565 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $18,963. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,051 in student loans.

FIU 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 69% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Florida International University

View Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Bachelor’s Degree Schools Nationwide >

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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