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Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Texas

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2023 Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Texas

47 Schools Ranked
$4,276 Avg Tuition & Fees*

It's not easy to decide which trade school program to enroll in when you have so many options available. 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.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Trade College Search has developed this Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Texas ranking. This report analyzed 47 schools in Texas to see which ones offered the best basic certificate programs for trade school students.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Trade Basic Certificate Schools in Texas

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Panola College

Carthage, Texas
150 Total Awards
$3,840 Average Tuition & Fees

Our analysis found Panola College to be the best school for trade school students who want to pursue a basic certificate in Texas. Panola College is a small public school situated in Carthage, Texas. It awarded 150 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Panola College is $3,840. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $4,896.

One thing to take note of is that Panola College does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 71% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#2

El Centro College

Dallas, Texas
2,819 Total Awards

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend El Centro College. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Texas list. Located in Dallas, Texas, the large public school handed out 2,819 basic certificate awards in 2021-2022.

Some students may be able to take online classes at El Centro College. In fact, around 70% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#3

Galveston College

Galveston, Texas
168 Total Awards
$3,266 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Galveston College. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Texas list. Galveston College is a public institution located in Galveston, Texas. The school has a small population, and it awarded 168 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Galveston College is $3,266. Out-of-state students pay an average of $5,726.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Galveston College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 69% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Galveston College Report

346 Total Awards
$4,200 Average Tuition & Fees

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means McLennan Community College is a great place for trade school students working on their basic certificate. MCC is a medium-sized public school situated in Waco, Texas. It awarded 346 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at MCC is $4,200. Out-of-state students pay an average of $5,910.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at MCC. In fact, around 57% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on McLennan Community College

#5

Northeast Texas Community College

Mount Pleasant, Texas
266 Total Awards
$5,009 Average Tuition & Fees

The excellent basic certificate programs at Northeast Texas Community College helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the best trade school schools in Texas. Northeast Texas Community College is a small public school located in Mount Pleasant, Texas that handed out 266 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

Students from Texas who attend NTCC full time pay an average of $5,009 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $6,449.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at NTCC. In fact, around 65% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

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104 Total Awards

Remington College - Dallas Campus ranked #6 on this year’s Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Texas list. Located in Dallas, Texas, the very small private not-for-profit school handed out 104 basic certificate awards in 2021-2022.

If you are interested in distance education, Remington College - Dallas Campus is an excellent choice, since the school is online.

Read full report on Remington College - Dallas Campus

#7

Lee College

Baytown, Texas
2,298 Total Awards
$3,882 Average Tuition & Fees

Lee College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get a basic certificate. It came in at #7 on the list. This medium-sized public school is located in Baytown, Texas, and it awarded 2,298 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

Students from Texas who attend Lee College full time pay an average of $3,882 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $4,302.

Online courses are available at Lee College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 40% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Lee College Report

72 Total Awards

Remington College - Fort Worth Campus came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Texas ranking. Remington College - Fort Worth Campus is located in Fort Worth, Texas and has a very small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 72 basic certificates to qualified students.

Remington College - Fort Worth Campus is primarily an online school, so it is a great choice for returning adults and students who work full time.

Full Remington College - Fort Worth Campus Report

#9

Victoria College

Victoria, Texas
155 Total Awards
$4,056 Average Tuition & Fees

Victoria College came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Texas ranking. Victoria College is a small public school situated in Victoria, Texas. It awarded 155 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

Students from Texas who attend Victoria College full time pay an average of $4,056 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $5,112.

Victoria 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 67% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Victoria College

49 Total Awards

Remington College - Houston Southeast Campus did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get a basic certificate. It came in at #10 on the list. Located in Webster, Texas, the very small private not-for-profit school awarded 49 diplomas to qualifed basic certificate students in 2021-2022.

Remington College - Houston Southeast Campus is one of the schools on our list that is primarily online. Each undergraduate student at the school took at least one class online.

Full Remington College - Houston Southeast Campus Report

98 Total Awards

Remington College - North Houston Campus did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get a basic certificate. It came in at #11 on the list. Remington College - North Houston Campus is a very small private not-for-profit school situated in Houston, Texas. It awarded 98 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

Interested in an online degree? Then you definitely want to check out Remington College - North Houston Campus. Every undergraduate student at the school took at least one class online.

Full Remington College - North Houston Campus Report

#12

Lone Star College System

The Woodlands, Texas
1,579 Total Awards

With a ranking of #12, Lone Star College System did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their basic certificate. North Harris Montgomery is a public institution located in The Woodlands, Texas. The school has a large population, and it awarded 1,579 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

Some students may be able to take online classes at North Harris Montgomery. During the 2020-2021 year, about 67% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

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#13

Midland College

Midland, Texas
374 Total Awards
$4,650 Average Tuition & Fees

Midland College ranked #13 on this year’s Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Texas list. Located in Midland, Texas, the medium-sized public school handed out 374 basic certificate awards in 2021-2022.

Students from Texas who attend Midland College full time pay an average of $4,650 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $5,880.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Midland College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 52% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Midland College Report

#14

Wharton County Junior College

Wharton, Texas
138 Total Awards
$3,804 Average Tuition & Fees

Wharton County Junior College ranked #14 on this year’s Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Texas list. Located in Wharton, Texas, the medium-sized public school handed out 138 basic certificate awards in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $3,804 in tuition and fees if they attend Wharton County Junior College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $5,052.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Wharton County Junior College does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 49% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

1,100 Total Awards
$3,514 Average Tuition & Fees

Collin County Community College District landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best basic certificate trade school programs. McKinney, Texas is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out basic certificates to 1,100 students in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Collin County Community College District is $3,514. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $5,614.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Collin County Community College District. During the 2020-2021 year, about 40% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#16

South Texas College

McAllen, Texas
967 Total Awards
$4,530 Average Tuition & Fees

South Texas College landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best basic certificate trade school programs. South Texas College is a large public school situated in McAllen, Texas. It awarded 967 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

South Texas 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, 58% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on South Texas College

216 Total Awards

With a ranking of #17, Texas State Technical College did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their basic certificate. Waco, Texas is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out basic certificates to 216 students in 2021-2022.

TSTC 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 94% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Texas State Technical College

#18

Weatherford College

Weatherford, Texas
118 Total Awards
$6,300 Average Tuition & Fees

Weatherford College came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Texas ranking. Weatherford College is a medium-sized public school situated in Weatherford, Texas. It awarded 118 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Weatherford College is $6,300. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,610.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Weatherford College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 33% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Weatherford College

#19

Lamar Institute of Technology

Beaumont, Texas
289 Total Awards
$2,844 Average Tuition & Fees

Lamar Institute of Technology came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Texas ranking. Lamar Institute of Technology is a public institution located in Beaumont, Texas. The school has a small population, and it awarded 289 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Lamar Institute of Technology is $2,844. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $12,636.

Online courses are available at Lamar Institute of Technology, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2020-2021 about 54% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Lamar Institute of Technology Report

2,130 Total Awards
$8,580 Average Tuition & Fees

Austin Community College District ranked #20 on this year’s Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Texas list. Austin Community College District is located in Austin, Texas and has a large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 2,130 basic certificates to qualified students.

In-state students pay an average of $8,580 in tuition and fees if they attend Austin Community College District full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $10,590.

One thing to take note of is that Austin Community College District does offer online classes in some areas. In 2020-2021 about 76% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Austin Community College District Report

#21

College of the Mainland

Texas City, Texas
109 Total Awards
$2,973 Average Tuition & Fees

College of the Mainland ranked #21 on this year’s Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Texas list. Texas City, Texas is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out basic certificates to 109 students in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $2,973 in tuition and fees if they attend COM full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $3,873.

COM 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 41% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on College of the Mainland

#22

Temple College

Temple, Texas
126 Total Awards
$4,656 Average Tuition & Fees

Temple College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get a basic certificate. It came in at #22 on the list. Located in Temple, Texas, the small public school awarded 126 diplomas to qualifed basic certificate students in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Temple College is $4,656. Out-of-state students pay an average of $6,576.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Temple College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 64% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#23

Alvin Community College

Alvin, Texas
191 Total Awards
$2,834 Average Tuition & Fees

Alvin Community College ranked #23 on this year’s Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Texas list. Located in Alvin, Texas, the medium-sized public school awarded 191 diplomas to qualifed basic certificate students in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $2,834 in tuition and fees if they attend Alvin full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $4,010.

Alvin does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 33% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Alvin Community College

113 Total Awards
$3,748 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #24, The University of Texas at Brownsville did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their basic certificate. Located in Brownsville, Texas, the medium-sized public school awarded 113 diplomas to qualifed basic certificate students in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Texas pay an average of $3,748 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend The University of Texas at Brownsville. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $4,948.

One thing to take note of is that The University of Texas at Brownsville does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2020-2021 year, about 73% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on The University of Texas at Brownsville

#25

Tarrant County College District

Fort Worth, Texas
958 Total Awards

Tarrant County College District ranked #25 on this year’s Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Texas list. Located in Fort Worth, Texas, the large public school awarded 958 diplomas to qualifed basic certificate students in 2021-2022.

One thing to take note of is that Tarrant County College does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 44% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Tarrant County College District Report

Best Trade Basic Certificate Schools in the Southwest Region

View Best Trade Basic Certificate 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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