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2026 Best Trade Schools in Rocky Mountains

2026 Best Trade Schools in Rocky Mountains

Looking for the best Trade degree programs in Rocky Mountains? This list ranks 220 colleges by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.

To help you make your decision, Trade College analyzed 175 schools to build this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.

Top 25 Trade Degree Schools in Rocky Mountains

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

Highlands College Of Montana Tech earned the #1 spot in this year's ranking in Rocky Mountains. Located in Butte, MT, Highlands College Of Montana Tech is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,127, compared with $10,948 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $2,750 in student loans. See the full Highlands College Of Montana Tech profile

#2

University Of Great Falls

Great Falls, MT

You'll be in good company at University Of Great Falls, which ranked #2 this year. University Of Great Falls is a private not-for-profit school based in Great Falls, MT. The six-year graduation rate is 21%. In-state tuition and fees run about $30,448. Typical Trade student debt is $23,847. Get the full University Of Great Falls report

#3

Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, UT

Western Governors University came in at #3 on this year's Trade ranking in Rocky Mountains. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 46% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,658. Typical Trade student debt is $23,277. More on Western Governors University

You'll be in good company at Brigham Young University Idaho, which ranked #4 this year. Set in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. About 50% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $4,800 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $13,287 in student loans. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Idaho

A rank of #5 makes Red Rocks Community College one of the top choices in Rocky Mountains. Based in Lakewood, CO, Red Rocks Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,859, while out-of-state students pay about $17,459. Students borrow a median of $14,471 to complete their Trade program here. More on Red Rocks Community College

Montana State University Northern landed the #6 spot in Rocky Mountains this year. Located in Havre, MT, Montana State University Northern is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 30%. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,982, while out-of-state students pay about $21,875. Students borrow a median of $23,855 to complete their Trade program here. More on Montana State University Northern

Utah Valley University came in at #7 in this year's ranking. Utah Valley University is a public school based in Orem, UT. Utah Valley University graduates 40% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $6,507 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,489. Graduates carry a median of $16,478 in student loans. Get the full Utah Valley University report

Colorado State University Pueblo landed the #8 spot in Rocky Mountains this year. This public school is set in Pueblo, CO. Colorado State University Pueblo graduates 40% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,720, with out-of-state students paying around $17,944. Graduates carry a median of $25,325 in student loans. Get the full Colorado State University Pueblo report

#9

University Of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT

University Of Utah did well this year, earning the #9 position. Set in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. Roughly 65% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $9,620, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. Students borrow a median of $20,798 to complete their Trade program here. More on University Of Utah

#10

University Of Wyoming

Laramie, WY

University Of Wyoming landed the #10 spot in Rocky Mountains this year. Set in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. University Of Wyoming graduates 59% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,768, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. University Of Wyoming Trade students take on a median of $20,283 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Wyoming

Western Wyoming Community College came in at #11 in this year's ranking. Located in Rock Springs, WY, Western Wyoming Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,230, while out-of-state students pay about $10,530. Typical Trade student debt is $12,628. Get the full Western Wyoming Community College report

#12

Regis University

Denver, CO

Regis University landed the #12 spot in Rocky Mountains this year. Located in Denver, CO, Regis University is a private not-for-profit institution. Regis University posts a six-year graduation rate of 62%. Students from in state pay about $28,140 in tuition and fees. The median Trade program debt is $31,773. See the full Regis University profile

Institute Of Business And Medical Careers came in at #13 in this year's ranking. Institute Of Business And Medical Careers is a private for-profit school based in Fort Collins, CO. Graduates carry a median of $10,738 in student loans. Get the full Institute Of Business And Medical Careers report

#14

Montana State University

Bozeman, MT

Montana State University came in at #14 in this year's ranking. Located in Bozeman, MT, Montana State University is a public institution. Roughly 57% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $8,460, compared with $33,287 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,635 in student loans. See the full Montana State University profile

Weber State University did well this year, earning the #15 position. This public school is set in Ogden, UT. Weber State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 47%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,557, compared with $17,545 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,176 in student loans. Read the full report on Weber State University

Boise State University came in at #16 in this year's ranking. Set in Boise, ID, Boise State University is a public institution. Roughly 59% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $9,048 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,788. Graduates carry a median of $24,311 in student loans. Read more about Boise State University

Colorado Northwestern Community College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best Trade schools. Set in Rangely, CO, Colorado Northwestern Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,594, with out-of-state students paying around $7,304. Graduates carry a median of $18,127 in student loans. See the full Colorado Northwestern Community College profile

Laramie County Community College landed the #18 spot in Rocky Mountains this year. Laramie County Community College is a public school based in Cheyenne, WY. Students from in state pay about $4,613 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,913. The median Trade program debt is $15,309. Read more about Laramie County Community College

Brigham Young University Provo landed the #19 spot in Rocky Mountains this year. Located in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 81%. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo Trade students take on a median of $12,184 in debt. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo

University Of Northern Colorado came in at #20 in this year's ranking. University Of Northern Colorado is a public school based in Greeley, CO. The six-year graduation rate is 51%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,901, compared with $26,979 for out-of-state students. The median Trade program debt is $23,974. Read more about University Of Northern Colorado

Trinidad State Junior College placed #21 among Trade schools in Rocky Mountains. This public school is set in Trinidad, CO. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,608, compared with $7,318 for out-of-state students. The median Trade program debt is $10,502. More on Trinidad State Junior College

Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best Trade schools. This private for-profit school is set in Colorado Springs, CO. Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs graduates 14% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $12,750. Graduates carry a median of $39,095 in student loans. Read the full report on Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs

Eastern Idaho Technical College placed #23 among Trade schools in Rocky Mountains. Based in Idaho Falls, ID, Eastern Idaho Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,390, with out-of-state students paying around $6,750. Typical Trade student debt is $17,066. Read more about Eastern Idaho Technical College

#24

Front Range Community College

Westminster, CO

Front Range Community College placed #24 among Trade schools in Rocky Mountains. Set in Westminster, CO, Front Range Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,663, while out-of-state students pay about $17,263. Students borrow a median of $17,384 to complete their Trade program here. Get the full Front Range Community College report

Montana State University Billings came in at #25 in this year's ranking. Based in Billings, MT, Montana State University Billings is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 34%. Students from in state pay about $7,280 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,897. Students borrow a median of $25,465 to complete their Trade program here. More on Montana State University Billings

Rest of the Top 50 Best Trade Degree Schools in Rocky Mountains

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s ranking:

#26

Sheridan College

Sheridan, WY

Sheridan College landed the #26 spot in Rocky Mountains this year. Sheridan College is a public school based in Sheridan, WY. Students from in state pay about $4,830 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,130. Typical Trade student debt is $13,910. See the full Sheridan College profile

#27

Lewis Clark State College

Lewiston, ID

Lewis Clark State College landed the #27 spot in Rocky Mountains this year. Lewis Clark State College is a public school based in Lewiston, ID. Roughly 32% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $7,610, compared with $22,028 for out-of-state students. Lewis Clark State College Trade students take on a median of $23,781 in debt. Get the full Lewis Clark State College report

#28

Utah State University

Logan, UT

Utah State University landed the #28 spot in Rocky Mountains this year. Set in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. Utah State University graduates 57% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $8,560, with out-of-state students paying around $24,993. Students borrow a median of $16,191 to complete their Trade program here. Read more about Utah State University

#29

Intellitec College Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, CO

Intellitec College Colorado Springs ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best Trade schools. Based in Colorado Springs, CO, Intellitec College Colorado Springs is a private for-profit institution. Intellitec College Colorado Springs Trade students take on a median of $15,716 in debt. Read more about Intellitec College Colorado Springs

#30

Colorado Mountain College

Glenwood Springs, CO

Colorado Mountain College landed the #30 spot in Rocky Mountains this year. Colorado Mountain College is a public school based in Glenwood Springs, CO. Colorado Mountain College graduates 14% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,616, while out-of-state students pay about $12,840. Students borrow a median of $12,953 to complete their Trade program here. More on Colorado Mountain College

#31

Idaho State University

Pocatello, ID

Idaho State University came in at #31 in this year's ranking. Idaho State University is a public school based in Pocatello, ID. About 35% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,610, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. Typical Trade student debt is $24,640. Get the full Idaho State University report

#32

Pikes Peak Community College

Colorado Springs, CO

Pikes Peak Community College ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best Trade schools. This public school is set in Colorado Springs, CO. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,510, compared with $17,110 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,066 in student loans. Get the full Pikes Peak Community College report

#33

Otero Junior College

La Junta, CO

Otero Junior College came in at #33 in this year's ranking. Based in La Junta, CO, Otero Junior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,560, compared with $7,270 for out-of-state students. Otero Junior College Trade students take on a median of $21,759 in debt. Get the full Otero Junior College report

Community College Of Aurora placed #34 among Trade schools in Rocky Mountains. This public school is set in Aurora, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,470, while out-of-state students pay about $17,070. Community College Of Aurora Trade students take on a median of $15,365 in debt. More on Community College Of Aurora

#35

Miles Community College

Miles City, MT

Miles Community College placed #35 among Trade schools in Rocky Mountains. Miles Community College is a public school based in Miles City, MT. In-state tuition and fees average $5,500, while out-of-state students pay about $11,220. Typical Trade student debt is $20,574. Read more about Miles Community College

#36

Morgan Community College

Fort Morgan, CO

Morgan Community College landed the #36 spot in Rocky Mountains this year. Located in Fort Morgan, CO, Morgan Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,252, compared with $16,852 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,746 to complete their Trade program here. Read more about Morgan Community College

#37

Mesa State College

Grand Junction, CO

Mesa State College came in at #37 in this year's ranking. Mesa State College is a public school based in Grand Junction, CO. Mesa State College posts a six-year graduation rate of 47%. Students from in state pay about $9,927 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,124. Typical Trade student debt is $22,310. See the full Mesa State College profile

#38

Salt Lake Community College

Salt Lake City, UT

Salt Lake Community College placed #38 among Trade schools in Rocky Mountains. Salt Lake Community College is a public school based in Salt Lake City, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,426, with out-of-state students paying around $14,244. Salt Lake Community College Trade students take on a median of $10,855 in debt. Get the full Salt Lake Community College report

#39

Arapahoe Community College

Littleton, CO

Arapahoe Community College landed the #39 spot in Rocky Mountains this year. Arapahoe Community College is a public school based in Littleton, CO. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,434, with out-of-state students paying around $17,034. Graduates carry a median of $20,448 in student loans. See the full Arapahoe Community College profile

#40

North Idaho College

Coeur d'Alene, ID

North Idaho College placed #40 among Trade schools in Rocky Mountains. Based in Coeur d'Alene, ID, North Idaho College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,396 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,736. Graduates carry a median of $14,688 in student loans. Read the full report on North Idaho College

#41

Casper College

Casper, WY

Casper College placed #41 among Trade schools in Rocky Mountains. Based in Casper, WY, Casper College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,710 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,598 to complete their Trade program here. Read more about Casper College

#42

Aims Community College

Greeley, CO

Aims Community College came in at #42 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Greeley, CO. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,258, compared with $11,786 for out-of-state students. Aims Community College Trade students take on a median of $11,199 in debt. Read the full report on Aims Community College

#43

The University Of Montana

Missoula, MT

The University Of Montana came in at #43 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Missoula, MT. The University Of Montana graduates 49% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $8,552 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,671. Graduates carry a median of $24,342 in student loans. Read more about The University Of Montana

#44

Westminster College Utah

Salt Lake City, UT

Westminster College Utah did well this year, earning the #44 position. Westminster College Utah is a private not-for-profit school based in Salt Lake City, UT. About 64% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $43,528. Typical Trade student debt is $23,090. More on Westminster College Utah

Northeastern Junior College came in at #45 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Sterling, CO. In-state tuition and fees average $5,730, with out-of-state students paying around $8,267. Typical Trade student debt is $13,156. Read more about Northeastern Junior College

#46

Intellitec College Grand Junction

Grand Junction, CO

Intellitec College Grand Junction did well this year, earning the #46 position. Located in Grand Junction, CO, Intellitec College Grand Junction is a private for-profit institution. Graduates carry a median of $11,767 in student loans. Get the full Intellitec College Grand Junction report

Metropolitan State College Of Denver did well this year, earning the #47 position. This public school is set in Denver, CO. About 31% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,124, compared with $30,684 for out-of-state students. The median Trade program debt is $27,484. More on Metropolitan State College Of Denver

Colorado Christian University placed #48 among Trade schools in Rocky Mountains. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lakewood, CO. The six-year graduation rate is 63%. In-state tuition and fees run about $28,846. The median Trade program debt is $36,092. Read the full report on Colorado Christian University

Pueblo Community College ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best Trade schools. This public school is set in Pueblo, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,049, compared with $17,649 for out-of-state students. Typical Trade student debt is $14,106. See the full Pueblo Community College profile

Lamar Community College ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best Trade schools. Set in Lamar, CO, Lamar Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,550, while out-of-state students pay about $7,260. Students borrow a median of $9,300 to complete their Trade program here. More on Lamar Community College

More Trade Rankings

Ranking Methodology & Notes

These rankings are produced by Trade College (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Region · 175 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 220 ranked schools only.

References

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