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Most Popular Online Trade Schools in the Southwest Region

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2023 Most Popular Online Trade Schools in the Southwest Region

90 Schools Ranked
$41,904 Average Earnings
$25,720 Avg Student Debt

When it comes to higher education, there are a lot of options for trade school students. As online education opportunities 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 assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Trade College Search has created its Most Popular Online Trade Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. Our analysis looked at 90 schools in the Southwest Region to see which online programs were the most popular for trade school students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from schools with online programs.

Learn more about these popular schools with online programs:

26,013 Total Awards
$50,608 Average Earnings
$38,447 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named University of Phoenix - Arizona the most popular school in the Southwest Region for trade school students working on their degree. Located in Phoenix, Arizona, the large private for-profit school handed out 26,013 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $38,447 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $155.After graduating from UOPX - Arizona, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $50,608 during the early years of their career. Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on University of Phoenix - Arizona

#2

Sonoran Desert Institute

Tempe, Arizona
1,360 Total Awards
$62,428 Average Earnings
$11,659 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Sonoran Desert Institute. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Most Popular Online Trade Schools in the Southwest Region list. This small private for-profit school is located in Tempe, Arizona, and it awarded 1,360 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $11,659 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Sonoran Desert Institute, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $62,428 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 2% were women.

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#3

Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, Arizona
29,319 Total Awards
$48,396 Average Earnings
$32,993 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 90 schools in the Southwest Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Grand Canyon University landed the # 3 spot on the list. Located in Phoenix, Arizona, the large private for-profit school awarded 29,319 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $32,993 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $223. During the early years of their career, Grand Canyon University graduates make an average of $48,396 annually. Around 76% of those degree recipients were women.

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1,311 Total Awards
$41,610 Average Earnings
$17,980 Avg Student Debt

The programs at Pima Medical Institute - Tucson helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular trade school schools in the Southwest Region . Pima Medical Institute - Tucson is a small private for-profit school located in Tucson, Arizona that handed out 1,311 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $17,980 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $104. During the early years of their career, PMI Tucson graduates make an average of $41,610 annually. Around 85% of those degree recipients were women.

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4,536 Total Awards
$36,597 Average Earnings
$30,828 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means American InterContinental University - Online is a great place for trade school students. Located in Chandler, Arizona, the fairly large private for-profit school awarded 4,536 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $30,828 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $119, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, AIU Online graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $36,597 during the early year of their career. Around 49% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on American InterContinental University - Online

1,359 Total Awards
$30,488 Average Earnings
$15,261 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #6, The College of Health Care Professions - Northwest did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Located in Houston, Texas, the small private for-profit school handed out 1,359 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from CHCP - Northwest accumulate an average of $15,261 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $74 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, CHCP - Northwest graduates make an average of $30,488 annually. Around 92% of those degree recipients were women.

Full The College of Health Care Professions - Northwest Report

#7

Community Care College

Tulsa, Oklahoma
360 Total Awards
$23,950 Average Earnings
$11,873 Avg Student Debt

Community Care College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #7 on the list. Located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the very small private not-for-profit school awarded 360 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $11,873 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $81 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Community Care College graduates make an average of $23,950 annually. Around 96% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Community Care College

#8

Arlington Career Institute

Grand Prairie, Texas
270 Total Awards

Arlington Career Institute landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Arlington Career Institute is a private for-profit institution located in Grand Prairie, Texas. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 270 degrees in 2021-2022.

Around 91% of those degree recipients were women.

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#9

Arizona State University - Skysong

Scottsdale, Arizona
14,649 Total Awards
$48,201 Average Earnings
$33,089 Avg Student Debt

Arizona State University - Skysong landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. This large public school is located in Scottsdale, Arizona, and it awarded 14,649 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $33,089 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $338 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, ASU - Skysong graduates make an average of $48,201 annually. Around 68% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Arizona State University - Skysong

192 Total Awards
$32,047 Average Earnings
$8,955 Avg Student Debt

Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Trade Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. This very small private not-for-profit school is located in Houston, Texas, and it awarded 192 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $8,955 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $32,047 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 68% were women.

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#11

Bryan University

Tempe, Arizona
889 Total Awards
$26,230 Average Earnings
$19,833 Avg Student Debt

Bryan University came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Trade Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. Located in Tempe, Arizona, the small private for-profit school handed out 889 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $19,833 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Bryan University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $26,230 during the early year of their career. Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Bryan University Report

686 Total Awards
$22,839 Average Earnings
$7,823 Avg Student Debt

Southern Careers Institute - San Antonio (NW Loop) landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. San Antonio, Texas is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 686 students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Southern Careers Institute - San Antonio (NW Loop) accumulate an average of $7,823 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $60, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Southern Careers Institute - San Antonio (NW Loop) graduates make an average of $22,839 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 35% were women.

Full Southern Careers Institute - San Antonio (NW Loop) Report

#13

University of the Incarnate Word

San Antonio, Texas
1,987 Total Awards
$48,681 Average Earnings
$53,195 Avg Student Debt

University of the Incarnate Word came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Trade Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. This medium-sized private not-for-profit school is located in San Antonio, Texas, and it awarded 1,987 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from UIW accumulate an average of $53,195 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $313 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UIW graduates make an average of $48,681 annually. Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.

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#13

Brookline College - Phoenix

Phoenix, Arizona
542 Total Awards
$35,689 Average Earnings
$15,379 Avg Student Debt

Brookline College - Phoenix did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #13 on the list. Brookline College - Phoenix is a very small private for-profit school situated in Phoenix, Arizona. It awarded 542 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,379 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $173 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Brookline College - Phoenix, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $35,689 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 89% were women.

Full Brookline College - Phoenix Report

651 Total Awards
$21,151 Average Earnings
$8,120 Avg Student Debt

Southern Careers Institute - Austin came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Trade Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. This small private for-profit school is located in Austin, Texas, and it awarded 651 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $8,120 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $60 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Southern Careers Institute - Austin graduates make an average of $21,151 annually. Around 50% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Southern Careers Institute - Austin

#16

Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, Texas
5,278 Total Awards
$42,564 Average Earnings
$26,700 Avg Student Debt

Sam Houston State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #16 on the list. SHSU is a large public school situated in Huntsville, Texas. It awarded 5,278 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $26,700 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $234.After graduating from SHSU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $42,564 during the early years of their career. Around 65% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Sam Houston State University

2,578 Total Awards
$71,841 Average Earnings
$54,356 Avg Student Debt

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #17 on the list. Located in Lubbock, Texas, the medium-sized public school awarded 2,578 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $54,356 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $343. Once they receive their degree, TTUHSC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $71,841 during the early year of their career. Around 79% of those degree recipients were women.

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111 Total Awards
$28,559 Average Earnings
$13,959 Avg Student Debt

Dallas Institute of Funeral Service did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #18 on the list. Located in Dallas, Texas, the very small private not-for-profit school awarded 111 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,959 in student loans.After graduating from Dallas Institute of Funeral Service, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $28,559 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 58% were women.

Full Dallas Institute of Funeral Service Report

1,793 Total Awards
$43,510 Average Earnings
$12,051 Avg Student Debt

McLennan Community College landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Located in Waco, Texas, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,793 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $12,051 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, MCC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,510 during the early year of their career. Around 70% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on McLennan Community College

#20

Amarillo College

Amarillo, Texas
2,380 Total Awards
$37,621 Average Earnings
$16,385 Avg Student Debt

Amarillo College came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Trade Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. Amarillo College is a medium-sized public school located in Amarillo, Texas that handed out 2,380 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $16,385 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Amarillo College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,621 during the early year of their career. Around 54% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Amarillo College

#21

South Texas College

McAllen, Texas
5,616 Total Awards
$29,327 Average Earnings

South Texas College came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Trade Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. Located in McAllen, Texas, the large public school awarded 5,616 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

During the early years of their career, South Texas College graduates make an average of $29,327 annually. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on South Texas College

#22

MSU Texas

Wichita Falls, Texas
1,387 Total Awards
$44,328 Average Earnings
$26,998 Avg Student Debt

MSU Texas did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #22 on the list. MSU Texas is located in Wichita Falls, Texas and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,387 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $26,998 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $207. Once they receive their degree, MSU Texas graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $44,328 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 69% were women.

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1,342 Total Awards
$41,884 Average Earnings
$21,720 Avg Student Debt

Eastern New Mexico University - Main Campus came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Trade Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. ENMU - Main Campus is located in Portales, New Mexico and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,342 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,720 in student loans.After graduating from ENMU - Main Campus, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $41,884 during the early years of their career. Around 68% of those degree recipients were women.

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1,813 Total Awards
$43,234 Average Earnings
$19,899 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #24, Southeastern Oklahoma State University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Southeastern Oklahoma State University is a medium-sized public school located in Durant, Oklahoma that handed out 1,813 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,899 in student loans.After graduating from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,234 during the early years of their career. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Southeastern Oklahoma State University

#24

Oklahoma City Community College

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
2,024 Total Awards
$34,940 Average Earnings
$11,368 Avg Student Debt

Oklahoma City Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #24 on the list. Oklahoma City Community College is a fairly large public school located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma that handed out 2,024 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $11,368 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, OCCC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $34,940 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 65% were women.

Read full report on Oklahoma City Community College

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • 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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