Find Trade Colleges

Most Popular Online Trade Schools in the Southwest Region

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 analysis found University of Phoenix - Arizona to be the most popular school for trade school students in the Southwest Region . University of Phoenix - Arizona is a large private for-profit school located in Phoenix, Arizona that handed out 26,013 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $38,447 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $155, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UOPX - Arizona graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $50,608 during the early year of their career. Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#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 attend Sonoran Desert Institute. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Most Popular Online Trade Schools in the Southwest Region list. Sonoran Desert Institute is located in Tempe, Arizona and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,360 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,659 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Sonoran Desert Institute graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $62,428 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 2% were women.

Read More…

#3

Grand Canyon University

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

You’ll be in good company if you attend Grand Canyon University. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Most Popular Online Trade Schools in the Southwest Region list. Grand Canyon University is a large private for-profit school situated in Phoenix, Arizona. It awarded 29,319 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Grand Canyon University accumulate an average of $32,993 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $223, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Grand Canyon University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $48,396 during the early years of their career. Around 76% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Grand Canyon University Report

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 . PMI Tucson is a private for-profit institution located in Tucson, Arizona. The school has a small population, and it awarded 1,311 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from PMI Tucson accumulate an average of $17,980 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $104. Once they receive their degree, PMI Tucson graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,610 during the early year of their career. Around 85% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

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

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend American InterContinental University - Online. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Most Popular Online Trade Schools in the Southwest Region list. AIU Online is a fairly large private for-profit school situated in Chandler, Arizona. It awarded 4,536 degrees 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. Of those students who received their degree, 49% were women.

Read More…

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

The College of Health Care Professions - Northwest landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. CHCP - Northwest is a private for-profit institution located in Houston, Texas. The school has a small population, and it awarded 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. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $74.After graduating from CHCP - Northwest, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $30,488 during the early years of their career. Around 92% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on The College of Health Care Professions - Northwest

#7

Community Care College

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

Community Care College came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Trade Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. Community Care College is a private not-for-profit institution located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 360 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Community Care College accumulate an average of $11,873 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $81. Once they receive their degree, Community Care College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $23,950 during the early year of their career. Around 96% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#8

Arlington Career Institute

Grand Prairie, Texas
270 Total Awards

Arlington Career Institute did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #8 on the list. Located in Grand Prairie, Texas, the very small private for-profit school awarded 270 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Around 91% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Arlington Career Institute Report

#9

Arizona State University - Skysong

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

Arizona State University - Skysong ranked #9 on this year’s Most Popular Online Trade Schools in the Southwest Region list. Arizona State University - Skysong is a large public school located in Scottsdale, Arizona that handed out 14,649 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $33,089 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $338, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from ASU - Skysong, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $48,201 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 68% were women.

Full Arizona State University - Skysong Report

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

Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service ranked #10 on this year’s Most Popular Online Trade Schools in the Southwest Region list. Located in Houston, Texas, the very small private not-for-profit school handed out 192 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service accumulate an average of $8,955 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service graduates make an average of $32,047 annually. Around 68% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service

#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. Bryan University is a small private for-profit school situated in Tempe, Arizona. It awarded 889 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Bryan University accumulate an average of $19,833 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Bryan University graduates make an average of $26,230 annually. 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) did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #12 on the list. Located in San Antonio, Texas, the very small private for-profit school awarded 686 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $7,823 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. Once they receive their degree, Southern Careers Institute - San Antonio (NW Loop) graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $22,839 during the early year of their career. Around 35% of those degree recipients 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 landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Located in San Antonio, Texas, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school handed out 1,987 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $53,195 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $313, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UIW graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $48,681 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 58% were women.

Read More…

#13

Brookline College - Phoenix

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

With a ranking of #13, Brookline College - Phoenix did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Phoenix, Arizona is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 542 students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Brookline College - Phoenix accumulate an average of $15,379 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 $173 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Brookline College - Phoenix graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,689 during the early year 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. Southern Careers Institute - Austin is located in Austin, Texas and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 651 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Southern Careers Institute - Austin accumulate an average of $8,120 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 $60 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Southern Careers Institute - Austin, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $21,151 during the early years of their career. Around 50% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#16

Sam Houston State University

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

Sam Houston State University landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Located in Huntsville, Texas, the large public school handed out 5,278 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,700 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $234. Once they receive their degree, SHSU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $42,564 during the early year of their career. Around 65% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Sam Houston State University Report

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 handed out 2,578 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from TTUHSC accumulate an average of $54,356 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $343, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from TTUHSC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $71,841 during the early years of their career. Around 79% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

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. Dallas Institute of Funeral Service is a very small private not-for-profit school situated in Dallas, Texas. It awarded 111 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Dallas Institute of Funeral Service accumulate an average of $13,959 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Dallas Institute of Funeral Service graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $28,559 during the early year of their career. Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Dallas Institute of Funeral Service

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. Waco, Texas is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,793 students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from MCC accumulate an average of $12,051 in student debt by the time they complete 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 More…

#20

Amarillo College

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

Amarillo College ranked #20 on this year’s Most Popular Online Trade Schools in the Southwest Region list. Amarillo, Texas is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 2,380 students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,385 in student loans. 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. Of those students who received their degree, 54% were women.

Read full report on Amarillo College

#21

South Texas College

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

With a ranking of #21, South Texas College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Located in McAllen, Texas, the large public school handed out 5,616 degrees in 2021-2022.

After graduating from South Texas College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $29,327 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 60% 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 ranked #22 on this year’s Most Popular Online Trade Schools in the Southwest Region list. MSU Texas is a medium-sized public school located in Wichita Falls, Texas that handed out 1,387 degrees in 2021-2022.

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. Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.

Full MSU Texas Report

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

Eastern New Mexico University - Main Campus landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. ENMU - Main Campus is a public institution located in Portales, New Mexico. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,342 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from ENMU - Main Campus accumulate an average of $21,720 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.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.

Full Eastern New Mexico University - Main Campus Report

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

Southeastern Oklahoma State University landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Southeastern Oklahoma State University is a medium-sized public school located in Durant, Oklahoma that handed out 1,813 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Southeastern Oklahoma State University accumulate an average of $19,899 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Southeastern Oklahoma State University graduates make an average of $43,234 annually. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Southeastern Oklahoma State University Report

#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. Located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the fairly large public school awarded 2,024 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $11,368 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, OCCC graduates make an average of $34,940 annually. Around 65% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Oklahoma City Community College Report

View Most Popular Online Trade School Schools Nationwide >

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.

Find Trade Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited trade schools across the U.S.