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Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region

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2023 Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region

264 Schools Ranked
$3,912 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$16,341 Avg Student Debt

When it comes to higher education, there are a lot of options for trade school students. You're no longer limited to schools in your local area, either, since online programs are becoming more prevalent.

The Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking is one of many tools that Trade College Search has developed to help you make your educational decision. This report analyzed 264 schools in the Far Western US Region to see which ones were the most popular associate degree programs for trade school students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

Sierra College

Rocklin, California
4,257 Total Awards
$1,156 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,540 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Sierra College to be the most popular school for trade school students who want to pursue a associate degree in the Far Western US Region . Sierra College is a public institution located in Rocklin, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 4,257 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from California who attend Sierra College full time pay an average of $1,156 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,548. On average, associate degree students take out $17,540 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.

Sierra College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2020-2021 year, about 86% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Sierra College Report

#2

Fresno City College

Fresno, California
2,386 Total Awards
$1,330 Average Tuition & Fees
$4,603 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Fresno City College. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region list. Located in Fresno, California, the large public school handed out 2,386 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Fresno City College is $1,330. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,890. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $4,603 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 69% were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Fresno City College. During the 2020-2021 year, about 88% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#3

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts

San Mateo, California
548 Total Awards
$17,818 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region list. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is located in San Mateo, California and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 548 associate degrees to qualified students.

Associate Degree recipients from Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts accumulate an average of $17,818 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 73% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts does offer online classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 31% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts Report

#4

Clover Park Technical College

Lakewood, Washington
463 Total Awards
$5,979 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,933 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Clover Park Technical College is a great place for trade school students working on their associate degree. CPTC is a public institution located in Lakewood, Washington. The school has a small population, and it awarded 463 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

If you want to attend CPTC, expect to pay an average of $5,979 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,933 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 47% were women.

CPTC does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 43% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#5

West Coast Ultrasound Institute

Los Angeles, California
357 Total Awards
$18,820 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,568 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means West Coast Ultrasound Institute is a great place for trade school students working on their associate degree. This small private for-profit school is located in Los Angeles, California, and it awarded 357 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

West Coast Ultrasound Institute does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $18,820. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, associate degree students take out $21,568 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 78% were women.

Interested in an online degree? Then you definitely want to check out West Coast Ultrasound Institute. Every undergraduate student at the school took at least one class online.

Full West Coast Ultrasound Institute Report

#6

Spokane Community College

Spokane, Washington
1,134 Total Awards
$3,928 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,221 Avg Student Debt

Spokane Community College came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. Spokane Community College is located in Spokane, Washington and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,134 associate degrees to qualified students.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Spokane Community College is $3,928. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $5,278. Associate Degree recipients from Spokane Community College accumulate an average of $18,221 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Spokane Community College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 50% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Spokane Community College

#7

Portland Community College

Portland, Oregon
3,267 Total Awards
$4,810 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,690 Avg Student Debt

Portland Community College came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. Portland Community College is a fairly large public school located in Portland, Oregon that handed out 3,267 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $4,810 in tuition and fees if they attend Portland Community College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $9,670. On average, associate degree students take out $18,690 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

Portland Community College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2020-2021 year, about 81% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Portland Community College

#8

Honolulu Community College

Honolulu, Hawaii
494 Total Awards
$3,174 Average Tuition & Fees
$10,034 Avg Student Debt

Honolulu Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students to get an associate degree. It came in at #8 on the list. This small public school is located in Honolulu, Hawaii, and it awarded 494 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Honolulu CC is $3,174. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,310. Associate Degree recipients from Honolulu CC accumulate an average of $10,034 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 36% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that Honolulu CC does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2020-2021 year, about 89% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Honolulu Community College

406 Total Awards
$17,424 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #9, Universal Technical Institute - Sacramento did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. UTI Sacramento is a private for-profit institution located in Sacramento, California. The school has a small population, and it awarded 406 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, associate degree students take out $17,424 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 2% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Universal Technical Institute - Sacramento Report

#10

Citrus College

Glendora, California
2,118 Total Awards
$1,198 Average Tuition & Fees

Citrus College landed the #10 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree trade school programs. This medium-sized public school is located in Glendora, California, and it awarded 2,118 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $1,198 in tuition and fees if they attend Citrus College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $9,310. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

Citrus College 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.

Read More…

#11

Carrington College, Sacramento

Sacramento, California
381 Total Awards
$22,853 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #11, Carrington College, Sacramento did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Located in Sacramento, California, the small private for-profit school handed out 381 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.

On average, associate degree students take out $22,853 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 87% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at Carrington College, Sacramento, 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 71% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Carrington College, Sacramento

#12

Diablo Valley College

Pleasant Hill, California
2,320 Total Awards
$1,312 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #12, Diablo Valley College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Diablo Valley College is a fairly large public school located in Pleasant Hill, California that handed out 2,320 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Diablo Valley is $1,312. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,328. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

Diablo Valley 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 90% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#13

Bellingham Technical College

Bellingham, Washington
389 Total Awards
$4,095 Average Tuition & Fees

Bellingham Technical College ranked #13 on this year’s Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region list. Located in Bellingham, Washington, the small public school awarded 389 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Bellingham Vocational Technical Institute is $4,095. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $5,357. Of those students who received their degree, 42% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Bellingham Vocational Technical Institute. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 73% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Bellingham Technical College Report

#14

Universal Technical Institute - Rancho Cucamonga

Rancho Cucamonga, California
469 Total Awards
$17,335 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #14, Universal Technical Institute - Rancho Cucamonga did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. UTI Rancho Cucamonga is a small private for-profit school situated in Rancho Cucamonga, California. It awarded 469 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, associate degree students take out $17,335 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 3% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Universal Technical Institute - Rancho Cucamonga

#15

Saddleback College

Mission Viejo, California
3,760 Total Awards
$1,334 Average Tuition & Fees
$8,010 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #15, Saddleback College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Saddleback College is a public institution located in Mission Viejo, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 3,760 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from California pay an average of $1,334 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Saddleback College. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $9,814. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $8,010 in student loans. Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.

Saddleback College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 82% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#15

Olympic College

Bremerton, Washington
1,230 Total Awards
$4,472 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,828 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #15, Olympic College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. OC is a small public school situated in Bremerton, Washington. It awarded 1,230 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $4,472 in tuition and fees if they attend OC full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $9,740. On average, associate degree students take out $12,828 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 54% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since OC does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2020-2021 year, about 91% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Olympic College

#17

College of Southern Nevada

Las Vegas, Nevada
3,788 Total Awards
$3,968 Average Tuition & Fees
$11,510 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #17, College of Southern Nevada did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. CSN is located in Las Vegas, Nevada and has a large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 3,788 associate degrees to qualified students.

Full-time students from Nevada pay an average of $3,968 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend CSN. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $11,869. On average, associate degree students take out $11,510 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 63% of those degree recipients were women.

CSN 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, 63% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full College of Southern Nevada Report

#18

Pasadena City College

Pasadena, California
5,304 Total Awards
$1,172 Average Tuition & Fees
$7,545 Avg Student Debt

Pasadena City College ranked #18 on this year’s Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region list. This large public school is located in Pasadena, California, and it awarded 5,304 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Pasadena City College is $1,172. Out-of-state students pay an average of $9,572. Associate Degree recipients from Pasadena City College accumulate an average of $7,545 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at Pasadena City College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 88% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Pasadena City College Report

#19

Southwestern College

Chula Vista, California
2,158 Total Awards
$1,342 Average Tuition & Fees

Southwestern College ranked #19 on this year’s Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region list. Located in Chula Vista, California, the fairly large public school awarded 2,158 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from California pay an average of $1,342 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend SWC Chula Vista. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $9,490. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since SWC Chula Vista does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2020-2021 about 62% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#20

Unitek College

Fremont, California
333 Total Awards
$17,249 Avg Student Debt

Unitek College landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree trade school programs. Unitek College is a small private for-profit school situated in Fremont, California. It awarded 333 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, associate degree students take out $17,249 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 86% were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Unitek College. In fact, around 45% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#21

Bates Technical College

Tacoma, Washington
255 Total Awards
$5,361 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #21, Bates Technical College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Bates Technical College is a small public school situated in Tacoma, Washington. It awarded 255 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Washington pay an average of $5,361 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Bates Technical College. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $11,110. Of those students who received their degree, 51% were women.

Bates Technical College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 32% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#21

CBD College

Los Angeles, California
361 Total Awards
$19,901 Avg Student Debt

CBD College landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree trade school programs. Located in Los Angeles, California, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 361 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,901 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 69% were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Community Based Education and Development. In 2020-2021 about 50% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on CBD College

#23

Mt. San Antonio College

Walnut, California
3,780 Total Awards
$1,352 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,514 Avg Student Debt

Mt. San Antonio College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students to get an associate degree. It came in at #23 on the list. Mt. SAC is located in Walnut, California and has a large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 3,780 associate degrees to qualified students.

Students from California who attend Mt. SAC full time pay an average of $1,352 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $10,096. On average, associate degree students take out $12,514 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.

Mt. SAC 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 10% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Mt. San Antonio College

#24

Green River College

Auburn, Washington
1,312 Total Awards
$4,434 Average Tuition & Fees

Green River College ranked #24 on this year’s Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region list. This medium-sized public school is located in Auburn, Washington, and it awarded 1,312 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $4,434 in tuition and fees if they attend GRC full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $4,916. Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since GRC does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2020-2021 year, about 88% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Green River College

#25

Mt. Hood Community College

Gresham, Oregon
1,278 Total Awards
$5,094 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,652 Avg Student Debt

Mt. Hood Community College came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. MHCC is a public institution located in Gresham, Oregon. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,278 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $5,094 in tuition and fees if they attend MHCC full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $9,522. Associate Degree recipients from MHCC accumulate an average of $14,652 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.

One thing to take note of is that MHCC does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 40% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Mt. Hood Community College Report

Not only did these schools make the top 40 list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:

#28

Santa Ana College

Santa Ana, California
#29

Santa Rosa Junior College

Santa Rosa, California
#30

Skyline College

San Bruno, California
#31

Cypress College

Cypress, California
#32

San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia

Visalia, California
#33

Antelope Valley College

Lancaster, California
#34

Orange Coast College

Costa Mesa, California
#35

Linn-Benton Community College

Albany, Oregon
#36

University of Alaska Anchorage

Anchorage, Alaska
#37

Cerritos College

Norwalk, California
#38

American Career College - Anaheim

Anaheim, California
#38

Sacramento City College

Sacramento, California
#38

Cuesta College

San Luis Obispo, California

View Most Popular Trade School Associate Degree Schools Nationwide >

Honorable Mentions

These schools also performed well in our most popular trade school schools ranking:

Rank School Location
41 Lane Community College Eugene, OR
42 Long Beach City College Long Beach, CA
43 El Camino College Torrance, CA
43 Pima Medical Institute - Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV
45 San Joaquin Delta College Stockton, CA
46 Truckee Meadows Community College Reno, NV
46 Renton Technical College Renton, WA
46 Merritt College Oakland, CA
49 Platt College - Los Angeles Alhambra, CA
50 College of the Desert Palm Desert, CA
50 Concorde Career College - Garden Grove Garden Grove, CA
52 Clark College Vancouver, WA
53 Foothill College Los Altos Hills, CA

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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