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2023 Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region
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.
Most Popular Trade Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region
Learn more about these popular schools below:
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 . Located in Rocklin, California, the fairly large public school handed out 4,257 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.
In-state students pay an average of $1,156 in tuition and fees if they attend Sierra College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,548. Associate Degree recipients from Sierra College accumulate an average of $17,540 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.
You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Sierra College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 86% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
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. Those students who come from outside the state 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. Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.
You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Fresno City College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 88% took at least some of their classes online.
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region list. San Mateo, California is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out associate degrees to 548 students in 2021-2022.
By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,818 in student loans. Around 73% of those degree recipients were women.
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts does offer online classes for certain degree levels. 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.
Out of the 264 schools in the Far Western US Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Clover Park Technical College landed the # 4 spot on the list. CPTC is a small public school situated in Lakewood, Washington. It awarded 463 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
CPTC does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $5,979. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from CPTC accumulate an average of $12,933 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 47% were women.
CPTC 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, 43% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
You’ll be in good company if you attend West Coast Ultrasound Institute. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region list. West Coast Ultrasound Institute is located in Los Angeles, California and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 357 associate degrees to qualified students.
If you want to attend West Coast Ultrasound Institute, expect to pay an average of $18,820 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 $21,568 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 78% were women.
West Coast Ultrasound Institute is primarily an online school, so it is a great choice for returning adults and students who work full time.
With a ranking of #6, Spokane Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. 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.
In-state students pay an average of $3,928 in tuition and fees if they attend Spokane Community College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $5,278. On average, associate degree students take out $18,221 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.
Online courses are available at Spokane Community College, 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 50% took at least some of their classes online.
Portland Community College landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree trade school programs. Portland Community College is a fairly large public school situated in Portland, Oregon. It awarded 3,267 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Portland Community College is $4,810. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $9,670. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,690 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.
One thing to take note of is that Portland Community College does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 81% took at least some of their classes online.
Honolulu Community College ranked #8 on this year’s Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region list. Honolulu Community College is a small public school located in Honolulu, Hawaii that handed out 494 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Full-time students from Hawaii pay an average of $3,174 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Honolulu CC. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,310. On average, associate degree students take out $10,034 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 36% 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.
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. This small private for-profit school is located in Sacramento, California, and it awarded 406 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
On average, associate degree students take out $17,424 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 2% were women.
With a ranking of #10, Citrus College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Located in Glendora, California, the medium-sized public school handed out 2,118 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.
Full-time students from California pay an average of $1,198 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Citrus College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $9,310. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.
One thing to take note of is that Citrus College does offer online classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 90% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
Carrington College, Sacramento came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. Carrington College, Sacramento is a small private for-profit school located in Sacramento, California that handed out 381 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
On average, associate degree students take out $22,853 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 87% were women.
One thing to take note of is that Carrington College, Sacramento 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.
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. Located in Pleasant Hill, California, the fairly large public school awarded 2,320 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.
Full-time students from California pay an average of $1,312 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Diablo Valley. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,328. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.
Online courses are available at Diablo Valley, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 90% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
Bellingham Technical College ranked #13 on this year’s Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region list. Bellingham Vocational Technical Institute is a small public school situated in Bellingham, Washington. It awarded 389 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Students from Washington who attend Bellingham Vocational Technical Institute full time pay an average of $4,095 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $5,357. Of those students who received their degree, 42% were women.
One thing to take note of is that Bellingham Vocational Technical Institute does offer online classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 73% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
Universal Technical Institute - Rancho Cucamonga 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 #14 on the list. Located in Rancho Cucamonga, California, the small private for-profit school handed out 469 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.
On average, associate degree students take out $17,335 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 3% were women.
Full Universal Technical Institute - Rancho Cucamonga Report
Saddleback College ranked #15 on this year’s Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region list. Mission Viejo, California is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 3,760 students in 2021-2022.
Students from California who attend Saddleback College full time pay an average of $1,334 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $9,814. On average, associate degree students take out $8,010 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.
Online courses are available at Saddleback College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 82% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
Olympic College ranked #15 on this year’s Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region list. 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.
Some students may be able to take online classes at OC. In fact, around 91% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.
College of Southern Nevada 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 #17 on the list. This large public school is located in Las Vegas, Nevada, and it awarded 3,788 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Full-time students from Nevada pay an average of $3,968 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend CSN. Out-of-state students pay an average of $11,869. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,510 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.
You may have the opportunity to take online classes at CSN. During the 2020-2021 year, about 63% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
Pasadena City College ranked #18 on this year’s Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region list. Pasadena City College is a large public school located in Pasadena, California that handed out 5,304 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Students from California who attend Pasadena City College full time pay an average of $1,172 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $9,572. On average, associate degree students take out $7,545 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.
Pasadena City 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. In 2020-2021 about 88% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
Southwestern College landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree trade school programs. SWC Chula Vista is located in Chula Vista, California and has a fairly large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 2,158 associate degrees to qualified students.
Students from California who attend SWC Chula Vista full time pay an average of $1,342 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $9,490. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.
Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at SWC Chula Vista. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 62% took at least some of their classes online.
Unitek College came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. Unitek College is a small private for-profit school located in Fremont, California that handed out 333 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,249 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 86% were women.
You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Unitek College. In 2020-2021 about 45% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
Bates Technical College came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. Bates Technical College is a public institution located in Tacoma, Washington. The school has a small population, and it awarded 255 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Students from Washington who attend Bates Technical College full time pay an average of $5,361 in tuition and fees. 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.
Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Bates Technical College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 32% took at least some of their classes online.
CBD College landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree trade school programs. Community Based Education and Development is located in Los Angeles, California and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 361 associate degrees to qualified students.
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.
If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Community Based Education and Development does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 50% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.
Mt. San Antonio College landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree trade school programs. Mt. SAC is a public institution located in Walnut, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 3,780 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Mt. SAC is $1,352. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $10,096. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,514 in student loans. Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.
One thing to take note of is that Mt. SAC does offer online classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 10% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
Green River 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 #24 on the list. This medium-sized public school is located in Auburn, Washington, and it awarded 1,312 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at GRC is $4,434. 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.
You may have the opportunity to take online classes at GRC. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 88% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
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. Gresham, Oregon is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 1,278 students in 2021-2022.
Full-time students from Oregon pay an average of $5,094 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend MHCC. Out-of-state students pay an average of $9,522. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,652 in student loans. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.
If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since MHCC does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 40% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
Rest of the Top 15% Most Popular Trade Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region
Not only did these schools make the top 40 list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:
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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 | Merritt College | Oakland, CA |
| 46 | Renton Technical College | Renton, WA |
| 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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