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Most Popular Basic Certificate Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region

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2023 Most Popular Basic Certificate Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region

438 Schools Ranked
$2,583 Avg Tuition & Fees*

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.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Trade College Search has developed this Most Popular Basic Certificate Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. Our analysis looked at 438 schools in the Far Western US Region to see which basic certificate programs were the most popular 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

Advanced Career Institute

Visalia, California
1,671 Total Awards

Our 2023 rankings named Advanced Career Institute the most popular school in the Far Western US Region for trade school students working on their basic certificate. This very small private for-profit school is located in Visalia, California, and it awarded 1,671 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

Of those students who received their degree, 11% were women.

Read full report on Advanced Career Institute

1,033 Total Awards
$3,162 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll be in good company if you attend Truckee Meadows Community College. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Most Popular Basic Certificate Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region list. This medium-sized public school is located in Reno, Nevada, and it awarded 1,033 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

Students from Nevada who attend Truckee Meadows Community College full time pay an average of $3,162 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $10,639. Of those students who received their degree, 44% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Truckee Meadows Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2020-2021 year, about 61% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Truckee Meadows Community College Report

#3

Contra Costa Medical Career College

Antioch, California
889 Total Awards

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Contra Costa Medical Career College. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Most Popular Basic Certificate Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region list. Contra Costa Medical Career College is a very small private for-profit school situated in Antioch, California. It awarded 889 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

Of those students who received their degree, 83% were women.

Full Contra Costa Medical Career College Report

#4

Olympic College

Bremerton, Washington
773 Total Awards
$4,472 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Olympic College. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Most Popular Basic Certificate Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region list. OC is a public institution located in Bremerton, Washington. The school has a small population, and it awarded 773 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $4,472 in tuition and fees if they attend OC full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $9,740. Around 48% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at OC. 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

#5

College of Southern Nevada

Las Vegas, Nevada
1,197 Total Awards
$3,968 Average Tuition & Fees

Out of the 438 schools in the Far Western US Region that were part of this year’s ranking, College of Southern Nevada landed the # 5 spot on the list. Located in Las Vegas, Nevada, the large public school handed out 1,197 basic certificate awards in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $3,968 in tuition and fees if they attend CSN full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $11,869. Around 45% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at CSN, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2020-2021 about 63% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full College of Southern Nevada Report

#6

National Holistic Institute

Emeryville, California
664 Total Awards

National Holistic Institute came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Basic Certificate Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. National Holistic Institute is a private for-profit institution located in Emeryville, California. The school has a small population, and it awarded 664 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

Around 76% of those degree recipients were women.

National Holistic Institute does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2020-2021 about 16% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full National Holistic Institute Report

#7

Victor Valley College

Victorville, California
1,648 Total Awards
$1,425 Average Tuition & Fees

Victor Valley College came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Basic Certificate Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. Victor Valley College is located in Victorville, California and has a fairly large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,648 basic certificates to qualified students.

In-state students pay an average of $1,425 in tuition and fees if they attend Victor Valley College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $10,125. Around 29% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that Victor Valley College does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 49% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#8

Summit College

San Bernardino, California
701 Total Awards

Summit College came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Basic Certificate Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. Summit College is located in San Bernardino, California and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 701 basic certificates to qualified students.

Around 14% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#9

Unitek College

Fremont, California
661 Total Awards

Unitek College came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Basic Certificate Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. This small private for-profit school is located in Fremont, California, and it awarded 661 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

Of those students who received their degree, 92% were women.

One thing to take note of is that Unitek College does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2020-2021 year, about 45% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Unitek College

551 Total Awards

Euphoria Institute of Beauty Arts & Sciences-Summerlin landed the #10 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular basic certificate trade school programs. Euphoria Institute of Beauty Arts & Sciences-Summerlin is a very small private for-profit school located in Las Vegas, Nevada that handed out 551 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

Of those students who received their degree, 99% were women.

Full Euphoria Institute of Beauty Arts & Sciences-Summerlin Report

#11

Santiago Canyon College

Orange, California
307 Total Awards
$1,156 Average Tuition & Fees

Santiago Canyon College landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular basic certificate trade school programs. Orange, California is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out basic certificates to 307 students in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from California pay an average of $1,156 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend SCC. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,764. Around 38% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at SCC. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 44% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#12

Clover Park Technical College

Lakewood, Washington
834 Total Awards
$5,979 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #12, Clover Park Technical College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their basic certificate. Located in Lakewood, Washington, the small public school awarded 834 diplomas to qualifed basic certificate students in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at CPTC is $5,979. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Around 32% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at CPTC. 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.

Full Clover Park Technical College Report

#13

National University

San Diego, California

National University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students to get a basic certificate. It came in at #13 on the list.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at National University. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 70% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#14

Institute for Business and Technology

Santa Clara, California
555 Total Awards

Institute for Business and Technology ranked #14 on this year’s Most Popular Basic Certificate Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region list. Located in Santa Clara, California, the very small private for-profit school handed out 555 basic certificate awards in 2021-2022.

Around 28% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Institute for Business and Technology. In 2020-2021 about 2% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Institute for Business and Technology

#15

Santa Rosa Junior College

Santa Rosa, California
2,534 Total Awards
$1,318 Average Tuition & Fees

Santa Rosa Junior College ranked #15 on this year’s Most Popular Basic Certificate Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region list. This fairly large public school is located in Santa Rosa, California, and it awarded 2,534 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from California pay an average of $1,318 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend SRJC. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $9,310. Around 49% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since SRJC does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2020-2021 about 85% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Santa Rosa Junior College

#16

Sierra College

Rocklin, California
641 Total Awards
$1,156 Average Tuition & Fees

Sierra College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students to get a basic certificate. It came in at #16 on the list. Located in Rocklin, California, the fairly large public school handed out 641 basic certificate awards in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from California pay an average of $1,156 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Sierra College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,548. 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 Sierra College does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 86% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Sierra College

#17

College of the Sequoias

Visalia, California
773 Total Awards
$1,394 Average Tuition & Fees

College of the Sequoias landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular basic certificate trade school programs. College of the Sequoias is a fairly large public school located in Visalia, California that handed out 773 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

Students from California who attend College of the Sequoias full time pay an average of $1,394 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,338. Of those students who received their degree, 56% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at College of the Sequoias. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 75% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on College of the Sequoias

#18

Spokane Community College

Spokane, Washington
571 Total Awards
$3,928 Average Tuition & Fees

Spokane Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students to get a basic certificate. It came in at #18 on the list. Spokane Community College is located in Spokane, Washington and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 571 basic certificates to qualified students.

Full-time students from Washington pay an average of $3,928 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Spokane Community College. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $5,278. Around 25% of those degree recipients were women.

Spokane Community 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. During the 2020-2021 year, about 50% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#19

Advance Beauty College

Garden Grove, California
472 Total Awards

Advance Beauty College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students to get a basic certificate. It came in at #19 on the list. Garden Grove, California is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out basic certificates to 472 students in 2021-2022.

Of those students who received their degree, 92% were women.

Read More…

#20

Western Nevada College

Carson City, Nevada
445 Total Awards
$3,838 Average Tuition & Fees

Western Nevada College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students to get a basic certificate. It came in at #20 on the list. WNC is a public institution located in Carson City, Nevada. The school has a small population, and it awarded 445 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at WNC is $3,838. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $11,738. Of those students who received their degree, 35% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at WNC. During the 2020-2021 year, about 53% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Western Nevada College

#21

Butte College

Oroville, California
777 Total Awards
$1,336 Average Tuition & Fees

Butte College landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular basic certificate trade school programs. Located in Oroville, California, the medium-sized public school handed out 777 basic certificate awards in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $1,336 in tuition and fees if they attend Butte College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $7,816. Of those students who received their degree, 47% were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Butte College. During the 2020-2021 year, about 81% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Butte College Report

#22

Cuesta College

San Luis Obispo, California
805 Total Awards
$1,340 Average Tuition & Fees

Cuesta College landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular basic certificate trade school programs. Located in San Luis Obispo, California, the medium-sized public school handed out 805 basic certificate awards in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $1,340 in tuition and fees if they attend Cuesta College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $9,348. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Cuesta College. During the 2020-2021 year, about 75% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Cuesta College Report

#23

Green River College

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

Green River College landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular basic certificate trade school programs. Located in Auburn, Washington, the medium-sized public school awarded 225 diplomas to qualifed basic certificate students in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Washington pay an average of $4,434 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend GRC. Out-of-state students pay an average of $4,916. Of those students who received their degree, 52% were women.

GRC 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 fact, around 88% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Green River College

#24

Los Angeles City College

Los Angeles, California
371 Total Awards
$1,238 Average Tuition & Fees

Los Angeles City College landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular basic certificate trade school programs. Los Angeles, California is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out basic certificates to 371 students in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Los Angeles City College is $1,238. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $9,870. Of those students who received their degree, 68% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Los Angeles City College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 95% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Los Angeles City College

#25

Santa Ana College

Santa Ana, California
1,790 Total Awards
$1,180 Average Tuition & Fees

Santa Ana College ranked #25 on this year’s Most Popular Basic Certificate Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region list. Located in Santa Ana, California, the large public school handed out 1,790 basic certificate awards in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from California pay an average of $1,180 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend SAC. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,788. Around 43% of those degree recipients were women.

SAC does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2020-2021 year, about 41% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Santa Ana College

Not only did these schools make the top 50 list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:

#26

Downey Adult School

Downey, California
#28

Antelope Valley College

Lancaster, California
#29

High Desert Medical College

Lancaster, California
#31

Advanced Training Institute

Las Vegas, Nevada
#32

Everett Community College

Everett, Washington
#33

National Career Education

Citrus Heights, California
#34

Concorde Career College - San Bernardino

San Bernardino, California
#35

Palomar College

San Marcos, California
#36

Concorde Career College - San Diego

San Diego, California
#37

Northwest Career College

Las Vegas, Nevada
#39

Allan Hancock College

Santa Maria, California
#40

Bakersfield College

Bakersfield, California
#40

Vista Adult School

Vista, California
#40

Cypress College

Cypress, California
#43

Bellingham Technical College

Bellingham, Washington
#44

Palace Beauty College

Los Angeles, California
#45

Bates Technical College

Tacoma, Washington
#47

Mayfield College

Cathedral City, California
#48

Healthcare Career College

Paramount, California
#49

The Fab School

Rancho Cucamonga, California
#50

Oxnard College

Oxnard, California

View Most Popular Trade School Basic Certificate Schools Nationwide >

To learn more about the schools below, just click on their names:

Rank School Location
51 Riverside City College Riverside, CA
52 Riverside County Office of Education-School of Career Education Riverside, CA
53 Golden West College Huntington Beach, CA
54 Edmonds Community College Lynnwood, WA
55 Concorde Career College - Portland Portland, OR
56 Great Basin College Elko, NV
57 Saddleback College Mission Viejo, CA
57 Paul Mitchell the School Sacramento Sacramento, CA
59 De Anza College Cupertino, CA
60 Concorde Career College - North Hollywood North Hollywood, CA
61 Milan Institute-Clovis Clovis, CA
62 Concorde Career College - Garden Grove Garden Grove, CA
62 Big Bend Community College Moses Lake, WA
64 Skagit Valley College Mount Vernon, WA
64 Fresno City College Fresno, CA
66 City College of San Francisco San Francisco, CA

Honorable Mentions

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

Rank School Location
67 Aveda Institute Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV
68 North Seattle College Seattle, WA
69 Pima Medical Institute - Renton Renton, WA
70 Central Coast College Salinas, CA
71 Coastline Beauty College Fountain Valley, CA
72 Palo Verde College Blythe, CA
73 Crafton Hills College Yucaipa, CA
73 Rogue Community College Grants Pass, OR
75 My Le’s Beauty College Sacramento, CA
76 Cerritos College Norwalk, CA
77 Citrus College Glendora, CA
78 Merced College Merced, CA
78 Portland Community College Portland, OR
80 Bellus Academy - Poway Poway, CA
81 Long Beach City College Long Beach, CA
82 Milan Institute-Visalia Visalia, CA
83 Federico Beauty Institute Sacramento, CA
83 College of the Canyons Santa Clarita, CA
85 Mt. Hood Community College Gresham, OR
86 San Jose City College San Jose, CA
87 Las Vegas College Las Vegas, NV
88 Milan Institute-Merced Merced, 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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