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Most Popular Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Colorado

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2023 Most Popular Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Colorado

44 Schools Ranked
$5,320 Avg Tuition & Fees*

When it comes to higher education, there are a lot of options for trade school students. You can choose a traditional brick and mortar school, or with the growth of online education, you can attend a school half-way across the country without even leaving your house.

Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Trade College Search has created the Most Popular Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Colorado to help you in your search for the best school for you. Our analysis looked at 44 schools in Colorado 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

Front Range Community College

Westminster, Colorado
3,473 Total Awards
$4,126 Average Tuition & Fees

Our 2023 rankings named Front Range Community College the most popular school in Colorado for trade school students working on their basic certificate. Westminster, Colorado is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out basic certificates to 3,473 students in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Colorado pay an average of $4,126 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend FRCC. Out-of-state students pay an average of $15,776. Of those students who received their degree, 49% were women.

Online courses are available at FRCC, 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, 33% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#2

Pikes Peak Community College

Colorado Springs, Colorado
1,253 Total Awards
$4,065 Average Tuition & Fees

The excellent basic certificate programs at Pikes Peak Community College helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular trade school schools in Colorado. PPCC is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado and has a fairly large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,253 basic certificates to qualified students.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at PPCC is $4,065. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $15,714. Around 47% of those degree recipients were women.

PPCC 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 51% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Pikes Peak Community College

#3

Red Rocks Community College

Lakewood, Colorado
1,290 Total Awards
$4,471 Average Tuition & Fees

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Red Rocks Community College is a great place for trade school students working on their basic certificate. This medium-sized public school is located in Lakewood, Colorado, and it awarded 1,290 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

Students from Colorado who attend Red Rocks Community College full time pay an average of $4,471 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $16,135. Around 51% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Red Rocks Community College. During the 2020-2021 year, about 51% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#4

Pueblo Community College

Pueblo, Colorado
1,815 Total Awards
$4,626 Average Tuition & Fees

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Pueblo Community College is a great place for trade school students working on their basic certificate. Pueblo, Colorado is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out basic certificates to 1,815 students in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $4,626 in tuition and fees if they attend Pueblo Community College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $16,275. Of those students who received their degree, 33% were women.

Pueblo Community College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 33% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Pueblo Community College

#5

Aims Community College

Greeley, Colorado
819 Total Awards
$2,954 Average Tuition & Fees

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means Aims Community College is a great place for trade school students working on their basic certificate. Aims Community College is a public institution located in Greeley, Colorado. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 819 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

Students from Colorado who attend Aims Community College full time pay an average of $2,954 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $10,850. Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.

Aims Community College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2020-2021 about 44% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#6

Colorado Mountain College

Glenwood Springs, Colorado
647 Total Awards
$4,980 Average Tuition & Fees

Colorado Mountain College came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Colorado ranking. Colorado Mountain College is located in Glenwood Springs, Colorado and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 647 basic certificates to qualified students.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Colorado Mountain College is $4,980. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $11,820. Around 41% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that Colorado Mountain College does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 27% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Colorado Mountain College

416 Total Awards

With a ranking of #7, Emily Griffith Technical College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their basic certificate. Located in Denver, Colorado, the medium-sized public school awarded 416 diplomas to qualifed basic certificate students in 2021-2022.

Of those students who received their degree, 67% were women.

Online courses are available at Emily Griffith, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. During the 2020-2021 year, about 0% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Emily Griffith Technical College Report

311 Total Awards

Lincoln College of Technology - Denver 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 #8 on the list. Lincoln Tech - Denver is located in Denver, Colorado and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 311 basic certificates to qualified students.

Around 6% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Lincoln College of Technology - Denver Report

#9

Trinidad State Junior College

Trinidad, Colorado
339 Total Awards
$5,240 Average Tuition & Fees

Trinidad State Junior College ranked #9 on this year’s Most Popular Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Colorado list. Trinidad State Junior College is a public institution located in Trinidad, Colorado. The school has a small population, and it awarded 339 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Trinidad State Junior College is $5,240. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,360. Of those students who received their degree, 32% were women.

Trinidad State Junior 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. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 15% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Trinidad State Junior College

#10

Concorde Career College - Aurora

Aurora, Colorado
280 Total Awards

Concorde Career College - Aurora 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 #10 on the list. Concorde Career College - Aurora is a very small private for-profit school located in Aurora, Colorado that handed out 280 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

Around 91% of those degree recipients were women.

Concorde Career College - Aurora is one of the schools on our list that is primarily online. Each undergraduate student at the school took at least one class online.

Full Concorde Career College - Aurora Report

#11

Colorado Mesa University

Grand Junction, Colorado
383 Total Awards
$9,297 Average Tuition & Fees

Colorado Mesa 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 #11 on the list. This medium-sized public school is located in Grand Junction, Colorado, and it awarded 383 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

Students from Colorado who attend Colorado Mesa full time pay an average of $9,297 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $23,019. Of those students who received their degree, 51% were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Colorado Mesa. In 2020-2021 about 43% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Colorado Mesa University Report

#12

Community College of Denver

Denver, Colorado
408 Total Awards
$4,586 Average Tuition & Fees

Community College of Denver came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Colorado ranking. Community College of Denver is a medium-sized public school located in Denver, Colorado that handed out 408 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

Students from Colorado who attend CCD full time pay an average of $4,586 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $16,235. Around 73% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at CCD. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 59% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Community College of Denver

#13

Northeastern Junior College

Sterling, Colorado
273 Total Awards
$5,345 Average Tuition & Fees

Northeastern Junior College came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Colorado ranking. Sterling, Colorado is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out basic certificates to 273 students in 2021-2022.

Students from Colorado who attend NJC full time pay an average of $5,345 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $7,691. Around 16% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at NJC. During the 2020-2021 year, about 30% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Northeastern Junior College Report

200 Total Awards

With a ranking of #14, Technical College of the Rockies did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their basic certificate. This very small public school is located in Delta, Colorado, and it awarded 200 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

Around 68% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Technical College of the Rockies. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 8% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#15

Pickens Technical College

Aurora, Colorado
361 Total Awards
$4,930 Average Tuition & Fees

Pickens Technical 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 #15 on the list. This very small public school is located in Aurora, Colorado, and it awarded 361 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $4,930 in tuition and fees if they attend Pickens Technical College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,830. Around 47% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#16

Intellitec College - Grand Junction

Grand Junction, Colorado
180 Total Awards

Intellitec College - Grand Junction landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular basic certificate trade school programs. Intellitec College - Grand Junction is a small private for-profit school situated in Grand Junction, Colorado. It awarded 180 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

Around 77% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#17

Community College of Aurora

Aurora, Colorado
298 Total Awards
$4,030 Average Tuition & Fees

Community College of Aurora landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular basic certificate trade school programs. Community College of Aurora is a medium-sized public school located in Aurora, Colorado that handed out 298 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

Students from Colorado who attend CCA full time pay an average of $4,030 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $15,832. Around 68% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at CCA. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 22% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Community College of Aurora

#18

Aveda Institute - Denver

Denver, Colorado
156 Total Awards

Aveda Institute - Denver landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular basic certificate trade school programs. Aveda Institute - Denver is located in Denver, Colorado and has a very small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 156 basic certificates to qualified students.

Around 95% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Aveda Institute - Denver Report

127 Total Awards

Xenon International Academy-Denver landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular basic certificate trade school programs. Aurora, Colorado is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out basic certificates to 127 students in 2021-2022.

Of those students who received their degree, 98% were women.

Since Xenon International School of Hair Design is primarily an online school, it is an excellent choice for undergraduate students who need more flexibility than what is offered at some other schools.

Read More…

#20

International Salon and Spa Academy

Colorado Springs, Colorado
89 Total Awards

International Salon and Spa Academy landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular basic certificate trade school programs. This very small private for-profit school is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and it awarded 89 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

Around 94% of those degree recipients were women.

Full International Salon and Spa Academy Report

#21

Otero Junior College

La Junta, Colorado
94 Total Awards
$4,226 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #21, Otero Junior College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their basic certificate. Located in La Junta, Colorado, the very small public school handed out 94 basic certificate awards in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $4,226 in tuition and fees if they attend Otero JC full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $6,730. Around 35% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Otero JC. In fact, around 32% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Otero Junior College Report

#22

Stacey James Institute

Parker, Colorado
66 Total Awards

Stacey James Institute 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 #22 on the list. Stacey James Institute is a private for-profit institution located in Parker, Colorado. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 66 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

Around 100% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Stacey James Institute Report

#23

Pima Medical Institute - Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, Colorado
61 Total Awards

Pima Medical Institute - Colorado Springs came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Colorado ranking. PMI Colorado Springs is a private for-profit institution located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 61 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

Around 90% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that PMI Colorado Springs does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 13% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#24

Colorado School of Healing Arts

Lakewood, Colorado
65 Total Awards
$11,600 Average Tuition & Fees

Colorado School of Healing Arts ranked #24 on this year’s Most Popular Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Colorado list. Colorado School of Healing Arts is a very small private for-profit school located in Lakewood, Colorado that handed out 65 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

CSHA does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $11,600. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. Of those students who received their degree, 74% were women.

Full Colorado School of Healing Arts Report

76 Total Awards

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts - Boulder landed the #25 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular basic certificate trade school programs. Escoffier - Boulder is a private for-profit institution located in Boulder, Colorado. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 76 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

Of those students who received their degree, 67% were women.

Escoffier - Boulder does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2020-2021 year, about 96% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts - Boulder Report

Most Popular Trade School Basic Certificate Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region

View Most Popular Trade School Basic Certificate 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.

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