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Most Popular Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region

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2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region

623 Schools Ranked
$44,163 Average Earnings
$32,210 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.

Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Trade College Search has created the Most Popular Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region to help you in your search for the best school for you. Our analysis looked at 623 schools in the Far Western US Region to see which 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

Unitek College

Fremont, California
2,114 Total Awards
$49,641 Average Earnings
$12,845 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Unitek College the most popular school in the Far Western US Region for trade school students working on their degree. Unitek College is a private for-profit institution located in Fremont, California. The school has a small population, and it awarded 2,114 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Unitek College accumulate an average of $12,845 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 $165 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Unitek College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $49,641 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 88% were women.

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#2

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts

San Mateo, California
1,423 Total Awards
$52,087 Average Earnings
$15,681 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 623 schools in the Far Western US Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts landed the # 2 spot on the list. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is a small private for-profit school situated in San Mateo, California. It awarded 1,423 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts accumulate an average of $15,681 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 $178. Once they receive their degree, Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $52,087 during the early year of their career. Around 82% of those degree recipients were women.

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#3

Olympic College

Bremerton, Washington
2,461 Total Awards
$50,431 Average Earnings
$14,155 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Olympic College. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region list. This small public school is located in Bremerton, Washington, and it awarded 2,461 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from OC accumulate an average of $14,155 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, OC graduates make an average of $50,431 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 50% were women.

Full Olympic College Report

#4

Northwest Career College

Las Vegas, Nevada
1,472 Total Awards
$23,983 Average Earnings
$8,214 Avg Student Debt

The programs at Northwest Career College helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular trade school schools in the Far Western US Region . Las Vegas, Nevada is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 1,472 students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Northwest Career College accumulate an average of $8,214 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $50, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Northwest Career College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $23,983 during the early year of their career. Around 90% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Northwest Career College

#5

Clover Park Technical College

Lakewood, Washington
1,633 Total Awards
$41,883 Average Earnings
$12,183 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Clover Park Technical College. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region list. Clover Park Technical College is a small public school located in Lakewood, Washington that handed out 1,633 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,183 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, CPTC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,883 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 38% were women.

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#6

Charter College

Vancouver, Washington
1,305 Total Awards
$35,122 Average Earnings
$20,604 Avg Student Debt

Charter College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #6 on the list. Located in Vancouver, Washington, the small private for-profit school awarded 1,305 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $20,604 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Charter College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $35,122 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 75% were women.

Full Charter College Report

2,717 Total Awards
$43,454 Average Earnings
$13,535 Avg Student Debt

Truckee Meadows Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #7 on the list. Truckee Meadows Community College is a public institution located in Reno, Nevada. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 2,717 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,535 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Truckee Meadows Community College graduates make an average of $43,454 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 55% were women.

Read full report on Truckee Meadows Community College

#8

Sierra College

Rocklin, California
4,995 Total Awards
$17,540 Avg Student Debt

Sierra College 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. Sierra College is a public institution located in Rocklin, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 4,995 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,540 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.

Full Sierra College Report

#8

Spokane Community College

Spokane, Washington
1,969 Total Awards
$37,399 Average Earnings
$16,036 Avg Student Debt

Spokane Community College ranked #8 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region list. This medium-sized public school is located in Spokane, Washington, and it awarded 1,969 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Spokane Community College accumulate an average of $16,036 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Spokane Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,399 during the early year of their career. Around 49% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Spokane Community College Report

#10

Advanced Career Institute

Visalia, California
1,671 Total Awards
$30,938 Average Earnings
$6,241 Avg Student Debt

Advanced Career Institute ranked #10 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region list. Advanced Career Institute is a private for-profit institution located in Visalia, California. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 1,671 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $6,241 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $39 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Advanced Career Institute, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $30,938 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 11% were women.

Full Advanced Career Institute Report

#11

College of Southern Nevada

Las Vegas, Nevada
5,307 Total Awards
$34,877 Average Earnings
$11,507 Avg Student Debt

College of Southern Nevada landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Located in Las Vegas, Nevada, the large public school handed out 5,307 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from CSN accumulate an average of $11,507 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from CSN, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $34,877 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

Read full report on College of Southern Nevada

#12

Carrington College, Sacramento

Sacramento, California
1,150 Total Awards
$39,519 Average Earnings
$17,149 Avg Student Debt

Carrington College, Sacramento landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Carrington College, Sacramento is a private for-profit institution located in Sacramento, California. The school has a small population, and it awarded 1,150 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,149 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $134, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Carrington College, Sacramento graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $39,519 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 91% were women.

Full Carrington College, Sacramento Report

#13

American Career College - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California
987 Total Awards
$37,752 Average Earnings
$15,345 Avg Student Debt

American Career College - Los Angeles ranked #13 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region list. American Career College - Los Angeles is a small private for-profit school located in Los Angeles, California that handed out 987 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,345 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $139, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, American Career College - Los Angeles graduates make an average of $37,752 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 80% were women.

Full American Career College - Los Angeles Report

#14

National Holistic Institute

Emeryville, California
838 Total Awards
$22,470 Average Earnings
$9,361 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #14, National Holistic Institute did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Emeryville, California is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 838 students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $9,361 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $75. Once they receive their degree, National Holistic Institute graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $22,470 during the early year of their career. Around 74% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on National Holistic Institute

#15

Summit College

San Bernardino, California
860 Total Awards
$30,576 Average Earnings
$9,016 Avg Student Debt

Summit College ranked #15 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region list. Located in San Bernardino, California, the small private for-profit school handed out 860 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $9,016 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $85 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Summit College graduates make an average of $30,576 annually. Around 27% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Summit College Report

#16

Victor Valley College

Victorville, California
4,997 Total Awards
$35,632 Average Earnings

Victor Valley College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #16 on the list. This fairly large public school is located in Victorville, California, and it awarded 4,997 degrees in 2021-2022.

During the early years of their career, Victor Valley College graduates make an average of $35,632 annually. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Victor Valley College Report

#16

Institute of Technology

Clovis, California
954 Total Awards
$26,461 Average Earnings
$10,356 Avg Student Debt

Institute of Technology did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #16 on the list. Fresno Institute of Technology is a private for-profit institution located in Clovis, California. The school has a small population, and it awarded 954 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $10,356 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $68 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Fresno Institute of Technology graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $26,461 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

Full Institute of Technology Report

#18

Contra Costa Medical Career College

Antioch, California
948 Total Awards
$7,275 Avg Student Debt

Contra Costa Medical Career College 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. Contra Costa Medical Career College is a very small private for-profit school located in Antioch, California that handed out 948 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $7,275 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 83% were women.

Read full report on Contra Costa Medical Career College

#19

Bellingham Technical College

Bellingham, Washington
835 Total Awards
$47,075 Average Earnings

With a ranking of #19, Bellingham Technical College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Located in Bellingham, Washington, the small public school awarded 835 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Once they receive their degree, Bellingham Vocational Technical Institute graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $47,075 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 41% were women.

Read full report on Bellingham Technical College

#20

American Career College - Ontario

Ontario, California
734 Total Awards
$29,941 Average Earnings
$11,739 Avg Student Debt

American Career College - Ontario landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. American Career College - Ontario is a small private for-profit school located in Ontario, California that handed out 734 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $11,739 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $165, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, American Career College - Ontario graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $29,941 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 83% were women.

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#21

Fresno City College

Fresno, California
3,885 Total Awards
$37,728 Average Earnings
$4,603 Avg Student Debt

Fresno City College ranked #21 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region list. This large public school is located in Fresno, California, and it awarded 3,885 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Fresno City College accumulate an average of $4,603 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Fresno City College graduates make an average of $37,728 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

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#22

San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia

Visalia, California
1,226 Total Awards
$39,446 Average Earnings
$14,460 Avg Student Debt

San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia ranked #22 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region list. San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia is a small private for-profit school situated in Visalia, California. It awarded 1,226 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,460 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $132, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia graduates make an average of $39,446 annually. Around 75% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia

#23

Portland Community College

Portland, Oregon
4,737 Total Awards
$44,075 Average Earnings
$17,461 Avg Student Debt

Portland Community College came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. Located in Portland, Oregon, the fairly large public school awarded 4,737 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $17,461 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Portland Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $44,075 during the early years of their career. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Portland Community College

#24

American Career College - Anaheim

Anaheim, California
728 Total Awards
$35,891 Average Earnings
$14,639 Avg Student Debt

American Career College - Anaheim landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. This small private for-profit school is located in Anaheim, California, and it awarded 728 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $14,639 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $151 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, American Career College - Anaheim graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,891 during the early year of their career. Around 79% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on American Career College - Anaheim

#25

UEI College-Bakersfield

Bakersfield, California
819 Total Awards
$19,886 Average Earnings
$8,988 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #25, UEI College-Bakersfield did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. This small private for-profit school is located in Bakersfield, California, and it awarded 819 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $8,988 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $98. Once they receive their degree, UEI College-Bakersfield graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $19,886 during the early year of their career. Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

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

#26

Cuesta College

San Luis Obispo, California
#27

Butte College

Oroville, California
#29

Santa Rosa Junior College

Santa Rosa, California
#29

The University of Arizona Global Campus

San Diego, California
#31

UEI College-Gardena

Gardena, California
#32

Santa Ana College

Santa Ana, California
#33

Antelope Valley College

Lancaster, California
#35

Green River College

Auburn, Washington
#36

National University

San Diego, California
#37

United Education Institute-Chula Vista

Chula Vista, California
#38

Santiago Canyon College

Orange, California
#39

Saddleback College

Mission Viejo, California
#39

Cypress College

Cypress, California
#41

Citrus College

Glendora, California
#42

California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, California
#43

College of the Sequoias

Visalia, California
#44

High Desert Medical College

Lancaster, California
#46

Palomar College

San Marcos, California
#47

Bates Technical College

Tacoma, Washington
#48

Universal Technical Institute - Rancho Cucamonga

Rancho Cucamonga, California
#49

UEI College-Riverside

Riverside, California
#50

Pasadena City College

Pasadena, California

View Most Popular Trade School Schools Nationwide >

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

Rank School Location
51 Renton Technical College Renton, WA
52 Universal Technical Institute - Sacramento Sacramento, CA
53 United Education Institute-West Covina West Covina, CA
54 Everett Community College Everett, WA
55 Concorde Career College - San Bernardino San Bernardino, CA
56 Pima Medical Institute - Renton Renton, WA
57 Bakersfield College Bakersfield, CA
58 Advance Beauty College Garden Grove, CA
59 Los Angeles Trade Technical College Los Angeles, CA
60 Allan Hancock College Santa Maria, CA
61 Great Basin College Elko, NV
61 Orange Coast College Costa Mesa, CA
63 UEI College-Fresno Fresno, CA
64 Institute for Business and Technology Santa Clara, CA
65 United Education Institute-Encino Reseda, CA
65 Concorde Career College - San Diego San Diego, CA
65 Mt. San Antonio College Walnut, CA
68 UEI College-Sacramento Sacramento, CA
69 Honolulu Community College Honolulu, HI
70 Los Angeles City College Los Angeles, CA
71 Mt. Hood Community College Gresham, OR
72 Western Nevada College Carson City, NV
72 Long Beach City College Long Beach, CA
72 Oregon Institute of Technology Klamath Falls, OR
75 West Coast Ultrasound Institute Los Angeles, CA
76 Diablo Valley College Pleasant Hill, CA
77 Concorde Career College - Garden Grove Garden Grove, CA
78 City College of San Francisco San Francisco, CA
79 Advanced Training Institute Las Vegas, NV
80 Lake Washington Institute of Technology Kirkland, WA
81 Cerritos College Norwalk, CA
82 Downey Adult School Downey, CA
82 Southwestern College Chula Vista, CA
82 Pima Medical Institute - Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV
85 International Air and Hospitality Academy Vancouver, WA
86 United Education Institute-Anaheim Garden Grove, CA
87 United Education Institute-UEI College Stockton Stockton, CA
88 Lane Community College Eugene, OR
89 Foothill College Los Altos Hills, CA
90 Perry Technical Institute Yakima, WA
91 California State University - East Bay Hayward, CA
92 San Jose City College San Jose, CA
92 University of Nevada - Reno Reno, NV
94 Riverside City College Riverside, CA

Honorable Mentions

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

Rank School Location
95 United Education Institute-UEI College San Marcos Oceanside, CA
96 Concorde Career College - North Hollywood North Hollywood, CA
96 Healthcare Career College Paramount, CA
98 United Education Institute-Ontario Ontario, CA
99 Asian-American International Beauty College Westminster, CA
100 Rogue Community College Grants Pass, OR
101 University of Alaska Anchorage Anchorage, AK
102 Sacramento City College Sacramento, CA
102 Oxnard College Oxnard, CA
104 Universal Technical Institute - Long Beach Long Beach, CA
105 North-West College - West Covina West Covina, CA
106 Skagit Valley College Mount Vernon, WA
107 Pima Medical Institute - Seattle Seattle, WA
108 Clark College Vancouver, WA
108 Southern California Institute of Technology Anaheim, CA
110 Bellus Academy - Poway Poway, CA
111 Merced College Merced, CA
112 Linn-Benton Community College Albany, OR
113 CBD College Los Angeles, CA
114 San Joaquin Delta College Stockton, CA
114 West Los Angeles College Culver City, CA
116 Hacienda La Puente Adult Education La Puente, CA
116 National Career Education Citrus Heights, CA
118 Skyline College San Bruno, CA
118 Seattle Central College Seattle, WA
120 Walla Walla Community College Walla Walla, WA
121 Chaffey College Rancho Cucamonga, CA
122 MTI College Sacramento, CA
123 Concorde Career College - Portland Portland, OR
124 Big Bend Community College Moses Lake, WA
124 North-West College - Riverside Riverside, 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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