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2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in the Great Lakes Region

686 Schools Ranked
$42,985 Average Earnings
$28,480 Avg Student Debt

With all the trade school programs available today, it can be tough to choose which one is the best for you. 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 Great Lakes Region to help you in your search for the best school for you. Our analysis looked at 686 schools in the Great Lakes 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

Ivy Tech Community College

Indianapolis, Indiana
31,118 Total Awards
$35,780 Average Earnings
$11,090 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Ivy Tech Community College the most popular school in the Great Lakes Region for trade school students working on their degree. Indianapolis, Indiana is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 31,118 students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $11,090 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Ivy Tech Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,780 during the early year of their career. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Ivy Tech Community College Report

#2

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A rank of #2 on this year’s list means is a great place for trade school students.

#3

DeVry University - Illinois

Naperville, Illinois
9,399 Total Awards
$48,020 Average Earnings
$39,266 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means DeVry University - Illinois is a great place for trade school students. DeVry University - Illinois is located in Naperville, Illinois and has a large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 9,399 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $39,266 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $138 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from DeVry University - Illinois, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $48,020 during the early years of their career. Around 63% of those degree recipients were women.

Full DeVry University - Illinois Report

#4

Fox Valley Technical College

Appleton, Wisconsin
3,648 Total Awards
$36,943 Average Earnings
$10,430 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Fox Valley Technical College. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Fox Valley Technical College is a fairly large public school located in Appleton, Wisconsin that handed out 3,648 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from FVTC accumulate an average of $10,430 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, FVTC graduates make an average of $36,943 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 48% were women.

Read full report on Fox Valley Technical College

4,820 Total Awards
$12,197 Avg Student Debt

The programs at Columbus State Community College helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular trade school schools in the Great Lakes Region . Columbus State is a public institution located in Columbus, Ohio. The school has a large population, and it awarded 4,820 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,197 in student loans. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Columbus State Community College Report

10,362 Total Awards
$32,938 Average Earnings
$11,437 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #6, Sinclair Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Sinclair Community College is a fairly large public school situated in Dayton, Ohio. It awarded 10,362 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,437 in student loans.After graduating from Sinclair Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $32,938 during the early years of their career. Around 36% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Sinclair Community College

3,012 Total Awards
$36,536 Average Earnings
$13,554 Avg Student Debt

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. This fairly large public school is located in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and it awarded 3,012 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,554 in student loans. During the early years of their career, NWTC graduates make an average of $36,536 annually. Around 65% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#8

Milwaukee Area Technical College

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
2,697 Total Awards
$34,516 Average Earnings
$15,137 Avg Student Debt

Milwaukee Area Technical 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. This fairly large public school is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and it awarded 2,697 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from MATC accumulate an average of $15,137 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, MATC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $34,516 during the early year of their career. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Milwaukee Area Technical College Report

#9

Madison Area Technical College

Madison, Wisconsin
3,280 Total Awards
$40,202 Average Earnings
$15,784 Avg Student Debt

Madison Area Technical College landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Madison College is a public institution located in Madison, Wisconsin. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 3,280 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,784 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Madison College graduates make an average of $40,202 annually. Around 63% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Madison Area Technical College Report

#10

College of Lake County

Grayslake, Illinois
4,149 Total Awards
$53,083 Average Earnings
$10,385 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #10, College of Lake County did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Located in Grayslake, Illinois, the fairly large public school handed out 4,149 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from College of Lake County accumulate an average of $10,385 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, College of Lake County graduates make an average of $53,083 annually. Around 55% of those degree recipients were women.

Full College of Lake County Report

#11

Chippewa Valley Technical College

Eau Claire, Wisconsin
2,576 Total Awards
$40,325 Average Earnings
$13,817 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #11, Chippewa Valley Technical College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Chippewa Valley Technical College is a medium-sized public school located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin that handed out 2,576 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,817 in student loans. During the early years of their career, CVTC graduates make an average of $40,325 annually. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#12

Northcentral Technical College

Wausau, Wisconsin
2,240 Total Awards
$33,732 Average Earnings
$8,901 Avg Student Debt

Northcentral Technical College landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. North Central Technical College is a public institution located in Wausau, Wisconsin. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 2,240 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $8,901 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, North Central Technical College graduates make an average of $33,732 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

Full Northcentral Technical College Report

#13

Gateway Technical College

Kenosha, Wisconsin
2,683 Total Awards
$34,772 Average Earnings
$13,742 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #13, Gateway Technical College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Gateway Technical College is a medium-sized public school situated in Kenosha, Wisconsin. It awarded 2,683 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,742 in student loans.After graduating from Gateway Technical College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $34,772 during the early years of their career. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#14

Waukesha County Technical College

Pewaukee, Wisconsin
2,019 Total Awards
$38,058 Average Earnings
$15,038 Avg Student Debt

Waukesha County Technical College landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. WCTC is located in Pewaukee, Wisconsin and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 2,019 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $15,038 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from WCTC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,058 during the early years of their career. Around 53% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Waukesha County Technical College

1,210 Total Awards
$24,872 Average Earnings
$8,868 Avg Student Debt

Midwest Technical Institute - Springfield, Illinois did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #15 on the list. This small private for-profit school is located in Springfield, Illinois, and it awarded 1,210 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $8,868 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $72. During the early years of their career, MTI - Springfield, Illinois graduates make an average of $24,872 annually. Around 55% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Midwest Technical Institute - Springfield, Illinois Report

#16

William Rainey Harper College

Palatine, Illinois
4,419 Total Awards
$43,420 Average Earnings
$12,072 Avg Student Debt

William Rainey Harper College landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Palatine, Illinois is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 4,419 students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $12,072 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Harper College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,420 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

Full William Rainey Harper College Report

#17

Stark State College

North Canton, Ohio
2,079 Total Awards
$34,701 Average Earnings
$15,422 Avg Student Debt

Stark State College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #17 on the list. This fairly large public school is located in North Canton, Ohio, and it awarded 2,079 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Stark State College accumulate an average of $15,422 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Stark State College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $34,701 during the early years of their career. Around 53% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Stark State College Report

#18

Moraine Valley Community College

Palos Hills, Illinois
5,228 Total Awards
$35,287 Average Earnings
$12,220 Avg Student Debt

Moraine Valley Community 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. Located in Palos Hills, Illinois, the fairly large public school handed out 5,228 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from MVCC accumulate an average of $12,220 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, MVCC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,287 during the early year of their career. Around 43% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#19

Moraine Park Technical College

Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
1,719 Total Awards
$37,031 Average Earnings
$10,552 Avg Student Debt

Moraine Park Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #19 on the list. Moraine Park Technical College is located in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,719 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $10,552 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Moraine Park Technical College graduates make an average of $37,031 annually. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Moraine Park Technical College Report

3,514 Total Awards
$38,886 Average Earnings
$10,632 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #20, Cuyahoga Community College District did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, the fairly large public school handed out 3,514 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Cuyahoga Community College District accumulate an average of $10,632 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Cuyahoga Community College District graduates make an average of $38,886 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 58% were women.

Read More…

#21

Southwestern Illinois College

Belleville, Illinois
2,480 Total Awards
$36,934 Average Earnings
$7,100 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #21, Southwestern Illinois College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Belleville, Illinois is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 2,480 students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $7,100 in student loans. During the early years of their career, SWIC graduates make an average of $36,934 annually. Around 49% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Southwestern Illinois College

#22

College of DuPage

Glen Ellyn, Illinois
2,944 Total Awards
$24,970 Average Earnings
$11,759 Avg Student Debt

College of DuPage came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. Located in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, the large public school awarded 2,944 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from COD accumulate an average of $11,759 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, COD graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $24,970 during the early year of their career. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.

Full College of DuPage Report

#23

Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College

Shell Lake, Wisconsin
1,764 Total Awards
$32,898 Average Earnings
$9,791 Avg Student Debt

Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College ranked #23 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. WITC is a small public school situated in Shell Lake, Wisconsin. It awarded 1,764 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from WITC accumulate an average of $9,791 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, WITC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $32,898 during the early year of their career. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

1,316 Total Awards
$38,838 Average Earnings
$27,199 Avg Student Debt

University of Northwestern Ohio landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. University of Northwestern Ohio is a small private not-for-profit school located in Lima, Ohio that handed out 1,316 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from University of Northwestern Ohio accumulate an average of $27,199 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 $325. During the early years of their career, University of Northwestern Ohio graduates make an average of $38,838 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 12% were women.

Read More…

1,666 Total Awards
$34,354 Average Earnings
$8,739 Avg Student Debt

City Colleges of Chicago - Malcolm X College came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. Located in Chicago, Illinois, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,666 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $8,739 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Malcolm X College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $34,354 during the early year of their career. Around 79% of those degree recipients were women.

Full City Colleges of Chicago - Malcolm X College Report

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

#26

Joliet Junior College

Joliet, Illinois
#27

Ferris State University

Big Rapids, Michigan
#28

Purdue University - Main Campus

West Lafayette, Indiana
#29

Lansing Community College

Lansing, Michigan
#30

Douglas J Aveda Institute

East Lansing, Michigan
#31

Lincoln Land Community College

Springfield, Illinois
#32

Western Technical College

La Crosse, Wisconsin
#33

Elgin Community College

Elgin, Illinois
#34

Washtenaw Community College

Ann Arbor, Michigan
#35

Macomb Community College

Warren, Michigan
#36

Vincennes University

Vincennes, Indiana
#37

MIAT College of Technology

Canton, Michigan
#39

Mid-State Technical College

Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
#41

Lakeshore Technical College

Cleveland, Wisconsin
#43

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College

Fennimore, Wisconsin
#44

Parkland College

Champaign, Illinois
#46

Rock Valley College

Rockford, Illinois
#47

Hondros College of Nursing

Westerville, Ohio
#49

Kaskaskia College

Centralia, Illinois
#50

Apollo Career Center

Lima, Ohio

View Most Popular Trade School Schools Nationwide >

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

Rank School Location
52 Baker College Owosso, MI
53 Northwestern Technological Institute Southfield, MI
54 Owens Community College Perrysburg, OH
54 Universal Technical Institute - Illinois Lisle, IL
56 Lorain County Community College Elyria, OH
57 Rend Lake College Ina, IL
58 Blackhawk Technical College Janesville, WI
59 Triton College River Grove, IL
59 Grand Rapids Community College Grand Rapids, MI
61 Waubonsee Community College Sugar Grove, IL
62 Illinois Valley Community College Oglesby, IL
63 Oakland Community College Auburn Hills, MI
64 Illinois Central College East Peoria, IL
65 Lincoln College of Technology - Melrose Park Melrose Park, IL
66 Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL
67 Lake Land College Mattoon, IL
68 U.S. Truck Driver Training School Sterling Heights, MI
69 Heartland Community College Normal, IL
70 Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, MI
71 McHenry County College Crystal Lake, IL
72 Richland Community College Decatur, IL
73 University of Cincinnati - Main Campus Cincinnati, OH
74 Lincoln College of Technology - Indianapolis Indianapolis, IN
75 John A Logan College Carterville, IL
76 G Skin & Beauty Institute Schaumburg, IL
77 Kankakee Community College Kankakee, IL
77 Ross College-Sylvania Sylvania, OH
79 Indiana State University Terre Haute, IN
80 Hobart Institute of Welding Technology Troy, OH
81 Rasmussen University - Illinois Rockford, IL
82 Kellogg Community College Battle Creek, MI
83 Edison State Community College Piqua, OH
84 City Colleges of Chicago - Kennedy-King College Chicago, IL
85 Dorsey College, Woodhaven Madison Heights, MI
86 University of Akron Main Campus Akron, OH
87 Dayton School of Medical Massage Dayton, OH
88 Michigan State University East Lansing, MI
89 Fortis College - Columbus Westerville, OH
89 Delta College University Center, MI
91 ETI School of Skilled Trades Willowbrook, IL
91 School Removed
93 Prairie State College Chicago Heights, IL
94 Shawnee State University Portsmouth, OH
94 Stautzenberger College - Rockford Career College Rockford, IL
96 Schoolcraft College Livonia, MI
97 Henry Ford College Dearborn, MI
98 The Institute of Beauty and Wellness Milwaukee, WI
99 Aveda Fredric’s Institute - Cincinnati West Chester, OH
100 Nicolet Area Technical College Rhinelander, WI
101 University of Southern Indiana Evansville, IN
101 Central Ohio Technical College Newark, OH
103 Ohio University - Athens Campus Athens, OH

Honorable Mentions

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

Rank School Location
104 James A Rhodes State College Lima, OH
105 Herzing University - Madison Madison, WI
105 Raphael’s School of Beauty Culture Inc-Alliance Alliance, OH
107 Dorsey College, Roseville Roseville, MI
108 Sauk Valley Community College Dixon, IL
109 Cleveland State University Cleveland, OH
110 Northern Michigan University Marquette, MI
111 Clark State Community College Springfield, OH
112 Bowling Green State University - Main Campus Bowling Green, OH
113 Highland Community College Freeport, IL
114 University of Toledo Toledo, OH
115 Aveda Fredric’s Institute - Indianapolis Carmel, IN
116 Wayne County Community College District Detroit, MI
117 Shawnee Community College Ullin, IL
118 Career and Technology Education Centers of Licking County Newark, OH
119 City Colleges of Chicago - Richard J Daley College Chicago, IL
120 G Skin & Beauty Institute Oakbrook, IL
121 Danville Area Community College Danville, IL
122 Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti, MI
122 Mott Community College Flint, MI
124 Collins Career Technical Center Chesapeake, OH
124 Olney Central College Olney, IL
126 Michigan College of Beauty-Troy Troy, MI
127 Washington County Career Center-Adult Technical Training Marietta, OH
127 Spoon River College Canton, IL
129 Terra State Community College Fremont, OH
129 Remington College - Cleveland Campus Cleveland, OH
129 EHOVE Career Center Milan, OH
132 Fortis College - Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH
133 Polaris Career Center Middleburg Heights, OH
134 Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Indianapolis Indianapolis, IN
134 Muskegon Community College Muskegon, MI
136 Fox College Tinley Park, IL
137 Lakeland Community College Kirtland, OH
138 Belmont College St Clairsville, OH

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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