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Most Popular Trade Schools in the Great Lakes Region

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 analysis found Ivy Tech Community College to be the most popular school for trade school students in the Great Lakes Region . Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution located in Indianapolis, Indiana. The school has a large population, and it awarded 31,118 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $11,090 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $35,780 during the early years of their career. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Ivy Tech Community College

#2

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You’ll be in good company if you attend . The school came in at #2 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in the Great Lakes Region list.

#3

DeVry University - Illinois

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

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend DeVry University - Illinois. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. DeVry University - Illinois is a private for-profit institution located in Naperville, Illinois. The school has a large population, and it awarded 9,399 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $39,266 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $138. During the early years of their career, DeVry University - Illinois graduates make an average of $48,020 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

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#4

Fox Valley Technical College

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

The programs at Fox Valley Technical College helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular trade school schools in the Great Lakes Region . Located in Appleton, Wisconsin, the fairly large public school awarded 3,648 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,430 in student loans. During the early years of their career, FVTC graduates make an average of $36,943 annually. Around 48% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Fox Valley Technical College

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

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means Columbus State Community College is a great place for trade school students. Columbus State is located in Columbus, Ohio and has a large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 4,820 degrees to qualified students.

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

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

Sinclair Community 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. 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. During the early years of their career, Sinclair Community College graduates make an average of $32,938 annually. Around 36% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Sinclair Community College Report

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

With a ranking of #7, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a fairly large public school located in Green Bay, Wisconsin that handed out 3,012 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from NWTC accumulate an average of $13,554 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, NWTC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $36,536 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 65% were women.

Read full report on Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

#8

Milwaukee Area Technical College

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

Milwaukee Area Technical College ranked #8 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. MATC is a public institution located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 2,697 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $15,137 in loans while pursuing 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 did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #9 on the list. Madison Area Technical College is a fairly large public school located in Madison, Wisconsin that handed out 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.After graduating from Madison College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,202 during the early years of their career. 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

College of Lake County did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #10 on the list. This fairly large public school is located in Grayslake, Illinois, and it awarded 4,149 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $10,385 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from College of Lake County, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $53,083 during the early years of their career. 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

Chippewa Valley Technical College ranked #11 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. CVTC is a public institution located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 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. Once they receive their degree, CVTC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,325 during the early year of their career. 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 did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #12 on the list. Northcentral Technical College is a medium-sized public school located in Wausau, Wisconsin that handed out 2,240 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $8,901 in student loans. 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 public institution located in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The school has a medium-sized population, and 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. Once they receive their degree, Gateway Technical College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $34,772 during the early year of their career. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Gateway Technical College Report

#14

Waukesha County Technical College

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

With a ranking of #14, Waukesha County Technical College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. 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.

Degree recipients from WCTC accumulate an average of $15,038 in student debt by the time they complete 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. Of those students who received their degree, 53% were women.

Full Waukesha County Technical College Report

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

Midwest Technical Institute - Springfield, Illinois ranked #15 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Located in Springfield, Illinois, the small private for-profit school awarded 1,210 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $8,868 in student loans. 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 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 Palatine, Illinois, and it awarded 4,419 degrees 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.

Read More…

#17

Stark State College

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

Stark State College came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. Stark State College is a fairly large public school situated in North Canton, Ohio. 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.

Read full report on Stark State College

#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 landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. MVCC is a public institution located in Palos Hills, Illinois. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 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. Of those students who received their degree, 43% 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 ranked #19 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Fond du Lac, Wisconsin is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,719 students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,552 in student loans.After graduating from Moraine Park Technical College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $37,031 during the early years of their career. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Moraine Park Technical College

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

Cuyahoga Community College District landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Cuyahoga Community College District is a public institution located in Cleveland, Ohio. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 3,514 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $10,632 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Cuyahoga Community College District, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,886 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 58% were women.

Full Cuyahoga Community College District Report

#21

Southwestern Illinois College

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

Southwestern Illinois College landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Located in Belleville, Illinois, the medium-sized public school awarded 2,480 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $7,100 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, SWIC graduates make an average of $36,934 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 49% were women.

Full Southwestern Illinois College Report

#22

College of DuPage

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

College of DuPage landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Glen Ellyn, Illinois is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 2,944 students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $11,759 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from COD, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $24,970 during the early years of their career. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on College of DuPage

#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 landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Located in Shell Lake, Wisconsin, the small public school awarded 1,764 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $9,791 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, WITC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $32,898 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 56% were women.

Read full report on Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College

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

With a ranking of #24, University of Northwestern Ohio did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. University of Northwestern Ohio is located in Lima, Ohio and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,316 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $27,199 in loans while pursuing 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 ranked #25 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. This medium-sized public school is located in Chicago, Illinois, and it awarded 1,666 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $8,739 in student loans. 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. Of those students who received their degree, 79% 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 Mott Community College Flint, MI
122 Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti, MI
124 Olney Central College Olney, IL
124 Collins Career Technical Center Chesapeake, OH
126 Michigan College of Beauty-Troy Troy, MI
127 Spoon River College Canton, IL
127 Washington County Career Center-Adult Technical Training Marietta, OH
129 EHOVE Career Center Milan, OH
129 Terra State Community College Fremont, OH
129 Remington College - Cleveland Campus Cleveland, 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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