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Most Popular Trade Schools in Michigan

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2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in Michigan

128 Schools Ranked
$43,158 Average Earnings
$29,197 Avg Student Debt

There are so many trade school programs in today's world that it can tough to figure out which one is the right one for you. 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.

The Most Popular Trade Schools in Michigan ranking is one of many tools that Trade College Search has developed to help you make your educational decision. This report analyzed 128 schools in Michigan to see which ones were the most popular programs 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

Ferris State University

Big Rapids, Michigan
3,363 Total Awards
$47,887 Average Earnings
$27,636 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Ferris State University the most popular school in Michigan for trade school students working on their degree. Ferris State University is a fairly large public school located in Big Rapids, Michigan that handed out 3,363 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Ferris accumulate an average of $27,636 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 $230 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Ferris graduates make an average of $47,887 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 54% were women.

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#2

Lansing Community College

Lansing, Michigan
2,226 Total Awards
$45,008 Average Earnings
$13,543 Avg Student Debt

The programs at Lansing Community College helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular trade school schools in Michigan. Located in Lansing, Michigan, the medium-sized public school awarded 2,226 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $13,543 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $59 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, LCC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $45,008 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.

Read full report on Lansing Community College

#3

Douglas J Aveda Institute

East Lansing, Michigan
798 Total Awards
$18,502 Average Earnings
$7,266 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Douglas J Aveda Institute. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Michigan list. Douglas J Aveda Institute is a private for-profit institution located in East Lansing, Michigan. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 798 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $7,266 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $122 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Douglas J Aveda Institute graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $18,502 during the early year of their career. Around 95% of those degree recipients were women.

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#4

Washtenaw Community College

Ann Arbor, Michigan
3,500 Total Awards
$36,288 Average Earnings
$15,672 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Washtenaw Community College is a great place for trade school students. Washtenaw Community College is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan and has a fairly large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 3,500 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $15,672 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Washtenaw Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $36,288 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.

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#5

Macomb Community College

Warren, Michigan
2,609 Total Awards
$36,546 Average Earnings
$7,489 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means Macomb Community College is a great place for trade school students. Located in Warren, Michigan, the fairly large public school handed out 2,609 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $7,489 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Macomb Community College graduates make an average of $36,546 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 56% were women.

Full Macomb Community College Report

#6

MIAT College of Technology

Canton, Michigan
984 Total Awards
$37,324 Average Earnings
$15,215 Avg Student Debt

MIAT College of Technology landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. MIAT College of Technology is a private for-profit institution located in Canton, Michigan. The school has a small population, and it awarded 984 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,215 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $119 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, MIAT College of Technology graduates make an average of $37,324 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 7% were women.

Full MIAT College of Technology Report

#7

Baker College

Owosso, Michigan
1,451 Total Awards
$41,022 Average Earnings
$30,753 Avg Student Debt

Baker College ranked #7 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Michigan list. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Owosso, Michigan, and it awarded 1,451 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $30,753 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $112. During the early years of their career, Baker College graduates make an average of $41,022 annually. Around 75% of those degree recipients were women.

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#8

Northwestern Technological Institute

Southfield, Michigan
577 Total Awards
$34,223 Average Earnings
$8,371 Avg Student Debt

Northwestern Technological Institute ranked #8 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Michigan list. Northwestern Technological Institute is a very small private for-profit school situated in Southfield, Michigan. It awarded 577 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $8,371 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $110. During the early years of their career, Northwestern Technological Institute graduates make an average of $34,223 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 3% were women.

Read full report on Northwestern Technological Institute

#9

Grand Rapids Community College

Grand Rapids, Michigan
1,523 Total Awards
$35,054 Average Earnings
$11,146 Avg Student Debt

Grand Rapids Community College ranked #9 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Michigan list. Grand Rapids Community College is a public institution located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 1,523 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Grand Rapids Community College accumulate an average of $11,146 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Grand Rapids Community College graduates make an average of $35,054 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 58% were women.

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#10

Oakland Community College

Auburn Hills, Michigan
2,225 Total Awards
$38,470 Average Earnings
$12,924 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #10, Oakland Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Oakland Community College is a fairly large public school located in Auburn Hills, Michigan that handed out 2,225 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,924 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Oakland Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $38,470 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 55% were women.

Full Oakland Community College Report

#11

U.S. Truck Driver Training School

Sterling Heights, Michigan
395 Total Awards
$21,102 Average Earnings
$6,274 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #11, U.S. Truck Driver Training School did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Sterling Heights, Michigan is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 395 students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $6,274 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, U.S. Truck Driver Training School graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $21,102 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 15% were women.

Full U.S. Truck Driver Training School Report

#12

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, Michigan
5,086 Total Awards
$43,765 Average Earnings
$33,636 Avg Student Debt

Western Michigan University 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. Western Michigan University is a fairly large public school located in Kalamazoo, Michigan that handed out 5,086 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from WMU accumulate an average of $33,636 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $313, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, WMU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,765 during the early year of their career. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Western Michigan University

#13

Kellogg Community College

Battle Creek, Michigan
843 Total Awards
$37,943 Average Earnings
$20,724 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #13, Kellogg Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Kellogg Community College is a public institution located in Battle Creek, Michigan. The school has a small population, and it awarded 843 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $20,724 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Kellogg Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,943 during the early year of their career. Around 72% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Kellogg Community College Report

#14

Dorsey College, Woodhaven

Madison Heights, Michigan
391 Total Awards
$22,524 Average Earnings
$11,919 Avg Student Debt

Dorsey College, Woodhaven did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #14 on the list. Located in Madison Heights, Michigan, the very small private for-profit school handed out 391 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $11,919 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $100, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Dorsey College, Woodhaven graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $22,524 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 74% were women.

Read full report on Dorsey College, Woodhaven

#15

Michigan State University

East Lansing, Michigan
13,090 Total Awards
$47,302 Average Earnings
$39,374 Avg Student Debt

Michigan State University 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. Located in East Lansing, Michigan, the large public school awarded 13,090 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Michigan State accumulate an average of $39,374 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 $514 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Michigan State, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $47,302 during the early years of their career. Around 54% of those degree recipients were women.

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#16

Delta College

University Center, Michigan
1,039 Total Awards
$40,630 Average Earnings
$12,359 Avg Student Debt

Delta College landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Delta College is a medium-sized public school situated in University Center, Michigan. It awarded 1,039 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,359 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Delta College graduates make an average of $40,630 annually. Around 63% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Delta College

#17

Schoolcraft College

Livonia, Michigan
1,317 Total Awards
$30,604 Average Earnings
$13,541 Avg Student Debt

Schoolcraft College came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Michigan ranking. Located in Livonia, Michigan, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,317 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Schoolcraft College accumulate an average of $13,541 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Schoolcraft College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $30,604 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

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#18

Henry Ford College

Dearborn, Michigan
1,496 Total Awards
$38,713 Average Earnings
$18,256 Avg Student Debt

Henry Ford 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 Dearborn, Michigan, the fairly large public school handed out 1,496 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $18,256 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Henry Ford College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,713 during the early years of their career. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Henry Ford College

#19

Dorsey College, Roseville

Roseville, Michigan
313 Total Awards
$22,973 Average Earnings
$13,227 Avg Student Debt

Dorsey College, Roseville ranked #19 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Michigan list. Roseville, Michigan is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 313 students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Dorsey College, Roseville accumulate an average of $13,227 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 $100. Once they receive their degree, Dorsey College, Roseville graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $22,973 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 85% were women.

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#20

Northern Michigan University

Marquette, Michigan
1,790 Total Awards
$33,476 Average Earnings
$22,589 Avg Student Debt

Northern Michigan University landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Located in Marquette, Michigan, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,790 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,589 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $305 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Northern Michigan University graduates make an average of $33,476 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.

Read full report on Northern Michigan University

1,688 Total Awards
$36,660 Average Earnings
$14,009 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #21, Wayne County Community College District did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. WCCCD is a public institution located in Detroit, Michigan. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 1,688 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from WCCCD accumulate an average of $14,009 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, WCCCD graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $36,660 during the early year of their career. Around 63% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Wayne County Community College District Report

#22

Mott Community College

Flint, Michigan
1,114 Total Awards
$36,931 Average Earnings
$18,202 Avg Student Debt

Mott Community College came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Michigan ranking. MCC is a medium-sized public school situated in Flint, Michigan. It awarded 1,114 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from MCC accumulate an average of $18,202 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, MCC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $36,931 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 68% were women.

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#22

Eastern Michigan University

Ypsilanti, Michigan
4,162 Total Awards
$43,401 Average Earnings
$33,451 Avg Student Debt

Eastern Michigan University came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Michigan ranking. Located in Ypsilanti, Michigan, the fairly large public school awarded 4,162 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Eastern Michigan accumulate an average of $33,451 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $201, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Eastern Michigan graduates make an average of $43,401 annually. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Eastern Michigan University Report

186 Total Awards
$15,854 Average Earnings
$7,199 Avg Student Debt

Michigan College of Beauty-Troy did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #24 on the list. Michigan College of Beauty-Troy is located in Troy, Michigan and has a very small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 186 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $7,199 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Michigan College of Beauty-Troy, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $15,854 during the early years of their career. Around 100% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Michigan College of Beauty-Troy Report

#25

Muskegon Community College

Muskegon, Michigan
632 Total Awards
$41,875 Average Earnings
$10,440 Avg Student Debt

Muskegon Community College ranked #25 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Michigan list. Muskegon, Michigan is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 632 students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Muskegon Community College accumulate an average of $10,440 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Muskegon Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,875 during the early year of their career. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

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Most Popular Trade School Schools in the Great Lakes Region

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Honorable Mentions

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

Rank School Location
26 Kalamazoo Valley Community College Kalamazoo, MI

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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