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Most Popular Trade Schools in Michigan

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. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $230. Once they receive their degree, Ferris graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $47,887 during the early year of their career. Around 54% of those degree recipients 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

Out of the 128 schools in Michigan that were part of this year’s ranking, Lansing Community College landed the # 2 spot on the list. LCC is a medium-sized public school situated in Lansing, Michigan. It awarded 2,226 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from LCC accumulate an average of $13,543 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 $59 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, LCC graduates make an average of $45,008 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.

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#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 very small private for-profit school situated in East Lansing, Michigan. It awarded 798 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $7,266 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $122, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Douglas J Aveda Institute graduates make an average of $18,502 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 95% 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

Out of the 128 schools in Michigan that were part of this year’s ranking, Washtenaw Community College landed the # 4 spot on the list. Washtenaw Community College is a public institution located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 3,500 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $15,672 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Washtenaw Community College graduates make an average of $36,288 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.

Read full report on Washtenaw Community College

#5

Macomb Community College

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

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Macomb Community College. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in Michigan list. This fairly large public school is located in Warren, Michigan, and it awarded 2,609 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Macomb Community College accumulate an average of $7,489 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Macomb Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $36,546 during the early year of their career. 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. Located in Canton, Michigan, the small private for-profit school awarded 984 diplomas to qualifed students 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. Once they receive their degree, MIAT College of Technology graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,324 during the early year of their career. Around 7% of those degree recipients 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 landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Baker College is located in Owosso, Michigan and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,451 degrees to qualified students.

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.

Full Baker College Report

#8

Northwestern Technological Institute

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

Northwestern Technological Institute landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Located in Southfield, Michigan, the very small private for-profit school awarded 577 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $8,371 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $110 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Northwestern Technological Institute graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $34,223 during the early year of their career. Around 3% of those degree recipients were women.

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#9

Grand Rapids Community College

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

With a ranking of #9, Grand Rapids Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Grand Rapids Community College is a fairly large public school situated in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It awarded 1,523 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $11,146 in loans while pursuing 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.

Read full report on Grand Rapids Community College

#10

Oakland Community College

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

Oakland Community College came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Michigan ranking. Oakland Community College is a public institution located in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 2,225 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Oakland Community College accumulate an average of $12,924 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Oakland Community College graduates make an average of $38,470 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 55% were women.

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#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. This very small private for-profit school is located in Sterling Heights, Michigan, and it awarded 395 degrees 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.After graduating from U.S. Truck Driver Training School, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $21,102 during the early years 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 ranked #12 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Michigan list. Western Michigan University is a fairly large public school located in Kalamazoo, Michigan that handed out 5,086 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $33,636 in loans while pursuing 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.After graduating from WMU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,765 during the early years of their career. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Western Michigan University Report

#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 located in Battle Creek, Michigan and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 843 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $20,724 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Kellogg Community College graduates make an average of $37,943 annually. Around 72% of those degree recipients were women.

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#14

Dorsey College, Woodhaven

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

With a ranking of #14, Dorsey College, Woodhaven did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Dorsey College, Woodhaven is a very small private for-profit school situated in Madison Heights, Michigan. It awarded 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.After graduating from Dorsey College, Woodhaven, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $22,524 during the early years 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 ranked #15 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Michigan list. This large public school is located in East Lansing, Michigan, and it awarded 13,090 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $39,374 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $514, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Michigan State graduates make an average of $47,302 annually. Around 54% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Michigan State University

#16

Delta College

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

Delta 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. Located in University Center, Michigan, the medium-sized public school handed out 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. Once they receive their degree, Delta College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,630 during the early year of their career. 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 ranked #17 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Michigan list. Schoolcraft College is a medium-sized public school located in Livonia, Michigan that 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. During the early years of their career, Schoolcraft College graduates make an average of $30,604 annually. Around 63% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Schoolcraft College

#18

Henry Ford College

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

With a ranking of #18, Henry Ford College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Henry Ford College is a fairly large public school located in Dearborn, Michigan that handed out 1,496 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Henry Ford College accumulate an average of $18,256 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Henry Ford College graduates make an average of $38,713 annually. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Henry Ford College Report

#19

Dorsey College, Roseville

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

With a ranking of #19, Dorsey College, Roseville did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Dorsey College, Roseville is a very small private for-profit school located in Roseville, Michigan that handed out 313 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,227 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $100, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Dorsey College, Roseville graduates make an average of $22,973 annually. Around 85% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Dorsey College, Roseville

#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 handed out 1,790 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $22,589 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $305, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Northern Michigan University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $33,476 during the early years of their career. 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

Wayne County Community College District ranked #21 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Michigan list. 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.

On average, students take out $14,009 in loans while pursuing 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. Of those students who received their degree, 63% 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.

On average, students take out $18,202 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, MCC graduates make an average of $36,931 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 68% were women.

Read full report on Mott Community College

#22

Eastern Michigan University

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

Eastern Michigan University landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Eastern Michigan is a public institution located in Ypsilanti, Michigan. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 4,162 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $33,451 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $201 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Eastern Michigan graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,401 during the early year of their career. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Eastern Michigan University

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

Michigan College of Beauty-Troy came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Michigan ranking. Located in Troy, Michigan, the very small private for-profit school handed out 186 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Michigan College of Beauty-Troy accumulate an average of $7,199 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Michigan College of Beauty-Troy graduates make an average of $15,854 annually. Around 100% of those degree recipients were women.

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#25

Muskegon Community College

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

Muskegon Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #25 on the list. Muskegon Community College is located in Muskegon, Michigan and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 632 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Muskegon Community College accumulate an average of $10,440 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Muskegon Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $41,875 during the early years of their career. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Muskegon Community College Report

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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