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Most Popular Trade Schools in Michigan

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2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in Michigan

128 Schools Ranked
$43,035 Average Earnings
$23,437 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
1,265 Total Awards
$47,887 Average Earnings
$25,330 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Ferris State University to be the most popular school for trade school students in Michigan. Located in Big Rapids, Michigan, the fairly large public school handed out 1,265 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Ferris accumulate an average of $25,330 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $189, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. 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 40% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Ferris State University

#2

Lansing Community College

Lansing, Michigan
907 Total Awards
$45,008 Average Earnings
$18,287 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Lansing Community College. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in Michigan list. LCC is a public institution located in Lansing, Michigan. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 907 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from LCC accumulate an average of $18,287 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, LCC graduates make an average of $45,008 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 49% were women.

Read full report on Lansing Community College

#3

Douglas J Aveda Institute

East Lansing, Michigan
766 Total Awards
$18,502 Average Earnings
$12,324 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Douglas J Aveda Institute is a great place for trade school students. Located in East Lansing, Michigan, the very small private for-profit school awarded 766 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Douglas J Aveda Institute accumulate an average of $12,324 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $107, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Douglas J Aveda Institute, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $18,502 during the early years of their career. Around 96% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Douglas J Aveda Institute Report

#4

Washtenaw Community College

Ann Arbor, Michigan
736 Total Awards
$36,288 Average Earnings
$20,323 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Washtenaw Community College. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Michigan list. Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the fairly large public school handed out 736 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $20,323 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, 47% were women.

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#5

Macomb Community College

Warren, Michigan
739 Total Awards
$36,546 Average Earnings
$11,351 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means Macomb Community College is a great place for trade school students. This fairly large public school is located in Warren, Michigan, and it awarded 739 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $11,351 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Macomb Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $36,546 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 41% were women.

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#6

MIAT College of Technology

Canton, Michigan
634 Total Awards
$37,324 Average Earnings
$16,352 Avg Student Debt

MIAT College of Technology ranked #6 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Michigan list. Located in Canton, Michigan, the small private for-profit school awarded 634 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,352 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $150, assuming you 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 8% of those degree recipients were women.

Full MIAT College of Technology Report

#7

Baker College

Owosso, Michigan
567 Total Awards
$41,022 Average Earnings
$30,021 Avg Student Debt

Baker College ranked #7 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Michigan list. Baker College is a small private not-for-profit school located in Owosso, Michigan that handed out 567 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $30,021 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $86. Once they receive their degree, Baker College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,022 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 77% were women.

Read full report on Baker College

#8

Northwestern Technological Institute

Southfield, Michigan
492 Total Awards
$34,223 Average Earnings
$11,370 Avg Student Debt

Northwestern Technological Institute landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Northwestern Technological Institute is a very small private for-profit school situated in Southfield, Michigan. It awarded 492 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $11,370 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $96, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Northwestern Technological Institute, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $34,223 during the early years of their career. Around 3% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Northwestern Technological Institute Report

#9

Grand Rapids Community College

Grand Rapids, Michigan
554 Total Awards
$35,054 Average Earnings
$15,385 Avg Student Debt

Grand Rapids Community College landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the fairly large public school handed out 554 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $15,385 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Grand Rapids Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $35,054 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 48% were women.

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#10

Oakland Community College

Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
649 Total Awards
$38,470 Average Earnings
$19,359 Avg Student Debt

Oakland Community College ranked #10 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Michigan list. Oakland Community College is a public institution located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 649 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $19,359 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Oakland Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,470 during the early years of their career. Around 49% of those degree recipients were women.

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#11

U.S. Truck Driver Training School

Sterling Heights, Michigan
421 Total Awards
$21,102 Average Earnings
$8,864 Avg Student Debt

U.S. Truck Driver Training School came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Michigan ranking. Located in Sterling Heights, Michigan, the very small private for-profit school handed out 421 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $8,864 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, 13% were women.

Read full report on U.S. Truck Driver Training School

#12

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, Michigan
506 Total Awards
$43,765 Average Earnings
$27,986 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 506 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $27,986 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $269.After graduating from WMU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,765 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 42% were women.

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#13

Kellogg Community College

Battle Creek, Michigan
363 Total Awards
$37,943 Average Earnings
$25,435 Avg Student Debt

Kellogg Community College landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Kellogg Community College is a small public school located in Battle Creek, Michigan that handed out 363 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,435 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Kellogg Community College graduates make an average of $37,943 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.

Full Kellogg Community College Report

#14

Dorsey College, Woodhaven

Woodhaven, Michigan
308 Total Awards
$22,524 Average Earnings
$16,616 Avg Student Debt

Dorsey College, Woodhaven ranked #14 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Michigan list. Located in Woodhaven, Michigan, the very small private for-profit school awarded 308 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $16,616 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $78 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Dorsey College, Woodhaven graduates make an average of $22,524 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 94% were women.

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#15

Michigan State University

East Lansing, Michigan
450 Total Awards
$47,302 Average Earnings
$24,447 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. East Lansing, Michigan is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 450 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $24,447 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $428 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Michigan State graduates make an average of $47,302 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 50% were women.

Read full report on Michigan State University

#16

Delta College

University Center, Michigan
343 Total Awards
$40,630 Average Earnings
$16,547 Avg Student Debt

Delta College came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Michigan ranking. Delta College is a public institution located in University Center, Michigan. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 343 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Delta College accumulate an average of $16,547 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Delta College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,630 during the early years of their career. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Delta College Report

#17

Schoolcraft College

Livonia, Michigan
341 Total Awards
$30,604 Average Earnings
$18,481 Avg Student Debt

Schoolcraft 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. Schoolcraft College is a medium-sized public school situated in Livonia, Michigan. It awarded 341 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Schoolcraft College accumulate an average of $18,481 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Schoolcraft College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $30,604 during the early year of their career. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Schoolcraft College Report

#18

Henry Ford College

Dearborn, Michigan
312 Total Awards
$38,713 Average Earnings
$24,475 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. Dearborn, Michigan is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 312 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $24,475 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Henry Ford College graduates make an average of $38,713 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 52% were women.

Full Henry Ford College Report

#19

Dorsey College, Roseville

Roseville, Michigan
253 Total Awards
$22,973 Average Earnings
$18,512 Avg Student Debt

Dorsey College, Roseville ranked #19 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Michigan list. Located in Roseville, Michigan, the very small private for-profit school awarded 253 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $18,512 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $81 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. 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, 90% were women.

Read full report on Dorsey College, Roseville

#20

Northern Michigan University

Marquette, Michigan
325 Total Awards
$33,476 Average Earnings
$23,035 Avg Student Debt

Northern Michigan University ranked #20 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Michigan list. Located in Marquette, Michigan, the medium-sized public school awarded 325 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Northern Michigan University accumulate an average of $23,035 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 $205 if they 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. Around 44% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Northern Michigan University

244 Total Awards
$36,660 Average Earnings
$23,369 Avg Student Debt

Wayne County Community College District landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Located in Detroit, Michigan, the fairly large public school awarded 244 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from WCCCD accumulate an average of $23,369 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. Of those students who received their degree, 53% were women.

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#22

Mott Community College

Flint, Michigan
240 Total Awards
$36,931 Average Earnings
$21,408 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #22, Mott Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Mott Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Flint, Michigan that handed out 240 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $21,408 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, 55% were women.

Read full report on Mott Community College

#22

Eastern Michigan University

Ypsilanti, Michigan
219 Total Awards
$43,401 Average Earnings
$29,932 Avg Student Debt

Eastern Michigan University landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Ypsilanti, Michigan is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 219 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $29,932 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $160. During the early years of their career, Eastern Michigan graduates make an average of $43,401 annually. Around 47% of those degree recipients were women.

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211 Total Awards
$15,854 Average Earnings
$14,850 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. Michigan College of Beauty-Troy is a private for-profit institution located in Troy, Michigan. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 211 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,850 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Michigan College of Beauty-Troy graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $15,854 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 99% were women.

Read More…

#25

Muskegon Community College

Muskegon, Michigan
203 Total Awards
$41,875 Average Earnings
$17,988 Avg Student Debt

Muskegon Community College landed the #25 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Located in Muskegon, Michigan, the small public school handed out 203 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $17,988 in loans while pursuing 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 69% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Muskegon Community College

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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