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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 analysis found Ferris State University to be the most popular school for trade school students in Michigan. This fairly large public school is located in Big Rapids, Michigan, and it awarded 3,363 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,636 in student loans. 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. 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

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 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. Once they receive their degree, LCC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $45,008 during the early year of their career. Around 61% of those degree recipients 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

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Douglas J Aveda Institute is a great place for trade school students. 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.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $7,266 in student loans. 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. Around 95% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Douglas J Aveda Institute Report

#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. Ann Arbor, Michigan is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 3,500 students in 2021-2022.

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. Around 57% of those degree recipients 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

The programs at Macomb Community College helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular trade school schools in Michigan. Macomb Community College is a fairly large public school situated in Warren, Michigan. 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.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, 56% were women.

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#6

MIAT College of Technology

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

MIAT College of Technology 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. Located in Canton, Michigan, the small private for-profit school handed out 984 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from MIAT College of Technology accumulate an average of $15,215 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 $119. 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.

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#7

Baker College

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

Baker College came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Michigan ranking. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Owosso, Michigan, and it awarded 1,451 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Baker College accumulate an average of $30,753 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 $112 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. 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. 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

With a ranking of #8, Northwestern Technological Institute did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Southfield, Michigan is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 577 students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $8,371 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $110, assuming you 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.

Full Northwestern Technological Institute Report

#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.

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. Around 58% of those degree recipients 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 ranked #10 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Michigan list. 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.

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. U.S. Truck Driver Training School is a very small private for-profit school located in Sterling Heights, Michigan that handed out 395 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $6,274 in loans while pursuing their degree.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.

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#12

Western Michigan University

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

Western Michigan University landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. WMU is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan and has a fairly large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 5,086 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $33,636 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $313. During the early years of their career, WMU graduates make an average of $43,765 annually. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.

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#13

Kellogg Community College

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

Kellogg Community College ranked #13 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Michigan list. Battle Creek, Michigan is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 843 students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Kellogg Community College accumulate an average of $20,724 in student debt by the time they complete 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.

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#14

Dorsey College, Woodhaven

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

Dorsey College, Woodhaven ranked #14 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Michigan list. Dorsey College, Woodhaven is located in Madison Heights, Michigan and has a very small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 391 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,919 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.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. Around 74% of those degree recipients were women.

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#15

Michigan State University

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

Michigan State University landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Michigan State is a large public school situated in East Lansing, Michigan. 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. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $514.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.

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 came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Michigan ranking. Located in University Center, Michigan, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,039 diplomas to qualifed students 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 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. Livonia, Michigan is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,317 students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $13,541 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Schoolcraft College graduates make an average of $30,604 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 63% 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 located in Dearborn, Michigan and has a fairly large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,496 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,256 in student loans. 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.

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 came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Michigan ranking. Located in Roseville, Michigan, the very small private for-profit school 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. Of those students who received their degree, 85% were women.

Full Dorsey College, Roseville Report

#20

Northern Michigan University

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

Northern Michigan University came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Michigan ranking. Located in Marquette, Michigan, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,790 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Northern Michigan University accumulate an average of $22,589 in student debt by the time they complete 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. Once they receive their degree, Northern Michigan University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $33,476 during the early year of their career. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

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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. Detroit, Michigan is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,688 students 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. 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

With a ranking of #22, Mott Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. MCC is a public institution located in Flint, Michigan. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,114 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $18,202 in loans while pursuing 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. Around 68% of those degree recipients 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 came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Michigan ranking. Ypsilanti, Michigan is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 4,162 students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $33,451 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $201. 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.

Full Eastern Michigan University Report

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

Michigan College of Beauty-Troy ranked #24 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Michigan list. Michigan College of Beauty-Troy is a very small private for-profit school located in Troy, Michigan that handed out 186 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $7,199 in student loans.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. Of those students who received their degree, 100% were women.

Read full report on Michigan College of Beauty-Troy

#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.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,440 in student loans. 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. Of those students who received their degree, 64% 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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