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Most Popular Trade Schools in Ohio

2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in Ohio

221 Schools Ranked
$40,881 Average Earnings
$26,831 Avg Student Debt

When it comes to higher education, there are a lot of options for trade school students. 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.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Trade College Search has developed this Most Popular Trade Schools in Ohio ranking. Our analysis looked at 221 schools in Ohio 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:

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

Our 2023 rankings named Columbus State Community College the most popular school in Ohio for trade school students working on their degree. Located in Columbus, Ohio, the large public school awarded 4,820 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $12,197 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Columbus State Community College Report

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

The programs at Sinclair Community College helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular trade school schools in Ohio. Sinclair Community College is a fairly large public school situated in Dayton, Ohio. It awarded 10,362 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $11,437 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Sinclair Community College graduates make an average of $32,938 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 36% were women.

Read full report on Sinclair Community College

#3

Stark State College

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

You’ll be in good company if you attend Stark State College. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Ohio list. North Canton, Ohio is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 2,079 students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $15,422 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Stark State College graduates make an average of $34,701 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 53% were women.

Read full report on Stark State College

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

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Cuyahoga Community College District. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in Ohio list. This fairly large public school is located in Cleveland, Ohio, and it awarded 3,514 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Cuyahoga Community College District accumulate an average of $10,632 in student debt by the time they complete 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.

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

The programs at University of Northwestern Ohio helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular trade school schools in Ohio. Located in Lima, Ohio, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 1,316 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from University of Northwestern Ohio accumulate an average of $27,199 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 $325 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, University of Northwestern Ohio graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $38,838 during the early year of their career. Around 12% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on University of Northwestern Ohio

16,872 Total Awards
$49,871 Average Earnings
$34,977 Avg Student Debt

Ohio State University - Main Campus 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. Columbus, Ohio is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 16,872 students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $34,977 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $320 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Ohio State graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $49,871 during the early year of their career. Around 53% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Ohio State University - Main Campus

1,885 Total Awards
$41,987 Average Earnings
$13,909 Avg Student Debt

Cincinnati State Technical and Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #7 on the list. Cincinnati State Technical and Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Cincinnati, Ohio that handed out 1,885 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $13,909 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Cincinnati State, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $41,987 during the early years of their career. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Cincinnati State Technical and Community College

#8

Hondros College of Nursing

Westerville, Ohio
1,076 Total Awards
$52,993 Average Earnings
$24,184 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #8, Hondros College of Nursing did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Located in Westerville, Ohio, the small private for-profit school awarded 1,076 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Hondros College of Nursing accumulate an average of $24,184 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 $131 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Hondros College of Nursing, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $52,993 during the early years of their career. Around 93% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Hondros College of Nursing

652 Total Awards
$45,710 Average Earnings
$6,536 Avg Student Debt

Butler Tech - D Russel Lee Career Center ranked #9 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Ohio list. Located in Monroe, Ohio, the very small public school handed out 652 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $6,536 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, D Russel Lee Career Center graduates make an average of $45,710 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 41% were women.

Full Butler Tech - D Russel Lee Career Center Report

#10

Apollo Career Center

Lima, Ohio
532 Total Awards
$25,025 Average Earnings
$7,699 Avg Student Debt

Apollo Career Center came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Ohio ranking. Apollo JVS is a very small public school situated in Lima, Ohio. It awarded 532 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $7,699 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Apollo JVS graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $25,025 during the early year of their career. Around 52% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Apollo Career Center Report

#11

Owens Community College

Perrysburg, Ohio
2,260 Total Awards
$36,221 Average Earnings
$17,615 Avg Student Debt

Owens Community College came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Ohio ranking. Owens Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Perrysburg, Ohio that handed out 2,260 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Owens State Community College accumulate an average of $17,615 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Owens State Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $36,221 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

Read full report on Owens Community College

2,407 Total Awards
$37,783 Average Earnings
$16,763 Avg Student Debt

Lorain County Community College ranked #12 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Ohio list. Located in Elyria, Ohio, the medium-sized public school awarded 2,407 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,763 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, LCCC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,783 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 65% were women.

Read full report on Lorain County Community College

12,161 Total Awards
$49,016 Average Earnings
$33,704 Avg Student Debt

University of Cincinnati - Main Campus ranked #13 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Ohio list. UC is a public institution located in Cincinnati, Ohio. The school has a large population, and it awarded 12,161 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $33,704 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $330, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $49,016 during the early years of their career. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

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#14

Ross College-Sylvania

Sylvania, Ohio
575 Total Awards
$25,099 Average Earnings
$9,203 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #14, Ross College-Sylvania did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Located in Sylvania, Ohio, the very small private for-profit school awarded 575 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Ross College-Sylvania accumulate an average of $9,203 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Ross College-Sylvania graduates make an average of $25,099 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 97% were women.

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306 Total Awards
$42,691 Average Earnings
$6,439 Avg Student Debt

Hobart Institute of Welding Technology landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. HIWT is a private not-for-profit institution located in Troy, Ohio. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 306 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $6,439 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $178 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from HIWT, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $42,691 during the early years of their career. Around 8% of those degree recipients were women.

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722 Total Awards
$39,065 Average Earnings
$16,572 Avg Student Debt

Edison State Community College ranked #16 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Ohio list. Located in Piqua, Ohio, the small public school handed out 722 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $16,572 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Edison Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $39,065 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 53% were women.

Full Edison State Community College Report

3,979 Total Awards
$43,222 Average Earnings
$31,566 Avg Student Debt

University of Akron Main Campus 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. This fairly large public school is located in Akron, Ohio, and it awarded 3,979 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $31,566 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $304 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, University of Akron Main Campus graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,222 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 52% were women.

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289 Total Awards
$21,250 Average Earnings
$11,810 Avg Student Debt

Dayton School of Medical Massage came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Ohio ranking. Dayton School of Medical Massage is located in Dayton, Ohio and has a very small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 289 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Dayton School of Medical Massage accumulate an average of $11,810 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 $68. During the early years of their career, Dayton School of Medical Massage graduates make an average of $21,250 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 84% were women.

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#19

Fortis College - Columbus

Westerville, Ohio
280 Total Awards
$38,306 Average Earnings
$18,680 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #19, Fortis College - Columbus did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Fortis College - Columbus is located in Westerville, Ohio and has a very small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 280 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Fortis College - Columbus accumulate an average of $18,680 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $93, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Fortis College - Columbus graduates make an average of $38,306 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 77% were women.

Full Fortis College - Columbus Report

#20

Shawnee State University

Portsmouth, Ohio
633 Total Awards
$35,765 Average Earnings
$24,561 Avg Student Debt

Shawnee State University landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Shawnee State University is located in Portsmouth, Ohio and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 633 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $24,561 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Shawnee State University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $35,765 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

Read full report on Shawnee State University

279 Total Awards
$21,232 Average Earnings
$9,479 Avg Student Debt

Aveda Fredric’s Institute - Cincinnati ranked #21 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Ohio list. This very small private for-profit school is located in West Chester, Ohio, and it awarded 279 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Aveda Fredric’s Institute - Cincinnati accumulate an average of $9,479 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $129, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Aveda Fredric’s Institute - Cincinnati graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $21,232 during the early year of their career. Around 99% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Aveda Fredric’s Institute - Cincinnati

593 Total Awards
$36,125 Average Earnings
$14,255 Avg Student Debt

Central Ohio Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #22 on the list. Newark, Ohio is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 593 students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,255 in student loans. During the early years of their career, COTC graduates make an average of $36,125 annually. Around 73% of those degree recipients were women.

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9,599 Total Awards
$45,584 Average Earnings
$29,201 Avg Student Debt

Ohio University - Athens Campus ranked #23 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Ohio list. OHIO Athens is a public institution located in Athens, Ohio. The school has a large population, and it awarded 9,599 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $29,201 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $422, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, OHIO Athens graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $45,584 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

Full Ohio University - Athens Campus Report

447 Total Awards
$38,621 Average Earnings
$13,752 Avg Student Debt

James A Rhodes State College landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Located in Lima, Ohio, the small public school awarded 447 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $13,752 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Rhodes State College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $38,621 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 69% were women.

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277 Total Awards
$15,958 Average Earnings
$7,300 Avg Student Debt

Raphael’s School of Beauty Culture Inc-Alliance landed the #25 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Raphael’s School of Beauty Culture Inc-Alliance is a private for-profit institution located in Alliance, Ohio. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 277 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $7,300 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Raphael’s School of Beauty Culture Inc-Alliance graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $15,958 during the early year of their career. Around 98% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Raphael’s School of Beauty Culture Inc-Alliance Report

Not only did these schools make the top 35 list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:

#26

Cleveland State University

Cleveland, Ohio
#27

Clark State Community College

Springfield, Ohio
#29

University of Toledo

Toledo, Ohio
#31

Collins Career Technical Center

Chesapeake, Ohio
#33

EHOVE Career Center

Milan, Ohio

Most Popular Trade School Schools in the Great Lakes Region

View Most Popular Trade School Schools Nationwide >

Honorable Mentions

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

Rank School Location
36 Fortis College - Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH
37 Polaris Career Center Middleburg Heights, OH
38 Lakeland Community College Kirtland, OH
39 Belmont College St Clairsville, OH
40 Warren County Career Center Lebanon, OH
41 Hamrick School Medina, OH
42 Washington State Community College Marietta, OH
43 Aveda Institute - Columbus Columbus, OH
44 Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology, North Dayton Dayton, OH
44 Stautzenberger College - Maumee Maumee, 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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