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2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in Pennsylvania
A trade school student has lots of options to pick from when considering higher education opportunities. Along with traditional schools that require in-person attendence, you can attend one of many reputable online schools. Some programs even offer a hybrid experience.
To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Trade College Search has created its Most Popular Trade Schools in Pennsylvania ranking. This report analyzed 231 schools in Pennsylvania 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.
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Most Popular Trade Schools in Pennsylvania
Learn more about these popular schools below:
Our 2023 rankings named Community College of Allegheny County the most popular school in Pennsylvania for trade school students working on their degree. CCAC is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and has a fairly large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 2,859 degrees to qualified students.
On average, students take out $13,980 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, CCAC graduates make an average of $35,077 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.
The programs at Pennsylvania College of Technology helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular trade school schools in Pennsylvania. Located in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, the small public school awarded 1,317 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,304 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $513 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Penn College graduates make an average of $45,580 annually. Around 35% of those degree recipients were women.
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in Pennsylvania list. PIA is a very small private not-for-profit school situated in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. It awarded 460 degrees in 2021-2022.
Degree recipients from PIA accumulate an average of $16,248 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $245, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, PIA graduates make an average of $51,564 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 7% were women.
You’ll be in good company if you attend Community College of Philadelphia. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Pennsylvania list. Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the fairly large public school handed out 2,047 degrees in 2021-2022.
On average, students take out $12,537 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Community College of Philadelphia, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $34,346 during the early years of their career. Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.
You’ll be in good company if you attend All-State Career School - Lester. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Pennsylvania list. Located in Essington, Pennsylvania, the very small private for-profit school handed out 447 degrees in 2021-2022.
On average, students take out $10,473 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $60, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, All-State Career School - Lester graduates make an average of $32,801 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 36% were women.
Harrisburg Area Community College ranked #6 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Pennsylvania list. HACC is located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and has a fairly large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 2,107 degrees to qualified students.
Degree recipients from HACC accumulate an average of $18,840 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, HACC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,757 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 67% were women.
With a ranking of #7, Universal Technical Institute - Exton did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Located in Exton, Pennsylvania, the small private for-profit school handed out 433 degrees in 2021-2022.
On average, students take out $15,643 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $199, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UTI Exton, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $37,936 during the early years of their career. Around 5% of those degree recipients were women.
Delaware County Community College ranked #8 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Pennsylvania list. Media, Pennsylvania is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,521 students in 2021-2022.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,100 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Delaware County Community College graduates make an average of $34,347 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.
With a ranking of #9, New Castle School of Trades did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. New Castle, Pennsylvania is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 420 students in 2021-2022.
Degree recipients from New Castle School of Trades accumulate an average of $10,462 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, New Castle School of Trades graduates make an average of $37,581 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 6% were women.
Pennco Tech-Bristol came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Pennsylvania ranking. Bristol, Pennsylvania is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 454 students in 2021-2022.
Degree recipients from Pennco Tech-Bristol accumulate an average of $7,665 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 $121 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Pennco Tech-Bristol graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $27,530 during the early year of their career. Around 16% of those degree recipients were women.
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology is a small public school located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania that handed out 434 degrees in 2021-2022.
On average, students take out $8,889 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,004 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 12% were women.
Pittsburgh Technical College came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Pennsylvania ranking. Pittsburgh Technical College is located in Oakdale, Pennsylvania and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 780 degrees to qualified students.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,531 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $240, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Pittsburgh Technical College graduates make an average of $33,711 annually. Around 46% of those degree recipients were women.
Philadelphia Technician Training came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Pennsylvania ranking. Philadelphia Technician Training Institute is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and has a very small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 416 degrees to qualified students.
Degree recipients from Philadelphia Technician Training Institute accumulate an average of $8,866 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Philadelphia Technician Training Institute graduates make an average of $20,106 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 25% were women.
Northampton County Area Community College landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. This medium-sized public school is located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and it awarded 1,408 degrees in 2021-2022.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,026 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Northampton Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $32,999 during the early year of their career. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.
Montgomery County Community College landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Montco is a medium-sized public school situated in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. It awarded 1,696 degrees in 2021-2022.
On average, students take out $12,849 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Montco, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $37,557 during the early years of their career. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.
South Hills Beauty Academy Inc ranked #16 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Pennsylvania list. Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the very small private for-profit school handed out 317 degrees in 2021-2022.
Degree recipients from South Hills Beauty Academy Inc accumulate an average of $4,975 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, South Hills Beauty Academy Inc graduates make an average of $20,121 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 99% were women.
Institute of Medical Careers 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. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 349 students in 2021-2022.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,671 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Institute of Medical Careers graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $23,437 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 95% were women.
Lincoln Technical Institute - Allentown ranked #18 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Pennsylvania list. Lincoln Tech - Allentown is a private for-profit institution located in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 256 degrees in 2021-2022.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,424 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $140 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Lincoln Tech - Allentown graduates make an average of $36,234 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 83% were women.
Thomas Jefferson University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #19 on the list. This medium-sized private not-for-profit school is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and it awarded 2,809 degrees in 2021-2022.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $45,943 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $571.After graduating from Thomas Jefferson University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $59,708 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 75% were women.
Jean Madeline Aveda Institute did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #20 on the list. This very small private for-profit school is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and it awarded 253 degrees in 2021-2022.
Degree recipients from Jean Madeline Education Center of Cosmetology accumulate an average of $10,495 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $136, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Jean Madeline Education Center of Cosmetology graduates make an average of $16,302 annually. Around 96% of those degree recipients were women.
Lehigh Carbon Community College came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Pennsylvania ranking. Located in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania, the medium-sized public school handed out 953 degrees in 2021-2022.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,276 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, LCCC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $33,859 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 72% were women.
Temple University 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. Temple University is a large public school located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that handed out 9,400 degrees in 2021-2022.
Degree recipients from Temple accumulate an average of $40,867 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 $471.After graduating from Temple, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $47,012 during the early years of their career. Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.
YTI Career Institute-York ranked #23 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Pennsylvania list. Located in York, Pennsylvania, the very small private for-profit school handed out 330 degrees in 2021-2022.
Degree recipients from YTI accumulate an average of $12,911 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 $168 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, YTI graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $30,758 during the early year of their career. Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.
With a ranking of #24, Rosedale Technical College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the very small private not-for-profit school handed out 273 degrees in 2021-2022.
On average, students take out $11,660 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $224, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Rosedale Technical College graduates make an average of $37,242 annually. Around 12% of those degree recipients were women.
Great Lakes Institute of Technology 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. Located in Erie, Pennsylvania, the very small private for-profit school handed out 238 degrees in 2021-2022.
On average, students take out $14,312 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $105. Once they receive their degree, Great Lakes Institute of Technology graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $25,403 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 94% were women.
Rest of the Top 15% Most Popular Trade Schools in Pennsylvania
Not only did these schools make the top 35 list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:
Most Popular Trade School Schools in the Middle Atlantic 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 | Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center | Altoona, PA |
| 37 | York County School of Technology-Adult & Continuing Education | York, PA |
| 38 | School Removed | |
| 39 | Laurel Business Institute | Uniontown, PA |
| 39 | Berks Technical Institute | Wyomissing, PA |
| 41 | Bucks County Community College | Newtown, PA |
| 42 | Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science Inc | Pittsburgh, PA |
| 43 | Alvernia University | Reading, PA |
| 44 | Luzerne County Community College | Nanticoke, PA |
| 45 | Lancaster School of Cosmetology & Therapeutic Bodywork | Lancaster, PA |
| 46 | The Beauty Institute-Ambler | Ambler, PA |
| 47 | Misericordia University | Dallas, PA |
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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