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Most Popular Trade Schools in Colorado

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2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in Colorado

62 Schools Ranked
$43,550 Average Earnings
$29,555 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 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 Colorado ranking. Our analysis looked at 62 schools in Colorado 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:

3,638 Total Awards
$26,698 Average Earnings
$12,155 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts - Boulder the most popular school in Colorado for trade school students working on their degree. Located in Boulder, Colorado, the medium-sized private for-profit school handed out 3,638 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Escoffier - Boulder accumulate an average of $12,155 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 $156. Once they receive their degree, Escoffier - Boulder graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $26,698 during the early year of their career. Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.

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#2

Front Range Community College

Westminster, Colorado
5,675 Total Awards
$36,174 Average Earnings
$15,422 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Front Range Community College. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in Colorado list. This fairly large public school is located in Westminster, Colorado, and it awarded 5,675 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from FRCC accumulate an average of $15,422 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from FRCC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $36,174 during the early years of their career. Around 54% of those degree recipients were women.

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#3

Pikes Peak Community College

Colorado Springs, Colorado
3,050 Total Awards
$31,856 Average Earnings
$11,839 Avg Student Debt

The programs at Pikes Peak Community College helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular trade school schools in Colorado. Located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the fairly large public school handed out 3,050 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,839 in student loans.After graduating from PPCC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $31,856 during the early years of their career. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Pikes Peak Community College Report

#4

Pueblo Community College

Pueblo, Colorado
2,592 Total Awards
$39,357 Average Earnings
$11,809 Avg Student Debt

The programs at Pueblo Community College helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular trade school schools in Colorado. This medium-sized public school is located in Pueblo, Colorado, and it awarded 2,592 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Pueblo Community College accumulate an average of $11,809 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Pueblo Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $39,357 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 44% were women.

Read full report on Pueblo Community College

#5

Red Rocks Community College

Lakewood, Colorado
2,069 Total Awards
$53,516 Average Earnings
$29,998 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Red Rocks Community College. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Colorado list. Red Rocks Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Lakewood, Colorado that handed out 2,069 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $29,998 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Red Rocks Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $53,516 during the early year of their career. Around 52% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Red Rocks Community College Report

866 Total Awards
$36,801 Average Earnings
$12,279 Avg Student Debt

Lincoln College of Technology - Denver ranked #6 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Colorado list. Located in Denver, Colorado, the small private for-profit school awarded 866 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $12,279 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $183. Once they receive their degree, Lincoln Tech - Denver graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $36,801 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 7% were women.

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#7

Aims Community College

Greeley, Colorado
1,595 Total Awards
$37,230 Average Earnings
$9,731 Avg Student Debt

Aims Community College ranked #7 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Colorado list. Aims Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Greeley, Colorado that handed out 1,595 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $9,731 in student loans.After graduating from Aims Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $37,230 during the early years of their career. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Aims Community College Report

609 Total Awards
$28,677 Average Earnings

With a ranking of #8, Emily Griffith Technical College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Emily Griffith is a medium-sized public school situated in Denver, Colorado. It awarded 609 degrees in 2021-2022.

Once they receive their degree, Emily Griffith graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $28,677 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

Full Emily Griffith Technical College Report

548 Total Awards
$43,549 Average Earnings
$15,861 Avg Student Debt

Concorde Career College - Aurora landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Concorde Career College - Aurora is a very small private for-profit school situated in Aurora, Colorado. It awarded 548 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Concorde Career College - Aurora accumulate an average of $15,861 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $127, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Concorde Career College - Aurora graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,549 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 87% were women.

Full Concorde Career College - Aurora Report

#11

Colorado Mesa University

Grand Junction, Colorado
1,939 Total Awards
$38,493 Average Earnings
$21,449 Avg Student Debt

Colorado Mesa University came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Colorado ranking. Grand Junction, Colorado is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,939 students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $21,449 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $208. During the early years of their career, Colorado Mesa graduates make an average of $38,493 annually. Around 55% of those degree recipients were women.

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#12

Intellitec College - Grand Junction

Grand Junction, Colorado
656 Total Awards
$25,354 Average Earnings
$11,427 Avg Student Debt

Intellitec College - Grand Junction landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Grand Junction, Colorado is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 656 students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,427 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $71 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Intellitec College - Grand Junction graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $25,354 during the early year of their career. Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Intellitec College - Grand Junction Report

#13

Colorado Mountain College

Glenwood Springs, Colorado
1,329 Total Awards
$44,074 Average Earnings
$11,304 Avg Student Debt

Colorado Mountain College came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Colorado ranking. Located in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,329 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $11,304 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Colorado Mountain College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $44,074 during the early years of their career. Around 53% of those degree recipients were women.

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#14

Pima Medical Institute - Denver

Denver, Colorado
440 Total Awards
$31,926 Average Earnings
$12,371 Avg Student Debt

Pima Medical Institute - Denver landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Pima Medical Institute - Denver is a very small private for-profit school located in Denver, Colorado that handed out 440 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,371 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, PMI Denver graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $31,926 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 89% were women.

Full Pima Medical Institute - Denver Report

#15

Pickens Technical College

Aurora, Colorado
517 Total Awards
$28,648 Average Earnings

Pickens Technical College ranked #15 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Colorado list. This very small public school is located in Aurora, Colorado, and it awarded 517 degrees in 2021-2022.

After graduating from Pickens Technical College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $28,648 during the early years of their career. Around 43% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Pickens Technical College

#16

Trinidad State Junior College

Trinidad, Colorado
701 Total Awards
$38,359 Average Earnings
$11,601 Avg Student Debt

Trinidad State Junior College landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Located in Trinidad, Colorado, the small public school awarded 701 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Trinidad State Junior College accumulate an average of $11,601 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Trinidad State Junior College graduates make an average of $38,359 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 48% were women.

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#17

Community College of Denver

Denver, Colorado
1,239 Total Awards
$38,525 Average Earnings
$14,064 Avg Student Debt

Community College of Denver 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. CCD is a public institution located in Denver, Colorado. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,239 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,064 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, CCD graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $38,525 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 69% were women.

Full Community College of Denver Report

#18

Northeastern Junior College

Sterling, Colorado
544 Total Awards
$36,875 Average Earnings
$12,338 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #18, Northeastern Junior College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. This small public school is located in Sterling, Colorado, and it awarded 544 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $12,338 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from NJC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $36,875 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 36% were women.

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3,626 Total Awards
$39,544 Average Earnings
$24,484 Avg Student Debt

Metropolitan State University of Denver came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Colorado ranking. Metropolitan State University of Denver is a fairly large public school located in Denver, Colorado that handed out 3,626 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $24,484 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, MSU Denver graduates make an average of $39,544 annually. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Metropolitan State University of Denver Report

#20

Aveda Institute - Denver

Denver, Colorado
309 Total Awards
$24,581 Average Earnings
$7,946 Avg Student Debt

Aveda Institute - Denver 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. Aveda Institute - Denver is a very small private for-profit school located in Denver, Colorado that handed out 309 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $7,946 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $89 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Aveda Institute - Denver graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $24,581 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 94% were women.

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#21

Pima Medical Institute - Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, Colorado
312 Total Awards
$28,453 Average Earnings
$13,223 Avg Student Debt

Pima Medical Institute - Colorado Springs ranked #21 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Colorado list. PMI Colorado Springs is a private for-profit institution located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 312 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $13,223 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $89 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from PMI Colorado Springs, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $28,453 during the early years of their career. Around 87% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Pima Medical Institute - Colorado Springs Report

254 Total Awards
$30,222 Average Earnings
$6,240 Avg Student Debt

Technical College of the Rockies ranked #22 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Colorado list. Technical College of the Rockies is a very small public school located in Delta, Colorado that handed out 254 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Technical College of the Rockies accumulate an average of $6,240 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Technical College of the Rockies, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $30,222 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 68% were women.

Read full report on Technical College of the Rockies

#23

Intellitec College - Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, Colorado
288 Total Awards
$29,949 Average Earnings
$14,110 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #23, Intellitec College - Colorado Springs did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Intellitec College - Colorado Springs is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado and has a very small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 288 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Intellitec College - Colorado Springs accumulate an average of $14,110 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Intellitec College - Colorado Springs graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $29,949 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 33% were women.

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#24

Pima Medical Institute - Aurora

Aurora, Colorado
274 Total Awards
$26,922 Average Earnings
$11,165 Avg Student Debt

Pima Medical Institute - Aurora ranked #24 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Colorado list. Aurora, Colorado is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 274 students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,165 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $70 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from PMI Aurora, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $26,922 during the early years of their career. Around 95% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Pima Medical Institute - Aurora Report

#25

Colorado State University - Fort Collins

Fort Collins, Colorado
7,956 Total Awards
$45,865 Average Earnings
$29,840 Avg Student Debt

Colorado State University - Fort Collins 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. Colorado State is a large public school situated in Fort Collins, Colorado. It awarded 7,956 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $29,840 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $474, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Colorado State graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $45,865 during the early year of their career. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.

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Most Popular Trade School Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region

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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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