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Most Popular Trade Schools in Colorado

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.

On average, students take out $12,155 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $156 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Escoffier - Boulder graduates make an average of $26,698 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 69% 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

Out of the 62 schools in Colorado that were part of this year’s ranking, Front Range Community College landed the # 2 spot on the list. FRCC is a public institution located in Westminster, Colorado. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 5,675 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $15,422 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, FRCC graduates make an average of $36,174 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 54% 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

You’ll be in good company if you attend Pikes Peak Community College. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Colorado list. This fairly large public school is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and it awarded 3,050 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from PPCC accumulate an average of $11,839 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from PPCC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $31,856 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 56% 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

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Pueblo Community College is a great place for trade school students. Located in Pueblo, Colorado, the medium-sized public school handed out 2,592 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,809 in student loans. 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. Around 44% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Pueblo Community College Report

#5

Red Rocks Community College

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

Out of the 62 schools in Colorado that were part of this year’s ranking, Red Rocks Community College landed the # 5 spot on the list. Red Rocks Community College is located in Lakewood, Colorado and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 2,069 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $29,998 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Red Rocks Community College graduates make an average of $53,516 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 52% 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 came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Colorado ranking. Lincoln Tech - Denver is located in Denver, Colorado and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 866 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $12,279 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $183 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. 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. Around 7% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Lincoln College of Technology - Denver Report

#7

Aims Community College

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

Aims Community College came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Colorado ranking. Aims Community College is a medium-sized public school situated in Greeley, Colorado. It awarded 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. Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.

Full Aims Community College Report

609 Total Awards
$28,677 Average Earnings

Emily Griffith Technical College came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Colorado ranking. Emily Griffith Technical College is a medium-sized public school located in Denver, Colorado that handed out 609 degrees in 2021-2022.

After graduating from Emily Griffith, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $28,677 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

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

With a ranking of #9, Concorde Career College - Aurora did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Concorde Career College - Aurora is located in Aurora, Colorado and has a very small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 548 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Concorde Career College - Aurora accumulate an average of $15,861 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 $127.After graduating from Concorde Career College - Aurora, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,549 during the early years of their career. Around 87% of those degree recipients 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 landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Colorado Mesa University is a medium-sized public school located in Grand Junction, Colorado that handed out 1,939 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Colorado Mesa accumulate an average of $21,449 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 $208.After graduating from Colorado Mesa, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,493 during the early years of their career. Around 55% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Colorado Mesa University Report

#12

Intellitec College - Grand Junction

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

Intellitec College - Grand Junction came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Colorado ranking. Intellitec College - Grand Junction is a small private for-profit school situated in Grand Junction, Colorado. It awarded 656 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $11,427 in loans while pursuing their degree. 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. During the early years of their career, Intellitec College - Grand Junction graduates make an average of $25,354 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 69% 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. Glenwood Springs, Colorado is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,329 students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $11,304 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Colorado Mountain College graduates make an average of $44,074 annually. Around 53% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Colorado Mountain College Report

#14

Pima Medical Institute - Denver

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

Pima Medical Institute - Denver came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Colorado ranking. This very small private for-profit school is located in Denver, Colorado, and it awarded 440 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from PMI Denver accumulate an average of $12,371 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $86, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from PMI Denver, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $31,926 during the early years 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 landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Located in Aurora, Colorado, the very small public school handed out 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. Of those students who received their degree, 43% were women.

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#16

Trinidad State Junior College

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

Trinidad State Junior College came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Colorado ranking. Trinidad State Junior College is a public institution located in Trinidad, Colorado. The school has a small population, and it awarded 701 degrees 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.

Full Trinidad State Junior College Report

#17

Community College of Denver

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

Community College of Denver ranked #17 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Colorado list. Community College of Denver is a medium-sized public school located in Denver, Colorado that handed out 1,239 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $14,064 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, CCD graduates make an average of $38,525 annually. Around 69% of those degree recipients 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

Northeastern Junior College ranked #18 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Colorado list. NJC is a small public school situated in Sterling, Colorado. It awarded 544 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from NJC accumulate an average of $12,338 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, NJC graduates make an average of $36,875 annually. Around 36% of those degree recipients were women.

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

Metropolitan State University of Denver did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #18 on the list. MSU Denver is a public institution located in Denver, Colorado. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 3,626 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,484 in student loans.After graduating from MSU Denver, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $39,544 during the early years of their career. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Metropolitan State University of Denver

#20

Aveda Institute - Denver

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

With a ranking of #20, Aveda Institute - Denver did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Aveda Institute - Denver is located in Denver, Colorado and has a very small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 309 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $7,946 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $89, assuming you 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. Around 94% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Aveda Institute - Denver Report

#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 came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Colorado ranking. PMI Colorado Springs is a very small private for-profit school situated in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It awarded 312 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from PMI Colorado Springs accumulate an average of $13,223 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $89, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, PMI Colorado Springs graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $28,453 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 87% were women.

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

With a ranking of #22, Technical College of the Rockies did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Technical College of the Rockies is a very small public school situated in Delta, Colorado. It awarded 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. During the early years of their career, Technical College of the Rockies graduates make an average of $30,222 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 68% were women.

Full Technical College of the Rockies Report

#23

Intellitec College - Colorado Springs

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

Intellitec College - Colorado Springs did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #23 on the list. Located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the very small private for-profit school handed out 288 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Intellitec College - Colorado Springs accumulate an average of $14,110 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Intellitec College - Colorado Springs, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $29,949 during the early years of their career. Around 33% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Intellitec College - Colorado Springs

#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. Located in Aurora, Colorado, the very small private for-profit school handed out 274 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from PMI Aurora accumulate an average of $11,165 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $70, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, PMI Aurora graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $26,922 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 95% 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 landed the #25 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. 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. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $474. 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.

Read full report on Colorado State University - Fort Collins

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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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