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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. Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts - Boulder is a medium-sized private for-profit school located in Boulder, Colorado that handed out 3,638 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,155 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $156.After graduating from Escoffier - Boulder, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $26,698 during the early years of their career. Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts - Boulder Report

#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

Out of the 62 schools in Colorado that were part of this year’s ranking, Pikes Peak Community College landed the # 3 spot on the list. Located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the fairly large public school handed out 3,050 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $11,839 in loans while pursuing 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. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.

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#4

Pueblo Community College

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

You’ll be in good company if you attend Pueblo Community College. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Colorado list. Pueblo Community College is a medium-sized public school situated in Pueblo, Colorado. It awarded 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.After graduating from Pueblo Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $39,357 during the early years of their career. Around 44% of those degree recipients were women.

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#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 a medium-sized public school located in Lakewood, Colorado that handed out 2,069 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Red Rocks Community College accumulate an average of $29,998 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. 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. 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 College of Technology - Denver is a small private for-profit school located in Denver, Colorado that handed out 866 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,279 in student loans. 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. During the early years of their career, Lincoln Tech - Denver graduates make an average of $36,801 annually. Around 7% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Lincoln College of Technology - Denver

#7

Aims Community College

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

Aims Community College landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Located in Greeley, Colorado, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,595 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Aims Community College accumulate an average of $9,731 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Aims Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,230 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.

Read full report on Aims Community College

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. This medium-sized public school is located in Denver, Colorado, and it awarded 609 degrees in 2021-2022.

During the early years of their career, Emily Griffith graduates make an average of $28,677 annually. 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. Aurora, Colorado is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 548 students 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. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $127. 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

With a ranking of #11, Colorado Mesa University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. This medium-sized public school is located in Grand Junction, Colorado, and it awarded 1,939 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,449 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $208, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Colorado Mesa graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $38,493 during the early year of their career. Around 55% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Colorado Mesa University

#12

Intellitec College - Grand Junction

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

With a ranking of #12, Intellitec College - Grand Junction did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Located in Grand Junction, Colorado, the small private for-profit school handed out 656 degrees 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. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $71, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Intellitec College - Grand Junction, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $25,354 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 69% were women.

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#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. Colorado Mountain College is a public institution located in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,329 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Colorado Mountain College accumulate an average of $11,304 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Colorado Mountain College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $44,074 during the early year 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 came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Colorado ranking. Located in Denver, Colorado, the very small private for-profit school 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. 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 did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #15 on the list. Pickens Technical College is a very small public school situated in Aurora, Colorado. 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. Of those students who received their degree, 43% 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 ranked #16 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Colorado list. Located in Trinidad, Colorado, the small public school awarded 701 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,601 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Trinidad State Junior College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $38,359 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 48% were women.

Read full report on Trinidad State Junior College

#17

Community College of Denver

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

With a ranking of #17, Community College of Denver did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. This medium-sized public school is located in Denver, Colorado, and it awarded 1,239 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from CCD accumulate an average of $14,064 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from CCD, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,525 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 69% were women.

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#18

Northeastern Junior College

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

Northeastern Junior College 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. This small public school is located in Sterling, Colorado, and it awarded 544 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,338 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, NJC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $36,875 during the early year of their career. Around 36% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Northeastern Junior College

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

Metropolitan State University of Denver landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Metropolitan State University of Denver is a fairly large public school located in Denver, Colorado that handed out 3,626 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from MSU Denver accumulate an average of $24,484 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, MSU Denver graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $39,544 during the early year 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

Aveda Institute - Denver landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Aveda Institute - Denver is a private for-profit institution located in Denver, Colorado. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 309 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Aveda Institute - Denver accumulate an average of $7,946 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 $89. During the early years of their career, Aveda Institute - Denver graduates make an average of $24,581 annually. Around 94% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Aveda Institute - Denver

#21

Pima Medical Institute - Colorado Springs

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

With a ranking of #21, Pima Medical Institute - Colorado Springs did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. PMI Colorado Springs is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado and has a very small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 312 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from PMI Colorado Springs accumulate an average of $13,223 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 $89. 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.

Read full report on Pima Medical Institute - Colorado Springs

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

Technical College of the Rockies 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. This very small public school is located in Delta, Colorado, and it awarded 254 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $6,240 in loans while pursuing 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.

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#23

Intellitec College - Colorado Springs

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

Intellitec College - Colorado Springs ranked #23 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Colorado list. Located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the very small private for-profit school awarded 288 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $14,110 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Intellitec College - Colorado Springs graduates make an average of $29,949 annually. 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 did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #24 on the list. PMI Aurora is a very small private for-profit school situated in Aurora, Colorado. It awarded 274 degrees 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. During the early years of their career, PMI Aurora graduates make an average of $26,922 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 95% were women.

Read full report on Pima Medical Institute - Aurora

#25

Colorado State University - Fort Collins

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

With a ranking of #25, Colorado State University - Fort Collins did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Colorado State is a public institution located in Fort Collins, Colorado. The school has a large population, and it awarded 7,956 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $29,840 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $474, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Colorado State graduates make an average of $45,865 annually. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Colorado State University - Fort Collins Report

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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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