Find Trade Colleges

Most Popular Trade Schools in Alabama

2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in Alabama

63 Schools Ranked
$42,117 Average Earnings
$31,673 Avg Student Debt

There are lots of options to pick from today when trying to decide which trade school program is right for you. With more and more schools offering online options, you could even register for a great program on the other side of the country.

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 Alabama ranking. This report analyzed 63 schools in Alabama 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.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

Columbia Southern University

Orange Beach, Alabama
5,998 Total Awards
$55,041 Average Earnings
$25,142 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Columbia Southern University the most popular school in Alabama for trade school students working on their degree. This fairly large private for-profit school is located in Orange Beach, Alabama, and it awarded 5,998 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $25,142 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Columbia Southern University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $55,041 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 37% were women.

Read More…

2,501 Total Awards
$36,585 Average Earnings
$11,970 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #2 on this year’s list means Wallace State Community College, Hanceville is a great place for trade school students. Located in Hanceville, Alabama, the medium-sized public school awarded 2,501 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,970 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Wallace State, Hanceville graduates make an average of $36,585 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.

Read More…

3,268 Total Awards
$38,694 Average Earnings
$13,709 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend John C Calhoun State Community College. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in Alabama list. Calhoun Community College is a public institution located in Tanner, Alabama. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 3,268 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $13,709 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Calhoun Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $38,694 during the early year of their career. Around 51% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#4

Coastal Alabama Community College

Bay Minette, Alabama
1,515 Total Awards
$33,085 Average Earnings
$11,333 Avg Student Debt

The programs at Coastal Alabama Community College helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular trade school schools in Alabama. Coastal Alabama Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Bay Minette, Alabama that handed out 1,515 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Coastal Alabama Community College accumulate an average of $11,333 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Coastal Alabama Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $33,085 during the early year of their career. Around 55% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

1,200 Total Awards
$34,370 Average Earnings

The programs at Bevill State Community College helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular trade school schools in Alabama. Bevill State Community College is a small public school situated in Jasper, Alabama. It awarded 1,200 degrees in 2021-2022.

After graduating from Bevill State Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $34,370 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 45% were women.

Read More…

#6

Northwest-Shoals Community College

Muscle Shoals, Alabama
1,443 Total Awards
$28,614 Average Earnings
$12,788 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #6, Northwest-Shoals Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Located in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, the small public school awarded 1,443 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $12,788 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, NW-SCC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $28,614 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 48% were women.

Read More…

1,522 Total Awards
$34,201 Average Earnings

Gadsden State Community College came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Alabama ranking. GSCC is a small public school situated in Gadsden, Alabama. It awarded 1,522 degrees in 2021-2022.

Once they receive their degree, GSCC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $34,201 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 44% were women.

Read full report on Gadsden State Community College

1,684 Total Awards
$32,006 Average Earnings
$11,262 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #8, Southern Union State Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Southern Union State Community College is a small public school situated in Wadley, Alabama. It awarded 1,684 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $11,262 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Southern Union State Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $32,006 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 48% were women.

Read full report on Southern Union State Community College

#9

Northeast Alabama Community College

Rainsville, Alabama
1,127 Total Awards
$29,138 Average Earnings
$6,929 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #9, Northeast Alabama Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Northeast is a small public school situated in Rainsville, Alabama. It awarded 1,127 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Northeast accumulate an average of $6,929 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Northeast graduates make an average of $29,138 annually. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#10

Jefferson State Community College

Birmingham, Alabama
1,652 Total Awards
$37,906 Average Earnings
$9,688 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #10, Jefferson State Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Jeff State is a public institution located in Birmingham, Alabama. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,652 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $9,688 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Jeff State graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,906 during the early year of their career. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

1,018 Total Awards
$29,871 Average Earnings

Wallace Community College, Dothan came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Alabama ranking. Dothan, Alabama is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,018 students in 2021-2022.

After graduating from Wallace, Dothan, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $29,871 during the early years of their career. Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#12

Shelton State Community College

Tuscaloosa, Alabama
853 Total Awards
$34,938 Average Earnings

With a ranking of #12, Shelton State Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Tuscaloosa, Alabama is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 853 students in 2021-2022.

During the early years of their career, Shelton State Community College graduates make an average of $34,938 annually. Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Shelton State Community College Report

#13

Bishop State Community College

Mobile, Alabama
651 Total Awards
$33,515 Average Earnings

With a ranking of #13, Bishop State Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Bishop State Community College is a small public school situated in Mobile, Alabama. It awarded 651 degrees in 2021-2022.

After graduating from Bishop State Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $33,515 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 56% were women.

Read full report on Bishop State Community College

#14

Lurleen B Wallace Community College

Andalusia, Alabama
541 Total Awards
$35,722 Average Earnings

Lurleen B Wallace Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #14 on the list. This small public school is located in Andalusia, Alabama, and it awarded 541 degrees in 2021-2022.

Once they receive their degree, Lurleen B. Wallace Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,722 during the early year of their career. Around 54% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Lurleen B Wallace Community College

609 Total Awards
$41,053 Average Earnings

Lawson State Community College - Birmingham Campus ranked #15 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Alabama list. Birmingham, Alabama is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 609 students in 2021-2022.

After graduating from LSCC - Birmingham Campus, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $41,053 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 52% were women.

Full Lawson State Community College - Birmingham Campus Report

#16

Fortis College

Mobile, Alabama
180 Total Awards
$25,975 Average Earnings
$12,610 Avg Student Debt

Fortis College came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Alabama ranking. This very small private for-profit school is located in Mobile, Alabama, and it awarded 180 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Fortis College - Mobile accumulate an average of $12,610 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $88, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Fortis College - Mobile graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $25,975 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 77% were women.

Read full report on Fortis College

#17

Fortis Institute - Birmingham

Birmingham, Alabama
224 Total Awards
$26,766 Average Earnings
$15,238 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #17, Fortis Institute - Birmingham did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Located in Birmingham, Alabama, the very small private for-profit school handed out 224 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,238 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $67 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Fortis Institute - Birmingham, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $26,766 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 69% were women.

Read full report on Fortis Institute - Birmingham

#18

Ingram State Technical College

Deatsville, Alabama
631 Total Awards

Ingram State Technical College landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. This very small public school is located in Deatsville, Alabama, and it awarded 631 degrees in 2021-2022.

Around 20% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Ingram State Technical College

289 Total Awards

H Councill Trenholm State Community College came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Alabama ranking. Montgomery, Alabama is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 289 students in 2021-2022.

Of those students who received their degree, 58% were women.

Read More…

167 Total Awards

J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Located in Huntsville, Alabama, the very small public school awarded 167 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Of those students who received their degree, 67% were women.

Full J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College Report

#21

Herzing University - Birmingham

Birmingham, Alabama
245 Total Awards
$42,963 Average Earnings
$29,096 Avg Student Debt

Herzing University - Birmingham did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #21 on the list. Located in Birmingham, Alabama, the very small private not-for-profit school awarded 245 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Herzing University - Birmingham accumulate an average of $29,096 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 $163. During the early years of their career, Herzing University - Birmingham graduates make an average of $42,963 annually. Around 67% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Herzing University - Birmingham Report

#22

Fortis College - Montgomery

Montgomery, Alabama
123 Total Awards
$22,072 Average Earnings
$10,698 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #22, Fortis College - Montgomery did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. This very small private for-profit school is located in Montgomery, Alabama, and it awarded 123 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,698 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $88 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Fortis College - Montgomery graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $22,072 during the early year of their career. Around 76% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

329 Total Awards
$32,181 Average Earnings

Wallace Community College, Selma ranked #23 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Alabama list. WCCS is a public institution located in Selma, Alabama. The school has a small population, and it awarded 329 degrees in 2021-2022.

After graduating from WCCS, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $32,181 during the early years of their career. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Wallace Community College, Selma

#24

Jacksonville State University

Jacksonville, Alabama
2,035 Total Awards
$39,073 Average Earnings
$27,845 Avg Student Debt

Jacksonville State University landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Jacksonville State University is located in Jacksonville, Alabama and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 2,035 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Jacksonville State University accumulate an average of $27,845 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $174, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Jacksonville State University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $39,073 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.

Read full report on Jacksonville State University

#25

Auburn University

Auburn, Alabama
8,117 Total Awards
$49,769 Average Earnings
$35,740 Avg Student Debt

Auburn University ranked #25 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Alabama list. Auburn is a public institution located in Auburn, Alabama. The school has a large population, and it awarded 8,117 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Auburn accumulate an average of $35,740 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $668, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Auburn, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $49,769 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 52% were women.

Read full report on Auburn University

View Most Popular Trade School Schools Nationwide >

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.

Find Trade Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited trade schools across the U.S.