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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 analysis found Columbia Southern University to be the most popular school for trade school students in Alabama. Columbia Southern University is a fairly large private for-profit school situated in Orange Beach, Alabama. It awarded 5,998 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Columbia Southern University accumulate an average of $25,142 in student debt by the time they complete 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 full report on Columbia Southern University

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 handed out 2,501 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $11,970 in loans while pursuing their degree. 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 full report on Wallace State Community College, Hanceville

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

The programs at John C Calhoun State Community College helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular trade school schools in Alabama. Located in Tanner, Alabama, the medium-sized public school awarded 3,268 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $13,709 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Calhoun Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,694 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 51% 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

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Coastal Alabama Community College. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in Alabama list. Bay Minette, Alabama is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,515 students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,333 in student loans.After graduating from Coastal Alabama Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $33,085 during the early years of their career. Around 55% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Coastal Alabama Community College

1,200 Total Awards
$34,370 Average Earnings

You’ll be in good company if you attend Bevill State Community College. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Alabama list. Located in Jasper, Alabama, the small public school handed out 1,200 degrees in 2021-2022.

Once they receive their degree, Bevill State Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $34,370 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 45% were women.

Full Bevill State Community College Report

#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. This small public school is located in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and it awarded 1,443 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from NW-SCC accumulate an average of $12,788 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from NW-SCC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $28,614 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 48% were women.

Read full report on Northwest-Shoals Community College

1,522 Total Awards
$34,201 Average Earnings

Gadsden State Community College ranked #7 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Alabama list. This small public school is located in Gadsden, Alabama, and it awarded 1,522 degrees in 2021-2022.

During the early years of their career, GSCC graduates make an average of $34,201 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 44% were women.

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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. Located in Wadley, Alabama, the small public school handed out 1,684 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $11,262 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Southern Union State Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $32,006 during the early year of their career. Around 48% of those degree recipients 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. This small public school is located in Rainsville, Alabama, and it awarded 1,127 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $6,929 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Northeast graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $29,138 during the early year of their career. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Northeast Alabama Community College Report

#10

Jefferson State Community College

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

Jefferson State Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #10 on the list. Located in Birmingham, Alabama, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,652 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $9,688 in loans while pursuing their degree. 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. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

Full Jefferson State Community College Report

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. Wallace, Dothan is located in Dothan, Alabama and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,018 degrees to qualified students.

Once they receive their degree, Wallace, Dothan graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $29,871 during the early year 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

Shelton State Community College landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Shelton State Community College is a public institution located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The school has a small population, and it awarded 853 degrees in 2021-2022.

Once they receive their degree, Shelton State Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $34,938 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 58% were women.

Read full report on Shelton State Community College

#13

Bishop State Community College

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

Bishop State Community College came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Alabama ranking. Located in Mobile, Alabama, the small public school awarded 651 diplomas to qualifed students 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 came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Alabama ranking. Lurleen B. Wallace Community College is located in Andalusia, Alabama and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 541 degrees to qualified students.

During the early years of their career, Lurleen B. Wallace Community College graduates make an average of $35,722 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 54% were women.

Full Lurleen B Wallace Community College Report

609 Total Awards
$41,053 Average Earnings

With a ranking of #15, Lawson State Community College - Birmingham Campus did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Located in Birmingham, Alabama, the small public school awarded 609 diplomas to qualifed 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. Around 52% of those degree recipients 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 did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #16 on the list. Fortis College - Mobile is a very small private for-profit school situated in Mobile, Alabama. It awarded 180 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $12,610 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $88. During the early years of their career, Fortis College - Mobile graduates make an average of $25,975 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 77% were women.

Read More…

#17

Fortis Institute - Birmingham

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

Fortis Institute - Birmingham landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Located in Birmingham, Alabama, the very small private for-profit school awarded 224 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Fortis Institute - Birmingham accumulate an average of $15,238 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $67, assuming you 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.

Full Fortis Institute - Birmingham Report

#18

Ingram State Technical College

Deatsville, Alabama
631 Total Awards

With a ranking of #18, Ingram State Technical College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. ISTC is a public institution located in Deatsville, Alabama. The school has a very small population, 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 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. Located in Montgomery, Alabama, the small public school handed out 289 degrees 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 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. J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College is a very small public school located in Huntsville, Alabama that handed out 167 degrees 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 landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Herzing University - Birmingham is a very small private not-for-profit school located in Birmingham, Alabama that handed out 245 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $29,096 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $163 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Herzing University - Birmingham graduates make an average of $42,963 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 67% were women.

Read More…

#22

Fortis College - Montgomery

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

Fortis College - Montgomery ranked #22 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Alabama list. Fortis College - Montgomery is located in Montgomery, Alabama and has a very small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 123 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Fortis College - Montgomery accumulate an average of $10,698 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 $88. During the early years of their career, Fortis College - Montgomery graduates make an average of $22,072 annually. Around 76% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Fortis College - Montgomery Report

329 Total Awards
$32,181 Average Earnings

Wallace Community College, Selma 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 Selma, Alabama, the small public school handed out 329 degrees in 2021-2022.

Once they receive their degree, WCCS graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $32,181 during the early year of their career. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Wallace Community College, Selma Report

#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 a medium-sized public school situated in Jacksonville, Alabama. It awarded 2,035 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,845 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $174, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Jacksonville State University graduates make an average of $39,073 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.

Full Jacksonville State University Report

#25

Auburn University

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

Auburn University landed the #25 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Auburn is located in Auburn, Alabama and has a large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 8,117 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Auburn accumulate an average of $35,740 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 $668 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Auburn graduates make an average of $49,769 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 52% were women.

Full Auburn University 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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