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Most Popular Trade Schools in Kentucky

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2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in Kentucky

69 Schools Ranked
$39,656 Average Earnings
$24,872 Avg Student Debt

With all the trade school programs available today, it can be tough to choose which one is the best 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.

The Most Popular Trade Schools in Kentucky ranking is one of many tools that Trade College Search has developed to help you make your educational decision. Our analysis looked at 69 schools in Kentucky 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:

5,011 Total Awards
$39,280 Average Earnings
$14,138 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Bluegrass Community and Technical College the most popular school in Kentucky for trade school students working on their degree. Bluegrass Community and Technical College is located in Lexington, Kentucky and has a fairly large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 5,011 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $14,138 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $124, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Bluegrass Community and Technical College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $39,280 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 48% were women.

Read full report on Bluegrass Community and Technical College

4,096 Total Awards
$38,170 Average Earnings
$14,442 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Jefferson Community and Technical College. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Kentucky list. Jefferson Community and Technical College is a fairly large public school situated in Louisville, Kentucky. It awarded 4,096 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $14,442 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Jefferson Community and Technical College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,170 during the early years of their career. Around 41% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Jefferson Community and Technical College

3,188 Total Awards
$38,770 Average Earnings
$12,919 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Gateway Community and Technical College is a great place for trade school students. Gateway is a small public school situated in Florence, Kentucky. It awarded 3,188 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $12,919 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Gateway, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,770 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 34% were women.

Read full report on Gateway Community and Technical College

3,257 Total Awards
$41,037 Average Earnings
$12,539 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Elizabethtown Community and Technical College is a great place for trade school students. Elizabethtown Community and Technical College is a medium-sized public school situated in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. It awarded 3,257 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Elizabethtown Community and Technical College accumulate an average of $12,539 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Elizabethtown Community and Technical College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,037 during the early year of their career. Around 36% of those degree recipients were women.

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2,815 Total Awards
$30,391 Average Earnings
$13,094 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 69 schools in Kentucky that were part of this year’s ranking, Maysville Community and Technical College landed the # 5 spot on the list. Maysville, Kentucky is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 2,815 students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Maysville Community and Technical College accumulate an average of $13,094 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Maysville Community and Technical College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $30,391 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 48% were women.

Full Maysville Community and Technical College Report

#6

Somerset Community College

Somerset, Kentucky
2,625 Total Awards
$33,815 Average Earnings
$14,753 Avg Student Debt

Somerset Community College ranked #6 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Kentucky list. Somerset Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Somerset, Kentucky that handed out 2,625 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,753 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, SCC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $33,815 during the early year of their career. Around 47% of those degree recipients were women.

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2,586 Total Awards
$29,988 Average Earnings
$11,008 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #7, West Kentucky Community and 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 Paducah, Kentucky, and it awarded 2,586 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,008 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, West Kentucky Community and Technical College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $29,988 during the early year of their career. Around 54% of those degree recipients were women.

Full West Kentucky Community and Technical College Report

2,374 Total Awards
$32,998 Average Earnings
$13,214 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #8, Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, the small public school awarded 2,374 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,214 in student loans. During the early years of their career, SKYCTC graduates make an average of $32,998 annually. Around 38% of those degree recipients were women.

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2,263 Total Awards
$34,541 Average Earnings
$12,375 Avg Student Debt

Ashland 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 #9 on the list. Ashland, Kentucky is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 2,263 students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from ACTC accumulate an average of $12,375 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from ACTC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $34,541 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 43% were women.

Full Ashland Community and Technical College Report

2,796 Total Awards
$36,152 Average Earnings
$10,319 Avg Student Debt

Owensboro 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 #10 on the list. Owensboro Community and Technical College is a small public school located in Owensboro, Kentucky that handed out 2,796 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,319 in student loans.After graduating from Owensboro Community and Technical College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $36,152 during the early years of their career. Around 36% of those degree recipients were women.

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#11

Big Sandy Community and Technical College

Prestonsburg, Kentucky
1,345 Total Awards
$36,262 Average Earnings
$12,938 Avg Student Debt

Big Sandy Community and Technical College came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Kentucky ranking. Big Sandy Community and Technical College is a public institution located in Prestonsburg, Kentucky. The school has a small population, and it awarded 1,345 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $12,938 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Big Sandy Community and Technical College graduates make an average of $36,262 annually. Around 43% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Big Sandy Community and Technical College

1,587 Total Awards
$34,826 Average Earnings
$12,146 Avg Student Debt

Hazard Community and Technical College came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Kentucky ranking. Hazard Community and Technical College is a small public school situated in Hazard, Kentucky. It awarded 1,587 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,146 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Hazard Community and Technical College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $34,826 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 51% were women.

Full Hazard Community and Technical College Report

#13

Madisonville Community College

Madisonville, Kentucky
1,547 Total Awards
$41,288 Average Earnings
$10,138 Avg Student Debt

Madisonville Community College ranked #13 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Kentucky list. Madisonville Community College is a small public school located in Madisonville, Kentucky that handed out 1,547 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $10,138 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Madisonville Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $41,288 during the early years of their career. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Madisonville Community College

#14

Hopkinsville Community College

Hopkinsville, Kentucky
1,124 Total Awards
$36,124 Average Earnings
$12,364 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #14, Hopkinsville Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Hopkinsville Community College is a public institution located in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. The school has a small population, and it awarded 1,124 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $12,364 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Hopkinsville Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $36,124 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.

Full Hopkinsville Community College Report

#15

MedQuest College

Louisville, Kentucky
391 Total Awards
$25,332 Average Earnings
$12,464 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #15, MedQuest College 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 Louisville, Kentucky, and it awarded 391 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from MedQuest College accumulate an average of $12,464 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 $51. During the early years of their career, MedQuest College graduates make an average of $25,332 annually. Around 96% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on MedQuest College

953 Total Awards
$36,786 Average Earnings
$10,572 Avg Student Debt

Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College ranked #16 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Kentucky list. Cumberland, Kentucky is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 953 students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,572 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Southeast graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $36,786 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 54% were women.

Read full report on Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College

#17

Eastern Kentucky University

Richmond, Kentucky
3,622 Total Awards
$37,738 Average Earnings
$27,474 Avg Student Debt

Eastern Kentucky University came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Kentucky ranking. Located in Richmond, Kentucky, the fairly large public school awarded 3,622 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $27,474 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $218 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Eastern, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $37,738 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.

Full Eastern Kentucky University Report

#18

Sullivan University

Louisville, Kentucky
871 Total Awards
$44,464 Average Earnings
$44,478 Avg Student Debt

Sullivan University ranked #18 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Kentucky list. Located in Louisville, Kentucky, the small private for-profit school handed out 871 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $44,478 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $254, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Sullivan University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $44,464 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 67% were women.

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#19

University of Kentucky

Lexington, Kentucky
8,890 Total Awards
$43,675 Average Earnings
$36,151 Avg Student Debt

University of Kentucky landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. UK is a large public school situated in Lexington, Kentucky. It awarded 8,890 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $36,151 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $460, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UK graduates make an average of $43,675 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.

Full University of Kentucky Report

#20

Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, Kentucky
4,485 Total Awards
$37,898 Average Earnings
$28,038 Avg Student Debt

Western Kentucky University came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Kentucky ranking. Bowling Green, Kentucky is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 4,485 students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $28,038 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $280.After graduating from WKU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $37,898 during the early years of their career. Around 63% of those degree recipients were women.

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#21

Northern Kentucky University

Highland Heights, Kentucky
3,792 Total Awards
$42,837 Average Earnings
$32,046 Avg Student Debt

Northern Kentucky University ranked #21 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Kentucky list. Located in Highland Heights, Kentucky, the fairly large public school handed out 3,792 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $32,046 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $214 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, NKU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $42,837 during the early year of their career. Around 67% of those degree recipients were women.

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#22

Henderson Community College

Henderson, Kentucky
523 Total Awards
$36,680 Average Earnings
$12,500 Avg Student Debt

Henderson Community College came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Kentucky ranking. Henderson Community College is located in Henderson, Kentucky and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 523 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,500 in student loans.After graduating from Henderson Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $36,680 during the early years of their career. Around 72% of those degree recipients were women.

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#23

PJ's College of Cosmetology-Bowling Green

Bowling Green, Kentucky
234 Total Awards
$16,566 Average Earnings
$9,358 Avg Student Debt

PJ’s College of Cosmetology-Bowling Green came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Kentucky ranking. Located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, the very small private for-profit school awarded 234 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from PJ’s College of Cosmetology-Bowling Green accumulate an average of $9,358 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 PJ’s College of Cosmetology-Bowling Green, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $16,566 during the early years of their career. Around 99% of those degree recipients were women.

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#24

Morehead State University

Morehead, Kentucky
1,532 Total Awards
$37,454 Average Earnings
$32,260 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #24, Morehead State University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Located in Morehead, Kentucky, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,532 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Morehead State University accumulate an average of $32,260 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 $130.After graduating from Morehead State University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $37,454 during the early years of their career. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Morehead State University

#25

Murray State University

Murray, Kentucky
2,172 Total Awards
$41,161 Average Earnings
$27,882 Avg Student Debt

Murray State University ranked #25 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Kentucky list. Murray State is a medium-sized public school situated in Murray, Kentucky. It awarded 2,172 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,882 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $329.After graduating from Murray State, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $41,161 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.

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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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