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Most Popular Trade Schools in Kentucky

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 a fairly large public school located in Lexington, Kentucky that handed out 5,011 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Bluegrass Community and Technical College accumulate an average of $14,138 in student debt by the time they complete 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. During the early years of their career, Bluegrass Community and Technical College graduates make an average of $39,280 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 48% were women.

Full Bluegrass Community and Technical College Report

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

Out of the 69 schools in Kentucky that were part of this year’s ranking, Jefferson Community and Technical College landed the # 2 spot on the 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. Of those students who received their degree, 41% were women.

Full Jefferson Community and Technical College Report

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

Out of the 69 schools in Kentucky that were part of this year’s ranking, Gateway Community and Technical College landed the # 3 spot on the list. Located in Florence, Kentucky, the small public school awarded 3,188 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,919 in student loans.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.

Full Gateway Community and Technical College Report

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. This medium-sized public school is located in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, and it awarded 3,257 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $12,539 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Elizabethtown Community and Technical College graduates make an average of $41,037 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 36% were women.

Full Elizabethtown Community and Technical College Report

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

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Maysville Community and Technical College. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in Kentucky list. Located in Maysville, Kentucky, the small public school handed out 2,815 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,094 in student loans.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 landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. This medium-sized public school is located in Somerset, Kentucky, and it awarded 2,625 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from SCC accumulate an average of $14,753 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from SCC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $33,815 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 47% were women.

Read full report on Somerset Community College

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. Located in Paducah, Kentucky, the medium-sized public school awarded 2,586 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $11,008 in loans while pursuing their degree. 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. Of those students who received their degree, 54% were women.

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

Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College ranked #8 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Kentucky list. Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College is a small public school located in Bowling Green, Kentucky that handed out 2,374 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from SKYCTC accumulate an average of $13,214 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from SKYCTC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $32,998 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 38% were women.

Full Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College Report

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

With a ranking of #9, Ashland Community and Technical College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Located in Ashland, Kentucky, the small public school awarded 2,263 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,375 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, ACTC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $34,541 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 43% were women.

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

Owensboro Community and Technical College ranked #10 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Kentucky list. Owensboro Community and Technical College is located in Owensboro, Kentucky and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 2,796 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Owensboro Community and Technical College accumulate an average of $10,319 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Owensboro Community and Technical College graduates make an average of $36,152 annually. Around 36% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Owensboro Community and Technical College

#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. Prestonsburg, Kentucky is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,345 students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,938 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Big Sandy Community and Technical College graduates make an average of $36,262 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 43% were women.

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

Hazard Community and Technical College ranked #12 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Kentucky list. Located in Hazard, Kentucky, the small public school awarded 1,587 diplomas to qualifed students 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.

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#13

Madisonville Community College

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

Madisonville Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #13 on the list. This small public school is located in Madisonville, Kentucky, and it awarded 1,547 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,138 in student loans.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

Hopkinsville Community College ranked #14 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Kentucky list. Hopkinsville Community College is a small public school situated in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. It awarded 1,124 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $12,364 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Hopkinsville Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $36,124 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.

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#15

MedQuest College

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

MedQuest 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. This very small private for-profit school is located in Louisville, Kentucky, and it awarded 391 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,464 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $51, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from MedQuest College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $25,332 during the early years of their career. 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 landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Located in Cumberland, Kentucky, the small public school handed out 953 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Southeast accumulate an average of $10,572 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Southeast, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $36,786 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 54% were women.

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#17

Eastern Kentucky University

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

Eastern Kentucky University landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Eastern is a fairly large public school situated in Richmond, Kentucky. It awarded 3,622 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Eastern accumulate an average of $27,474 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 $218.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.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $44,478 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $254, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Sullivan University graduates make an average of $44,464 annually. Around 67% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Sullivan University Report

#19

University of Kentucky

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

University of Kentucky came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Kentucky ranking. Lexington, Kentucky is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 8,890 students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $36,151 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $460. 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

With a ranking of #20, Western Kentucky University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. WKU is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky and has a fairly large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 4,485 degrees to qualified students.

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 came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Kentucky ranking. Northern Kentucky University is a fairly large public school located in Highland Heights, Kentucky that handed out 3,792 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $32,046 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $214. During the early years of their career, NKU graduates make an average of $42,837 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 67% were women.

Full Northern Kentucky University Report

#22

Henderson Community College

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

With a ranking of #22, Henderson Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. 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.

Degree recipients from Henderson Community College accumulate an average of $12,500 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Henderson Community College graduates make an average of $36,680 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 72% 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. PJ’s College of Cosmetology-Bowling Green is a very small private for-profit school situated in Bowling Green, Kentucky. It awarded 234 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $9,358 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $86. During the early years of their career, PJ’s College of Cosmetology-Bowling Green graduates make an average of $16,566 annually. Around 99% of those degree recipients were women.

Full PJ’s College of Cosmetology-Bowling Green Report

#24

Morehead State University

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

Morehead State University 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. Morehead State University is located in Morehead, Kentucky and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,532 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $32,260 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $130. Once they receive their degree, Morehead State University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,454 during the early year 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.

Degree recipients from Murray State accumulate an average of $27,882 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 $329. Once they receive their degree, Murray State graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,161 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.

Full Murray State 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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