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Most Popular Trade Schools in Tennessee

2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in Tennessee

119 Schools Ranked
$39,831 Average Earnings
$32,154 Avg Student Debt

A trade school student has lots of options to pick from when considering higher education opportunities. 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.

Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Trade College Search has created the Most Popular Trade Schools in Tennessee to help you in your search for the best school for you. Our analysis looked at 119 schools in Tennessee 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:

#1

South College

Knoxville, Tennessee
2,322 Total Awards
$53,323 Average Earnings
$49,730 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found South College to be the most popular school for trade school students in Tennessee. South College is a private for-profit institution located in Knoxville, Tennessee. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 2,322 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $49,730 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $240 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, South College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $53,323 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 82% were women.

Read full report on South College

#2

Concorde Career College - Memphis

Memphis, Tennessee
778 Total Awards
$32,518 Average Earnings
$14,986 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 119 schools in Tennessee that were part of this year’s ranking, Concorde Career College - Memphis landed the # 2 spot on the list. This small private for-profit school is located in Memphis, Tennessee, and it awarded 778 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,986 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $73, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Concorde Career College - Memphis graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $32,518 during the early year of their career. Around 95% of those degree recipients were women.

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794 Total Awards
$38,818 Average Earnings
$12,875 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 119 schools in Tennessee that were part of this year’s ranking, Lincoln College of Technology - Nashville landed the # 3 spot on the list. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, the small private for-profit school handed out 794 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Lincoln Tech - Nashville accumulate an average of $12,875 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 $207 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Lincoln Tech - Nashville graduates make an average of $38,818 annually. Around 7% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Lincoln College of Technology - Nashville

494 Total Awards
$65,765 Average Earnings
$10,316 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Meridian Institute of Surgical Assisting. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in Tennessee list. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, the very small private for-profit school awarded 494 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Meridian Institute of Surgical Assisting accumulate an average of $10,316 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Meridian Institute of Surgical Assisting, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $65,765 during the early years of their career. Around 76% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Meridian Institute of Surgical Assisting

613 Total Awards
$28,729 Average Earnings

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Knoxville is a great place for trade school students. TCAT - Knoxville is located in Knoxville, Tennessee and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 613 degrees to qualified students.

Once they receive their degree, TCAT - Knoxville graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $28,729 during the early year of their career. Around 43% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Knoxville

457 Total Awards
$30,027 Average Earnings

Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Nashville came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Tennessee ranking. Nashville, Tennessee is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 457 students in 2021-2022.

Once they receive their degree, TCAT - Nashville graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $30,027 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 50% were women.

Read full report on Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Nashville

427 Total Awards
$29,097 Average Earnings

Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Jackson landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Located in Jackson, Tennessee, the small public school awarded 427 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Once they receive their degree, TCAT - Jackson graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $29,097 during the early year of their career. Around 36% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Jackson

#8

Chattanooga State Community College

Chattanooga, Tennessee
1,429 Total Awards
$32,219 Average Earnings
$12,306 Avg Student Debt

Chattanooga State Community College ranked #8 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Tennessee list. Chattanooga State Community College is a medium-sized public school situated in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It awarded 1,429 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Chattanooga State Community College accumulate an average of $12,306 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Chattanooga State Community College graduates make an average of $32,219 annually. Around 65% of those degree recipients were women.

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#9

Volunteer State Community College

Gallatin, Tennessee
1,628 Total Awards
$35,641 Average Earnings
$10,323 Avg Student Debt

Volunteer State Community College landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Located in Gallatin, Tennessee, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,628 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,323 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, VSCC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,641 during the early year of their career. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.

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492 Total Awards
$30,992 Average Earnings

Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Dickson 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. Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Dickson is a very small public school located in Dickson, Tennessee that handed out 492 degrees in 2021-2022.

After graduating from TCAT - Dickson, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $30,992 during the early years of their career. Around 45% of those degree recipients were women.

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354 Total Awards
$25,564 Average Earnings

With a ranking of #11, Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Elizabethton did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. This very small public school is located in Elizabethton, Tennessee, and it awarded 354 degrees in 2021-2022.

During the early years of their career, TCAT - Elizabethton graduates make an average of $25,564 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 49% were women.

Full Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Elizabethton Report

424 Total Awards
$28,311 Average Earnings

With a ranking of #12, Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Morristown did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Located in Morristown, Tennessee, the very small public school awarded 424 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

After graduating from TCAT - Morristown, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $28,311 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 25% were women.

Read full report on Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Morristown

317 Total Awards
$28,936 Average Earnings

Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Murfreesboro landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Murfreesboro is a very small public school located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee that handed out 317 degrees in 2021-2022.

After graduating from TCAT - Murfreesboro, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $28,936 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 31% were women.

Full Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Murfreesboro Report

#13

Northeast State Community College

Blountville, Tennessee
1,219 Total Awards
$38,005 Average Earnings
$5,566 Avg Student Debt

Northeast State 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. Located in Blountville, Tennessee, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,219 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $5,566 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Northeast State Technical Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,005 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 52% were women.

Full Northeast State Community College Report

399 Total Awards
$25,655 Average Earnings

Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Memphis ranked #15 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Tennessee list. This small public school is located in Memphis, Tennessee, and it awarded 399 degrees in 2021-2022.

Once they receive their degree, TCAT - Memphis graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $25,655 during the early year of their career. Around 36% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Memphis

#16

Pellissippi State Community College

Knoxville, Tennessee
1,741 Total Awards
$31,307 Average Earnings
$9,776 Avg Student Debt

Pellissippi State Community 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. Knoxville, Tennessee is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,741 students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Pellissippi State Community College accumulate an average of $9,776 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Pellissippi State Community College graduates make an average of $31,307 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 54% were women.

Full Pellissippi State Community College Report

#17

Roane State Community College

Harriman, Tennessee
955 Total Awards
$35,143 Average Earnings
$10,799 Avg Student Debt

Roane State Community College landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Roane State Community College is located in Harriman, Tennessee and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 955 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $10,799 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Roane State Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $35,143 during the early years of their career. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

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267 Total Awards
$30,888 Average Earnings

Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Newbern landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Newbern, Tennessee is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 267 students in 2021-2022.

After graduating from TCAT - Newbern, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $30,888 during the early years of their career. Around 28% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Newbern

#19

Remington College - Memphis Campus

Memphis, Tennessee
204 Total Awards
$25,245 Average Earnings
$14,350 Avg Student Debt

Remington College - Memphis Campus landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Remington College - Memphis Campus is located in Memphis, Tennessee and has a very small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 204 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Remington College - Memphis Campus accumulate an average of $14,350 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 $74 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Remington College - Memphis Campus, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $25,245 during the early years of their career. Around 70% of those degree recipients were women.

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#20

Nashville State Community College

Nashville, Tennessee
1,195 Total Awards
$34,207 Average Earnings
$16,442 Avg Student Debt

Nashville State Community College ranked #20 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Tennessee list. Nashville State Community College is a medium-sized public school situated in Nashville, Tennessee. It awarded 1,195 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Nashville State Community College accumulate an average of $16,442 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Nashville State Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $34,207 during the early year of their career. Around 65% of those degree recipients were women.

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297 Total Awards
$25,148 Average Earnings

With a ranking of #21, Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Crossville did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Located in Crossville, Tennessee, the very small public school handed out 297 degrees in 2021-2022.

During the early years of their career, TCAT - Crossville graduates make an average of $25,148 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 31% were women.

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1,106 Total Awards
$34,164 Average Earnings

With a ranking of #22, Southwest Tennessee Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Southwest is a medium-sized public school situated in Memphis, Tennessee. It awarded 1,106 degrees in 2021-2022.

After graduating from Southwest, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $34,164 during the early years of their career. Around 65% of those degree recipients were women.

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#23

Walters State Community College

Morristown, Tennessee
1,249 Total Awards
$34,080 Average Earnings
$4,796 Avg Student Debt

Walters State Community College ranked #23 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Tennessee list. Located in Morristown, Tennessee, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,249 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from WSCC accumulate an average of $4,796 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, WSCC graduates make an average of $34,080 annually. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Walters State Community College Report

#24

Dyersburg State Community College

Dyersburg, Tennessee
883 Total Awards
$41,344 Average Earnings
$7,185 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #24, Dyersburg State Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Dyersburg, Tennessee is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 883 students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $7,185 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, DSCC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,344 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 72% were women.

Read More…

#25

Middle Tennessee State University

Murfreesboro, Tennessee
4,677 Total Awards
$38,675 Average Earnings
$23,974 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #25, Middle Tennessee State University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Middle Tennessee State University is a public institution located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The school has a large population, and it awarded 4,677 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Middle Tennessee State University accumulate an average of $23,974 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 $169. During the early years of their career, Middle Tennessee State University graduates make an average of $38,675 annually. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Middle Tennessee 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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