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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 2023 rankings named South College the most popular school in Tennessee for trade school students working on their degree. Located in Knoxville, Tennessee, the medium-sized private for-profit school awarded 2,322 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from South College accumulate an average of $49,730 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $240, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from South College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $53,323 during the early years of their career. Around 82% of those degree recipients 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

A rank of #2 on this year’s list means Concorde Career College - Memphis is a great place for trade school students. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, the small private for-profit school awarded 778 diplomas to qualifed students 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. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $73 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Concorde Career College - Memphis, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $32,518 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 95% were women.

Full Concorde Career College - Memphis Report

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

The programs at Lincoln College of Technology - Nashville helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular trade school schools in Tennessee. This small private for-profit school is located in Nashville, Tennessee, and it awarded 794 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $12,875 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $207. Once they receive their degree, Lincoln Tech - Nashville graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $38,818 during the early year of their career. 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. This very small private for-profit school is located in Nashville, Tennessee, and it awarded 494 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $10,316 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Meridian Institute of Surgical Assisting graduates make an average of $65,765 annually. Around 76% of those degree recipients were women.

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613 Total Awards
$28,729 Average Earnings

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Knoxville. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in Tennessee list. Located in Knoxville, Tennessee, the small public school awarded 613 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

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. Of those students who received their degree, 43% were women.

Full Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Knoxville Report

457 Total Awards
$30,027 Average Earnings

Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Nashville did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #6 on the list. TCAT - Nashville is a public institution located in Nashville, Tennessee. The school has a small population, and it awarded 457 degrees 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

With a ranking of #7, Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Jackson did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. TCAT - Jackson is a public institution located in Jackson, Tennessee. The school has a small population, and it awarded 427 degrees in 2021-2022.

After graduating from TCAT - Jackson, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $29,097 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 36% were women.

Full Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Jackson Report

#8

Chattanooga State Community College

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

With a ranking of #8, Chattanooga State Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,429 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $12,306 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Chattanooga State Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $32,219 during the early years of their career. Around 65% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Chattanooga State Community College

#9

Volunteer State Community College

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

Volunteer State Community College came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Tennessee ranking. VSCC is a medium-sized public school situated in Gallatin, Tennessee. It awarded 1,628 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from VSCC accumulate an average of $10,323 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, VSCC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,641 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.

Read full report on Volunteer State Community College

492 Total Awards
$30,992 Average Earnings

Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Dickson came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Tennessee ranking. TCAT - Dickson is a public institution located in Dickson, Tennessee. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 492 degrees in 2021-2022.

Once they receive their degree, TCAT - Dickson graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $30,992 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 45% were women.

Read full report on Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Dickson

354 Total Awards
$25,564 Average Earnings

Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Elizabethton landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Located in Elizabethton, Tennessee, the very small public school handed out 354 degrees in 2021-2022.

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

Read More…

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.

During the early years of their career, TCAT - Morristown graduates make an average of $28,311 annually. Around 25% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Morristown Report

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. Located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, the very small public school awarded 317 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

During the early years of their career, TCAT - Murfreesboro graduates make an average of $28,936 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 31% were women.

Read full report on Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Murfreesboro

#13

Northeast State Community College

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

Northeast State Community College came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Tennessee ranking. Northeast State Technical Community College is a public institution located in Blountville, Tennessee. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,219 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $5,566 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Northeast State Technical Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $38,005 during the early year 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 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 small public school is located in Memphis, Tennessee, and it awarded 399 degrees in 2021-2022.

After graduating from TCAT - Memphis, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $25,655 during the early years of their career. Around 36% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#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. Pellissippi State Community College is a public institution located in Knoxville, Tennessee. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,741 degrees 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.After graduating from Pellissippi State Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $31,307 during the early years of their career. Around 54% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Pellissippi State Community College

#17

Roane State Community College

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

Roane State Community College came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Tennessee ranking. Roane State Community College is a small public school situated in Harriman, Tennessee. It awarded 955 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Roane State Community College accumulate an average of $10,799 in student debt by the time they complete 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. Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.

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267 Total Awards
$30,888 Average Earnings

With a ranking of #18, Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Newbern did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Located in Newbern, Tennessee, the very small public school handed out 267 degrees in 2021-2022.

During the early years of their career, TCAT - Newbern graduates make an average of $30,888 annually. Around 28% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#19

Remington College - Memphis Campus

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

Remington College - Memphis Campus 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. Remington College - Memphis Campus is a very small private not-for-profit school situated in Memphis, Tennessee. It awarded 204 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $14,350 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $74, assuming you 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. Of those students who received their degree, 70% were women.

Read More…

#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 located in Nashville, Tennessee and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,195 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $16,442 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Nashville State Community College graduates make an average of $34,207 annually. Around 65% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Nashville State Community College Report

297 Total Awards
$25,148 Average Earnings

Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Crossville landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. This very small public school is located in Crossville, Tennessee, and it awarded 297 degrees in 2021-2022.

Once they receive their degree, TCAT - Crossville graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $25,148 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 31% were women.

Full Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Crossville Report

1,106 Total Awards
$34,164 Average Earnings

Southwest Tennessee Community College came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Tennessee ranking. Southwest Tennessee Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Memphis, Tennessee that handed out 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.

Full Southwest Tennessee Community College Report

#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. This medium-sized public school is located in Morristown, Tennessee, and it awarded 1,249 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $4,796 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, WSCC graduates make an average of $34,080 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 61% 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

Dyersburg State Community College came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Tennessee ranking. DSCC is a small public school situated in Dyersburg, Tennessee. It awarded 883 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $7,185 in loans while pursuing their degree. 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.

Full Dyersburg State Community College Report

#25

Middle Tennessee State University

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

Middle Tennessee State University landed the #25 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Middle Tennessee State University is a large public school located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee that handed out 4,677 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $23,974 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $169. Once they receive their degree, Middle Tennessee State University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $38,675 during the early year of their career. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Middle Tennessee State University

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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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