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2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in Virginia

107 Schools Ranked
$43,660 Average Earnings
$31,410 Avg Student Debt

There are lots of options to pick from today when trying to decide which trade school program is right for you. You're no longer limited to schools in your local area, either, since online programs are becoming more prevalent.

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 Virginia ranking. Our analysis looked at 107 schools in Virginia 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

ECPI University

Virginia Beach, Virginia
4,022 Total Awards
$41,263 Average Earnings
$23,661 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found ECPI University to be the most popular school for trade school students in Virginia. ECPI University is located in Virginia Beach, Virginia and has a fairly large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 4,022 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $23,661 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $151, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from ECPI University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $41,263 during the early years of their career. Around 65% of those degree recipients were women.

Full ECPI University Report

#2

Tidewater Community College

Norfolk, Virginia
3,462 Total Awards
$33,302 Average Earnings
$13,635 Avg Student Debt

The programs at Tidewater Community College helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular trade school schools in Virginia. Located in Norfolk, Virginia, the fairly large public school handed out 3,462 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Tidewater Community College accumulate an average of $13,635 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Tidewater Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $33,302 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

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#3

Northern Virginia Community College

Annandale, Virginia
9,087 Total Awards
$37,967 Average Earnings
$14,283 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Northern Virginia Community College. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in Virginia list. Northern Virginia Community College is a large public school located in Annandale, Virginia that handed out 9,087 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $14,283 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Northern Virginia Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,967 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 53% were women.

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#4

Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia
25,513 Total Awards
$40,489 Average Earnings
$34,774 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Liberty University. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Virginia list. Liberty University is a large private not-for-profit school situated in Lynchburg, Virginia. It awarded 25,513 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $34,774 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $519 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Liberty University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,489 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

Full Liberty University Report

#5

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, Virginia
5,530 Total Awards
$46,195 Average Earnings
$22,949 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend James Madison University. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Virginia list. James Madison University is a large public school located in Harrisonburg, Virginia that handed out 5,530 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from JMU accumulate an average of $22,949 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 $449. During the early years of their career, JMU graduates make an average of $46,195 annually. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.

Full James Madison University Report

1,184 Total Awards
$32,159 Average Earnings
$14,630 Avg Student Debt

Virginia Western Community College 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. Virginia Western Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Roanoke, Virginia that handed out 1,184 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Virginia Western Community College accumulate an average of $14,630 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Virginia Western Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $32,159 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

Full Virginia Western Community College Report

#7

Danville Community College

Danville, Virginia
779 Total Awards
$39,785 Average Earnings
$10,127 Avg Student Debt

Danville Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #7 on the list. Danville, Virginia is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 779 students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $10,127 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Danville Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $39,785 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 51% were women.

Full Danville Community College Report

#8

Old Dominion University

Norfolk, Virginia
5,241 Total Awards
$46,278 Average Earnings
$29,162 Avg Student Debt

Old Dominion University ranked #8 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Virginia list. Old Dominion is a large public school situated in Norfolk, Virginia. It awarded 5,241 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $29,162 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $272, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Old Dominion graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $46,278 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.

Full Old Dominion University Report

#9

Tidewater Tech-Trades

Norfolk, Virginia
483 Total Awards
$29,006 Average Earnings
$12,015 Avg Student Debt

Tidewater Tech-Trades ranked #9 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Virginia list. This very small private for-profit school is located in Norfolk, Virginia, and it awarded 483 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,015 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Tidewater Tech-Trades graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $29,006 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 16% were women.

Read full report on Tidewater Tech-Trades

#10

Mountain Empire Community College

Big Stone Gap, Virginia
975 Total Awards
$32,424 Average Earnings

Mountain Empire 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. MECC is a small public school situated in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. It awarded 975 degrees in 2021-2022.

During the early years of their career, MECC graduates make an average of $32,424 annually. Around 63% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Mountain Empire Community College

#11

John Tyler Community College

Chester, Virginia
1,557 Total Awards
$34,207 Average Earnings
$12,270 Avg Student Debt

John Tyler Community College landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Located in Chester, Virginia, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,557 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $12,270 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from John Tyler Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $34,207 during the early years of their career. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.

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#12

Lord Fairfax Community College

Middletown, Virginia
1,392 Total Awards
$30,686 Average Earnings
$11,835 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #12, Lord Fairfax Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Lord Fairfax Community College is a public institution located in Middletown, Virginia. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,392 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,835 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Lord Fairfax Community College graduates make an average of $30,686 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 70% were women.

Read full report on Lord Fairfax Community College

#13

Central Virginia Community College

Lynchburg, Virginia
1,133 Total Awards
$30,954 Average Earnings
$8,642 Avg Student Debt

Central Virginia 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. Central Virginia Community College is a public institution located in Lynchburg, Virginia. The school has a small population, and it awarded 1,133 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $8,642 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Central Virginia Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $30,954 during the early year of their career. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Central Virginia Community College

952 Total Awards
$29,091 Average Earnings

Southside Virginia Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #14 on the list. This small public school is located in Alberta, Virginia, and it awarded 952 degrees in 2021-2022.

After graduating from Southside Virginia Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $29,091 during the early years of their career. Around 67% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#15

Wytheville Community College

Wytheville, Virginia
473 Total Awards
$34,872 Average Earnings
$10,992 Avg Student Debt

Wytheville Community College ranked #15 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Virginia list. Located in Wytheville, Virginia, the small public school handed out 473 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $10,992 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, WCC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $34,872 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 65% were women.

Read More…

#16

Advanced Technology Institute

Virginia Beach, Virginia
369 Total Awards
$33,070 Average Earnings
$16,220 Avg Student Debt

Advanced Technology Institute landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. ATI is a private for-profit institution located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 369 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from ATI accumulate an average of $16,220 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 $149 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from ATI, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $33,070 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 10% were women.

Read More…

#17

Reynolds Community College

Richmond, Virginia
1,558 Total Awards
$35,589 Average Earnings
$15,565 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #17, Reynolds Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Reynolds Community College is located in Richmond, Virginia and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,558 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $15,565 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Reynolds Community College graduates make an average of $35,589 annually. Around 67% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Reynolds Community College Report

#18

Piedmont Virginia Community College

Charlottesville, Virginia
1,061 Total Awards
$39,528 Average Earnings
$11,463 Avg Student Debt

Piedmont Virginia Community College came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Virginia ranking. Piedmont Virginia Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Charlottesville, Virginia that handed out 1,061 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,463 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, PVCC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $39,528 during the early year of their career. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Piedmont Virginia Community College

704 Total Awards
$30,072 Average Earnings

Virginia Highlands Community College came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Virginia ranking. Virginia Highlands Community College is a small public school located in Abingdon, Virginia that handed out 704 degrees in 2021-2022.

After graduating from VHCC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $30,072 during the early years of their career. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#20

Southwest Virginia Community College

Cedar Bluff, Virginia
617 Total Awards
$27,976 Average Earnings

With a ranking of #20, Southwest Virginia Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. This small public school is located in Cedar Bluff, Virginia, and it awarded 617 degrees in 2021-2022.

After graduating from Southwest Virginia, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $27,976 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.

Full Southwest Virginia Community College Report

#21

Blue Ridge Community College

Weyers Cave, Virginia
1,266 Total Awards
$33,198 Average Earnings
$12,973 Avg Student Debt

Blue Ridge Community College landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Located in Weyers Cave, Virginia, the small public school handed out 1,266 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from BRCC accumulate an average of $12,973 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, BRCC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $33,198 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

Read full report on Blue Ridge Community College

#22

New River Community College

Dublin, Virginia
942 Total Awards
$36,956 Average Earnings
$11,273 Avg Student Debt

New River Community College ranked #22 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Virginia list. NRCC is a public institution located in Dublin, Virginia. The school has a small population, and it awarded 942 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,273 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, NRCC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $36,956 during the early year of their career. Around 45% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#23

Thomas Nelson Community College

Hampton, Virginia
1,186 Total Awards
$31,974 Average Earnings
$15,759 Avg Student Debt

Thomas Nelson Community College landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. TNCC is a medium-sized public school situated in Hampton, Virginia. It awarded 1,186 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from TNCC accumulate an average of $15,759 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, TNCC graduates make an average of $31,974 annually. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Thomas Nelson Community College

#24

Fortis College - Richmond

Richmond, Virginia
139 Total Awards
$30,412 Average Earnings
$12,656 Avg Student Debt

Fortis College - Richmond landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Fortis College - Richmond is a very small private for-profit school located in Richmond, Virginia that handed out 139 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,656 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $59 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Fortis College - Richmond graduates make an average of $30,412 annually. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Fortis College - Richmond Report

#25

Germanna Community College

Locust Grove, Virginia
2,211 Total Awards
$33,592 Average Earnings
$10,889 Avg Student Debt

Germanna Community College came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Virginia ranking. Locust Grove, Virginia is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 2,211 students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Germanna Community College accumulate an average of $10,889 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Germanna Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $33,592 during the early year of their career. Around 67% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Germanna Community College

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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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