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Most Popular Trade Schools in West Virginia

2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in West Virginia

60 Schools Ranked
$41,791 Average Earnings
$30,482 Avg Student Debt

When it comes to higher education, there are a lot of options for trade school students. Along with traditional schools that require in-person attendence, you can attend one of many reputable online schools. Some programs even offer a hybrid experience.

The Most Popular Trade Schools in West Virginia ranking is one of many tools that Trade College Search has developed to help you make your educational decision. This report analyzed 60 schools in West Virginia to see which ones were the most popular programs 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

Martinsburg College

Martinsburg, West Virginia
888 Total Awards

Our analysis found Martinsburg College to be the most popular school for trade school students in West Virginia. Martinsburg College is a small private for-profit school located in Martinsburg, West Virginia that handed out 888 degrees in 2021-2022.

Around 90% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Martinsburg College

#2

Pierpont Community and Technical College

Fairmont, West Virginia
706 Total Awards
$47,123 Average Earnings
$13,552 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #2 on this year’s list means Pierpont Community and Technical College is a great place for trade school students. Pierpont Community and Technical College is located in Fairmont, West Virginia and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 706 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,552 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Pierpont Community and Technical College graduates make an average of $47,123 annually. Around 43% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Pierpont Community and Technical College

#3

Valley College-Martinsburg

Martinsburg, West Virginia
368 Total Awards
$23,472 Average Earnings
$13,870 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Valley College-Martinsburg. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in West Virginia list. Valley College of Technology is located in Martinsburg, West Virginia and has a very small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 368 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,870 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $63. During the early years of their career, Valley College of Technology graduates make an average of $23,472 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 93% were women.

Read full report on Valley College-Martinsburg

#4

West Virginia Junior College - Morgantown

Morgantown, West Virginia
307 Total Awards
$32,451 Average Earnings
$10,796 Avg Student Debt

The programs at West Virginia Junior College - Morgantown helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular trade school schools in West Virginia. Located in Morgantown, West Virginia, the very small private for-profit school awarded 307 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from WVJC Morgantown accumulate an average of $10,796 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from WVJC Morgantown, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $32,451 during the early years of their career. Around 85% of those degree recipients were women.

Full West Virginia Junior College - Morgantown Report

#5

Blue Ridge Community and Technical College

Martinsburg, West Virginia
638 Total Awards
$34,100 Average Earnings
$16,189 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means Blue Ridge Community and Technical College is a great place for trade school students. Blue Ridge Community and Technical College is a public institution located in Martinsburg, West Virginia. The school has a small population, and it awarded 638 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $16,189 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $34,100 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.

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476 Total Awards
$44,163 Average Earnings

With a ranking of #6, Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College is a small public school located in Mount Gay, West Virginia that handed out 476 degrees in 2021-2022.

During the early years of their career, Southern graduates make an average of $44,163 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 70% were women.

Full Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College Report

327 Total Awards
$29,145 Average Earnings
$7,214 Avg Student Debt

New River Community and Technical College landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Beaver, West Virginia is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 327 students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from New River Community and Technical College accumulate an average of $7,214 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, New River Community and Technical College graduates make an average of $29,145 annually. Around 53% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on New River Community and Technical College

#8

West Virginia Northern Community College

Wheeling, West Virginia
282 Total Awards
$29,478 Average Earnings
$9,507 Avg Student Debt

West Virginia Northern Community College ranked #8 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in West Virginia list. This small public school is located in Wheeling, West Virginia, and it awarded 282 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from WVNCC accumulate an average of $9,507 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, WVNCC graduates make an average of $29,478 annually. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

Full West Virginia Northern Community College Report

#9

Academy of Careers and Technology

Beckley, West Virginia
91 Total Awards
$23,025 Average Earnings

Academy of Careers and Technology 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. Located in Beckley, West Virginia, the very small public school awarded 91 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Once they receive their degree, Academy of Careers and Technology graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $23,025 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

Read More…

#9

BridgeValley Community & Technical College

South Charleston, West Virginia
360 Total Awards
$45,780 Average Earnings
$10,721 Avg Student Debt

BridgeValley Community & Technical College came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in West Virginia ranking. This small public school is located in South Charleston, West Virginia, and it awarded 360 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,721 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, BridgeValley Community & Technical College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $45,780 during the early year of their career. Around 55% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on BridgeValley Community & Technical College

#11

Mountwest Community and Technical College

Huntington, West Virginia
292 Total Awards
$32,727 Average Earnings
$9,113 Avg Student Debt

Mountwest Community and Technical College came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in West Virginia ranking. Mountwest Community and Technical College is a small public school located in Huntington, West Virginia that handed out 292 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from MCTC accumulate an average of $9,113 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from MCTC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $32,727 during the early years of their career. Around 52% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Mountwest Community and Technical College Report

#12

Fred W Eberle Technical Center

Buckhannon, West Virginia
116 Total Awards
$33,712 Average Earnings

Fred W Eberle Technical Center landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Buckhannon, West Virginia is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 116 students in 2021-2022.

During the early years of their career, Fred W Eberle Technical Center graduates make an average of $33,712 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 47% were women.

Read More…

#13

American Public University System

Charles Town, West Virginia
14,167 Total Awards
$51,395 Average Earnings
$29,480 Avg Student Debt

American Public University System 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. American Military University is a private for-profit institution located in Charles Town, West Virginia. The school has a large population, and it awarded 14,167 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from American Military University accumulate an average of $29,480 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from American Military University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $51,395 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 36% were women.

Full American Public University System Report

#14

Fairmont State University

Fairmont, West Virginia
863 Total Awards
$37,492 Average Earnings
$23,385 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #14, Fairmont State University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Fairmont State University is a small public school located in Fairmont, West Virginia that handed out 863 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Fairmont State accumulate an average of $23,385 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 $235 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Fairmont State graduates make an average of $37,492 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

Read More…

#15

James Rumsey Technical Institute

Martinsburg, West Virginia
133 Total Awards
$46,742 Average Earnings

James Rumsey Technical Institute 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. James Rumsey Technical Institute is a very small public school situated in Martinsburg, West Virginia. It awarded 133 degrees in 2021-2022.

After graduating from James Rumsey Technical Institute, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $46,742 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 24% were women.

Read full report on James Rumsey Technical Institute

#16

Morgantown Beauty College Inc

Morgantown, West Virginia
72 Total Awards

Morgantown Beauty College Inc came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in West Virginia ranking. Morgantown, West Virginia is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 72 students in 2021-2022.

Around 97% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Morgantown Beauty College Inc Report

#17

Bluefield State College

Bluefield, West Virginia
250 Total Awards
$35,587 Average Earnings
$23,034 Avg Student Debt

Bluefield State College came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in West Virginia ranking. Located in Bluefield, West Virginia, the small public school awarded 250 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Bluefield State College accumulate an average of $23,034 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Bluefield State College graduates make an average of $35,587 annually. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Bluefield State College Report

#18

West Virginia University at Parkersburg

Parkersburg, West Virginia
687 Total Awards
$36,389 Average Earnings
$15,731 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #18, West Virginia University at Parkersburg did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. West Virginia University at Parkersburg is a small public school located in Parkersburg, West Virginia that handed out 687 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from West Virginia University at Parkersburg accumulate an average of $15,731 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from West Virginia University at Parkersburg, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $36,389 during the early years of their career. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#19

Marshall University

Huntington, West Virginia
2,637 Total Awards
$46,274 Average Earnings
$44,229 Avg Student Debt

Marshall University ranked #19 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in West Virginia list. Marshall University is a public institution located in Huntington, West Virginia. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 2,637 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $44,229 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $185, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Marshall University graduates make an average of $46,274 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.

Read full report on Marshall University

#20

West Virginia Junior College - Charleston

Cross Lanes, West Virginia
88 Total Awards
$25,750 Average Earnings
$9,103 Avg Student Debt

West Virginia Junior College - Charleston came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in West Virginia ranking. Cross Lanes, West Virginia is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 88 students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $9,103 in student loans.After graduating from WVJC Charleston, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $25,750 during the early years of their career. Around 86% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#20

West Virginia University

Morgantown, West Virginia
6,534 Total Awards
$46,248 Average Earnings
$43,427 Avg Student Debt

West Virginia University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #20 on the list. Morgantown, West Virginia is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 6,534 students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $43,427 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $498, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from WVU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $46,248 during the early years of their career. Around 54% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#22

Ross Medical Education Center - Charleston

Charleston, West Virginia
46 Total Awards
$23,377 Average Earnings
$8,118 Avg Student Debt

Ross Medical Education Center - Charleston ranked #22 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in West Virginia list. This very small private for-profit school is located in Charleston, West Virginia, and it awarded 46 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $8,118 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Ross - Charleston graduates make an average of $23,377 annually. Around 98% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Ross Medical Education Center - Charleston

#23

International Beauty School 4

Martinsburg, West Virginia
80 Total Awards
$14,752 Average Earnings
$9,152 Avg Student Debt

International Beauty School 4 came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in West Virginia ranking. This very small private for-profit school is located in Martinsburg, West Virginia, and it awarded 80 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $9,152 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, International Beauty School 4 graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $14,752 during the early year of their career. Around 94% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on International Beauty School 4

#24

West Liberty University

West Liberty, West Virginia
604 Total Awards
$45,672 Average Earnings
$29,290 Avg Student Debt

West Liberty University landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. West Liberty University is a small public school located in West Liberty, West Virginia that handed out 604 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $29,290 in student loans. 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 West Liberty University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $45,672 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 68% were women.

Read full report on West Liberty University

#25

Carver Career Center

Charleston, West Virginia
97 Total Awards
$17,629 Average Earnings

Carver Career Center ranked #25 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in West Virginia list. Carver Career Center is located in Charleston, West Virginia and has a very small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 97 degrees to qualified students.

During the early years of their career, Carver Career Center graduates make an average of $17,629 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.

Full Carver Career Center 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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