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Most Popular Trade Schools in Missouri

2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in Missouri

110 Schools Ranked
$42,322 Average Earnings
$29,114 Avg Student Debt

There are so many trade school programs in today's world that it can tough to figure out which one is the right one for you. As online education oppotunities continue to grow, you're not restricted to just schools in your local area anymore. Even some of the 'big name' schools are offering online courses.

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 Missouri ranking. This report analyzed 110 schools in Missouri 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

Ranken Technical College

Saint Louis, Missouri
754 Total Awards
$42,629 Average Earnings
$13,642 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Ranken Technical College to be the most popular school for trade school students in Missouri. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Saint Louis, Missouri, and it awarded 754 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Ranken Technical College accumulate an average of $13,642 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 $158 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Ranken Technical College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $42,629 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 7% were women.

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#2

Ozarks Technical Community College

Springfield, Missouri
2,249 Total Awards
$29,979 Average Earnings
$15,106 Avg Student Debt

The programs at Ozarks Technical Community College helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular trade school schools in Missouri. OTC is a fairly large public school situated in Springfield, Missouri. It awarded 2,249 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $15,106 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from OTC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $29,979 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

Read full report on Ozarks Technical Community College

3,677 Total Awards
$40,267 Average Earnings
$11,152 Avg Student Debt

The programs at Metropolitan Community College - Kansas City helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular trade school schools in Missouri. Located in Kansas City, Missouri, the fairly large public school awarded 3,677 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from MCC accumulate an average of $11,152 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, MCC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,267 during the early year of their career. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Metropolitan Community College - Kansas City Report

880 Total Awards
$39,731 Average Earnings
$10,462 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means State Technical College of Missouri is a great place for trade school students. State Technical College of Missouri is a small public school located in Linn, Missouri that handed out 880 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from STC accumulate an average of $10,462 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from STC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $39,731 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 18% were women.

Full State Technical College of Missouri Report

#5

University of Missouri - Columbia

Columbia, Missouri
9,503 Total Awards
$46,901 Average Earnings
$29,848 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend University of Missouri - Columbia. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Missouri list. Mizzou is located in Columbia, Missouri and has a large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 9,503 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Mizzou accumulate an average of $29,848 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 $483. Once they receive their degree, Mizzou graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $46,901 during the early year of their career. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

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#6

Crowder College

Neosho, Missouri
1,214 Total Awards
$29,800 Average Earnings
$10,331 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #6, Crowder College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Located in Neosho, Missouri, the small public school awarded 1,214 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Crowder College accumulate an average of $10,331 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Crowder College graduates make an average of $29,800 annually. Around 47% of those degree recipients were women.

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401 Total Awards
$23,713 Average Earnings
$8,968 Avg Student Debt

Midwest Technical Institute - Springfield, Missouri landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. MTI - Springfield, Missouri is located in Springfield, Missouri and has a very small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 401 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from MTI - Springfield, Missouri accumulate an average of $8,968 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $67, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, MTI - Springfield, Missouri graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $23,713 during the early year of their career. Around 39% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Midwest Technical Institute - Springfield, Missouri

#8

Saint Louis Community College

Bridgeton, Missouri
2,381 Total Awards
$33,950 Average Earnings
$9,534 Avg Student Debt

Saint Louis Community College landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Saint Louis Community College is a fairly large public school located in Bridgeton, Missouri that handed out 2,381 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Saint Louis Community College accumulate an average of $9,534 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Saint Louis Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $33,950 during the early years of their career. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

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#9

University of Central Missouri

Warrensburg, Missouri
2,857 Total Awards
$41,823 Average Earnings
$25,196 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #9, University of Central Missouri did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Located in Warrensburg, Missouri, the fairly large public school awarded 2,857 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,196 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $196. During the early years of their career, UCM graduates make an average of $41,823 annually. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.

Full University of Central Missouri Report

#10

Concorde Career Colleges

Kansas City, Missouri
287 Total Awards
$37,136 Average Earnings
$16,369 Avg Student Debt

Concorde Career Colleges 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. This very small private for-profit school is located in Kansas City, Missouri, and it awarded 287 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,369 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $216, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Concorde Career Colleges graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,136 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 91% were women.

Full Concorde Career Colleges Report

316 Total Awards
$32,253 Average Earnings
$10,378 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #11, Pinnacle Career Institute-South Kansas City did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Located in Kansas City, Missouri, the very small private for-profit school awarded 316 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Pinnacle Career Institute-South Kansas City accumulate an average of $10,378 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Pinnacle Career Institute-South Kansas City graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $32,253 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 20% were women.

Read full report on Pinnacle Career Institute-South Kansas City

#12

Jefferson College

Hillsboro, Missouri
688 Total Awards
$37,846 Average Earnings
$12,048 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #12, Jefferson College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Jefferson College is a small public school located in Hillsboro, Missouri that handed out 688 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from JeffCo accumulate an average of $12,048 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, JeffCo graduates make an average of $37,846 annually. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Jefferson College

#13

State Fair Community College

Sedalia, Missouri
750 Total Awards
$41,167 Average Earnings
$15,232 Avg Student Debt

State Fair 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 Sedalia, Missouri, and it awarded 750 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $15,232 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, State Fair Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,167 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 68% were women.

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203 Total Awards
$36,904 Average Earnings
$19,478 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #14, St Louis College of Health Careers-Fenton did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. SLCHC is a private for-profit institution located in Fenton, Missouri. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 203 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,478 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, SLCHC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $36,904 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 91% were women.

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#15

Saint Louis University

Saint Louis, Missouri
3,396 Total Awards
$51,202 Average Earnings
$46,859 Avg Student Debt

Saint Louis University ranked #15 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Missouri list. SLU is a private not-for-profit institution located in Saint Louis, Missouri. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 3,396 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $46,859 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $531, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, SLU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $51,202 during the early year of their career. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Saint Louis University

#16

Academy of Hair Design - Springfield

Springfield, Missouri
182 Total Awards
$17,457 Average Earnings
$9,926 Avg Student Debt

Academy of Hair Design - Springfield came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Missouri ranking. Springfield, Missouri is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 182 students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $9,926 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Academy of Hair Design - Springfield graduates make an average of $17,457 annually. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.

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#17

Grabber School of Hair Design

St. Louis, Missouri
188 Total Awards
$19,296 Average Earnings
$10,343 Avg Student Debt

Grabber School of Hair Design ranked #17 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Missouri list. This very small private for-profit school is located in St. Louis, Missouri, and it awarded 188 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,343 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $91. Once they receive their degree, Grabber School of Hair Design graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $19,296 during the early year of their career. Around 98% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Grabber School of Hair Design Report

#18

East Central College

Union, Missouri
571 Total Awards
$35,406 Average Earnings
$16,426 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #18, East Central College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. This small public school is located in Union, Missouri, and it awarded 571 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,426 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, East Central College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,406 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 56% were women.

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#19

Paul Mitchell the School Springfield

Springfield, Missouri
216 Total Awards
$17,769 Average Earnings
$9,023 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #19, Paul Mitchell the School Springfield did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Paul Mitchell the School Springfield is a very small private for-profit school situated in Springfield, Missouri. It awarded 216 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $9,023 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $88, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Paul Mitchell the School Springfield graduates make an average of $17,769 annually. Around 89% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Paul Mitchell the School Springfield

#20

Three Rivers College

Poplar Bluff, Missouri
774 Total Awards
$28,775 Average Earnings
$13,448 Avg Student Debt

Three Rivers College landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Located in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, the small public school handed out 774 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Three Rivers College accumulate an average of $13,448 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Three Rivers College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $28,775 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 73% were women.

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117 Total Awards
$23,661 Average Earnings
$11,173 Avg Student Debt

WellSpring School of Allied Health - Kansas City ranked #21 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Missouri list. WellSpring School of Allied Health - Kansas City is a very small private for-profit school located in Kansas City, Missouri that handed out 117 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,173 in student loans.After graduating from WellSpring - Kansas City, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $23,661 during the early years of their career. Around 75% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on WellSpring School of Allied Health - Kansas City

#22

Southeast Missouri State University

Cape Girardeau, Missouri
2,118 Total Awards
$35,626 Average Earnings
$23,068 Avg Student Debt

Southeast Missouri State University came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Missouri ranking. Southeast Missouri State University is located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 2,118 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Southeast Missouri State University accumulate an average of $23,068 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 $182. Once they receive their degree, Southeast Missouri State University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,626 during the early year of their career. Around 65% of those degree recipients were women.

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1,311 Total Awards
$34,614 Average Earnings
$21,272 Avg Student Debt

Missouri Southern State University came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Missouri ranking. Joplin, Missouri is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,311 students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Missouri Southern accumulate an average of $21,272 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Missouri Southern graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $34,614 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

Full Missouri Southern State University Report

#23

North Central Missouri College

Trenton, Missouri
444 Total Awards
$35,982 Average Earnings
$12,248 Avg Student Debt

North Central Missouri College came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Missouri ranking. Located in Trenton, Missouri, the small public school handed out 444 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from NCMC accumulate an average of $12,248 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, NCMC graduates make an average of $35,982 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 77% were women.

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#25

Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center

Cape Girardeau, Missouri
111 Total Awards
$31,973 Average Earnings
$8,858 Avg Student Debt

Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #25 on the list. Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center is a very small public school located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri that handed out 111 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $8,858 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Cape Girardeau CTC graduates make an average of $31,973 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.

Read full report on Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center

Most Popular Trade School Schools in the Plains States Region

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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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