Vocational Trade Schools in Delaware
Why Choose Trade School?
Trade and vocational schools in Delaware train students for in-demand jobs in areas like healthcare, technology, the legal field, and skilled trades. Depending on the program, graduates can work in roles like dental hygienist, plumber, medical assistant, and paralegal.
Completing a vocational program generally takes 1-2 years. During that time, students complete coursework and gain experiential training in their field. For example, electricians gain hands-on training in electrical systems and wiring, while occupational therapy assistants gain experience in a clinical setting.
Trade schools offer several benefits for students. Since vocational programs take less time to complete than four-year academic degrees, graduates can enter the workforce faster. Similarly, completing a trade certificate or degree often costs less than a four-year degree. Many trade schools in Delaware offer self-paced or accelerated options to fit the schedule of busy students. Prospective students can also consider online vocational programs for maximum flexibility.
The employment rate for professionals with an occupational credential exceeds that for professionals with an academic credential, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
This page introduces the best trade and vocational schools in Delaware. It also provides information on the career and salary outlook for trade school graduates, introduces popular vocational programs, and presents scholarship opportunities for trade school students.
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Best Vocational Trade School in Delaware
Located in Dover, the Terry campus of Delaware Technical Community College is one of the top trade schools in Delaware. The college partners with over 1,000 employers and industry experts to create career-focused programs.
Students can pursue vocational certificates and degrees in many growing fields, including technical fields like engineering technology, construction management, and energy management. The college offers allied health associate degrees in diagnostic medical sonography, medical laboratory technician, occupational therapy assistant, and radiologic technology.
Learners can also earn a certificate in the culinary arts, food safety, general airframe maintenance, or powerplant maintenance.
Vocational programs at Delaware Technical Community College incorporate innovative technology and lab experience to prepare graduates for the workforce. The system boasts a 90% job placement rate for graduates with an associate degree. The college uses an open admissions process.
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Explore our rankings methodology to learn more about how we rank schools.
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is trade school? | Trade schools provide career-focused training in areas like skilled trades, healthcare, and legal services. |
| Can I get financial aid for trade school? | Yes. Trade school students qualify for several forms of financial aid, including scholarships and grants. Students at accredited vocational schools in Delaware qualify for federal financial aid. |
| Are scholarships available for vocational students? | Yes. Vocational students can apply for scholarships to cover the cost of their degree. Many scholarships offer opportunities for learners studying specific trades. |
| When can I apply to trade school? | Many trade schools accept new students throughout the year and offer rolling admissions. Admitted students can often begin their program on one of multiple start dates per year. |
Accreditation and Licensing for Trade Schools
Prospective trade school students should always research a school’s accreditation and licensing status before applying. Attending a licensed, accredited school benefits students in several ways. For example, only students at accredited schools qualify for federal financial aid, and many schools only accept degrees and credits from accredited institutions. Additionally, many professional licenses and certifications require a certificate or degree from an accredited and licensed school.
Independent accrediting agencies grant accreditation to colleges and universities that meet high standards. Accredited schools must undergo a rigorous review process that evaluates their student learning outcomes, academic mission, and faculty qualifications. Accredited institutions must regularly repeat the review process to maintain their status.
In Delaware, several accrediting agencies grant accreditation to schools that offer vocational programs. Community colleges, liberal arts institutions, and research universities typically hold regional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Private vocational and trade schools in Delaware often hold national accreditation from a specialized accrediting agency. For example, the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges grants accreditation to over 650 trade and vocational schools nationwide. Similarly, the Distance Education Accrediting Commission grants accreditation to schools that specialize in online education. In addition to accreditation, trade schools should hold a license to operate in Delaware.
The Delaware Higher Education Commission offers a database of state-approved colleges and universities.
Career and Salary Outlook for Trade School Graduates
Trade school graduates benefit from a strong career and salary outlook. Occupations like dental hygienist, paralegal, and HVAC technician all offer above-average wages and much faster-than-average job growth projections.
Salaries for trade school occupations vary by industry, location, and experience. On average, technical and trade school careers pay around $55,000 per year. Management occupations offer annual salaries of over $96,000, while installation, repair, and maintenance occupations pay around $50,000 per year. Healthcare practitioner and technical occupations offer around $55,000, on average.
Many trade and vocational careers also offer high growth rates. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data shows strong demand for professionals in plumbing, occupational therapy assisting, and medical assisting.
Prospective trade school students can research Delaware wage data to learn more about the earning potential in their field. For example, dental hygienists in Delaware earn over $98,000 per year, and paralegals make more than $71,000 annually.
What Kinds of Trade School Programs Are Available?
Trade and vocational schools in Delaware offer certificates and degrees in many high-demand fields. Trade school graduates can work in areas like healthcare, skilled trades, technology, and legal services.
This section introduces common vocational programs in Delaware. In addition to the following programs, prospective students can research programs for other careers, like HVAC technician, medical assistant, and occupational therapy assistant.
Financial Aid for Trade School Students
Vocational school students often save money on their education compared to students attending four-year institutions. In Delaware, public universities cost around $10,000 per year in tuition and fees, while private universities charge over $15,000 per year. Community colleges in Delaware cost significantly less. Delaware Technical Community College, for example, costs under $5,000 per year.
In addition to choosing an affordable school, trade school students can apply for financial aid to lower the cost of their education. Students attending accredited trade schools in Delaware can apply for federal financial aid. Applicants must submit the FAFSA to determine their eligibility for federal loans, grants, and other forms of federal financial aid.
Unlike loans, grants and scholarships do not require repayment, making them one of the best forms of financial aid. The next section lists scholarship opportunities for Delaware trade school students.
Scholarship for Trade School Students
Many private foundations, government agencies, and professional organizations in Delaware offer scholarships. In addition to the following opportunities, students attending vocational schools in Delaware can apply for other scholarships based on their school and field.
