Best Vocational Trade School Programs in Georgia

Postsecondary education prepares Georgia students for exciting careers in a variety of fields, many of which do not require a four-year degree. Many career paths in Georgia feature a high growth rate, competitive wages, and at least 100 job openings per year. Such careers include computer support specialists, dental hygienists, and web devewlopers. Vocational schools in Georgia prepare students for these careers quickly with affordable programs.

Trade schools focus on career-specific skills and knowledge. Students gain expertise in their field quickly and soon find themselves in the workforce. Programs combine lectures with practical instruction and hands-on learning. Many schools work with regional industrial partners, tailoring programs to prepare students for local employment.

The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) offers more than 600 programs, 17 of which offer free tuition for in-state students. With 22 colleges, 88 campuses, and online learning, students in every part of the state enjoy access to high-quality educational opportunities. Georgia also authorizes private colleges offering certificates and diplomas in several high-demand fields.

Trade schools in Georgia focus on preparing graduates for the workforce. Schools report that 99% of their students find work in their field or transfer to a four-year program. Many programs require less than two years to graduate.

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

Below, find the best vocational and tech schools in Georgia as determined by our ranking methodology. Use this ranking to find the best trade school for you. Consider cost, location, and accreditation when selecting a school. If you plan to continue your education later, also consider schools with transfer and articulation agreements with four-year colleges.

Students invest their time and money into higher education. State authorization and accreditation ensure the quality of educational programs.

Georgia authorizes trade schools to provide educational services. The Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission reviews applications from schools that offer postsecondary education, including private schools and out-of-state institutions that serve Georgia students with online instruction. Georgia participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement and recognizes accredited, degree-granting institutions from other member states.

Many schools offer specific programs from state licensing agencies such as the Office of EMS or the Georgia Professional Standards Committee. If your chosen field requires a state license for employment, ensure that your prospective program meets your state’s minimum educational standards.

Accreditation agencies review a school’s curriculum, student outcomes, instructor knowledge, and ongoing commitment to improvement. TCSG schools all hold accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. In addition, many schools seek programmatic accreditation from national accrediting agencies, such as the ASE Education Foundation, the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.

Some schools also seek accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). DEAC evaluates all distance education activities offered from high school through professional doctoral degrees to ensure schools provide a rigorous educational experience.

Only properly accredited schools participate in federal student financial aid programs. Accreditation also ensures employers and other schools recognize the quality of your education. The U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation maintain databases of regional and national accrediting agencies, career-specific accrediting bodies, and distance education accreditation.

A degree or certificate from trade schools in Georgia helps prepare you to enter the workforce with valuable skills. Higher education typically leads to higher income and more career opportunities. The Georgia Budget and Policy Institute shows that individuals with more education reported higher earnings.

In 2017, high school graduates earned a $29,437 median annual salary while individuals with some postsecondary education reported a median annual salary of $35,055. Graduates of certificate programs earned a median annual wage of $25,000-$40,000 in 2017 while graduates with associate degrees earned a median annual wage of $27,000-$44,000 in the same year.

Numerous factors influence career and salary outlook, including location, industry, and experience level. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) offers in-depth information on median salaries for thousands of career fields in the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

For example, many people find employment in the healthcare industry. Licensed practical nurses require only one year of training but reported an annual mean wage of $40,650 in Georgia for 2017. Continue reading to learn about other trades and career opportunities.

Trade schools in Georgia offer degrees, certificates, and diplomas for high-demand fields. The TCSG includes 22 public colleges and 88 campus locations. Their 600 programs include diverse fields such as healthcare, computer support, and culinary arts. Numerous private, career-focused colleges around the state also offer programs in growing industries. Learn more about popular programs below.

Students attending trade schools in Georgia often pay less in tuition costs compared to students who attend four-year schools. The National Center for Education Statistics reports tuition for in-state students totaled $3,598 at public, two-year colleges in 2023 compared to $9,750 for tuition at public four-year schools.

State and federal financial aid helps students pay for their education and career training. Grants, scholarships, and loans help make vocation education affordable. The process begins by completing the FAFSA. Be sure to complete the form by your school or state’s deadline.

Federal aid includes grants such as the Pell Grant or Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants. Unlike loans, grants do not require repayment. Work-study programs place students in part-time positions while enrolled in school. Many students who need additional aid consider student loans. Federal student loans offer a low interest rate, and some students qualify for subsidized interest payments while in school. Many private lenders also offer student loans.

Georgia offers numerous grants and scholarships. The HOPE Scholarship and Zell Miller Award help residents of Georgia pay undergraduate tuition costs. The state identified 17 vocational programs that qualify for free tuition for eligible students. Scholarships also help offset educational costs. Learn about scholarship opportunities below.

Community organizations, churches, employers, and schools often offer scholarships. These awards support postsecondary education by providing funds for school-related costs such as tuition, books, or equipment.

Who Can Apply: Offered by the Home Builders Association of Georgia, this scholarship assists students seeking careers in the homebuilding industry. Applicants submit a statement of career goals and two letters of recommendation along with proof of financial need.

Amount: Varies

Who Can Apply: This scholarship assists women at two-year technical schools who study in a STEM-related field applicable to the automotive industry. Applicants live in Georgia or other eligible states and hold a 2.5 minimum GPA.

Amount: $1,000-$5,000

Who Can Apply: Awarded by the Community Foundation of Southern Georgia, this scholarship recognizes students with character, leadership, and integrity. Eligible students study at an accredited college or technical school. Academic performance, extracurricular activities, and financial need factor into the award decision.

Amount: Varies

Who Can Apply: This scholarship aims to assist individuals with at least one year of work experience as a veterinary assistant. Eligible applicants seek an associate degree in veterinary technology from an accredited program.

Amount: $5,000

Who Can Apply: This merit-based program offers full tuition for students seeking a certificate or diploma at an eligible Georgia university or college. As a Georgia HOPE state aid program, applicants must meet residency and academic requirements for the HOPE Grant.

Amount: Varies