Vocational Trade Schools in Indiana
Why Choose Trade School?
Vocational schools teach students how to perform a specific trade. These schools commonly use practical learning methods like apprenticeships.
Data shows that 74% of students who earn an occupational credential gain employment in a job related to their field of study. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Labor found that enrollment in vocational schools increased by 56% between 2013 and 2018.
Trade school graduates typically enter the workforce quickly after completing their education in under two years. Prospective students who want to begin earning salaries even earlier can pursue an accelerated trade program or certificate.
Traditional programs do not serve everyone’s needs. Students who prefer working with their hands rather than behind a desk typically benefit from attending trade school.
However, trade school students need a strong understanding of what career they want to pursue. If they decide to change careers later, they may need to complete additional education.
Read on to learn about different vocational programs, the importance of accreditation, and scholarships and financial aid.
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FAQ
| QUESTION | ANSWER |
|---|---|
| Are scholarships available for trade school students? | Yes. Many organizations and private companies reserve funds specifically for vocational majors. Consult the scholarship section of this guide for more information. |
| Can trade school credits transfer? | Yes. Students can often transfer an entire associate degree to a four-year school and begin working on a bachelor’s degree. |
| What is the difference between trade school and vocational school? | There is no difference. The terms trade school, vocational school, and tech school are interchangeable. |
| How long does trade school take? | It depends on the program. An associate degree takes about two years to complete, while a certificate usually takes up to one year. |
Accreditation and Licensing for Trade Schools
Vocational schools in Indiana can earn regional, national, and programmatic accreditation. The U.S. Department of Education (ED) works with the Council for Higher Education Accreditation to oversee accreditation. These two organizations allow third-party organizations to grant certain types of accreditation. Prospective students can easily verify a school’s accreditation status using the ED’s database.
Schools that earn accreditation receive regular quality assessments from third-party organizations. Most employers, scholarship providers, and admissions departments prefer associate degrees from accredited schools.
When a school earns regional accreditation, it receives this status from an accrediting agency that can only grant accreditation in a specific region. National accrediting agencies can grant accreditation to colleges all across America.
Trade schools usually earn national accreditation from an organization like the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Online schools can earn national accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission. The Higher Learning Commission grants regional accreditation to certain trade schools in Indiana.
Aside from regional and national accreditation, colleges and universities can also earn programmatic accreditation. For example, physical therapy programs can earn accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.
Trade schools must also maintain licensure. Vocational schools in Indiana can earn a license from a state agency or from the ED. Applicants should check with their prospective school’s admissions department to learn about accreditation and licensure status.
Vocational Trade Schools in Indiana
We create and regularly update this list of top trade schools in Indiana to help future students find the right program to fit their needs. We consider factors like affordability and graduate success rates. Prospective students beginning their vocational school search process can use this data as a starting point.
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Find Vocational and Trade Schools in Indiana
Career and technical education (CTE) programs in Indiana are designed to prepare students for entry-level jobs in their respective fields. These programs also prepare students to transfer to four-year universities if they choose to continue their education.
The Indiana Department of Education sets the standards for CTE in Indiana and encourages schools to create programs with connections to apprenticeship and on-the-job training that increase students’ employability.
The search tool below helps users find vocational and trade schools in Indiana that meet their educational goals.
Career and Salary Outlook for Trade School Graduates
Professionals who work in trades benefit from rewarding pay and a positive job outlook. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual wage for all technical and trade school jobs is $55,270. However, salaries vary depending on industry, experience, and geographical location.
For example, construction managers earned a median annual salary of $104,900 in 2023, and the BLS projects the demand for this job to rise by 9% between 2023 and 2033. Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters earned a $61,550 median annual wage in 2023, and the BLS projects a 6% growth rate for this field between 2023 and 2033.
Employers located in an area with a higher cost of living may also pay higher salaries. Professionals who work in high-need areas sometimes benefit from federal loan forgiveness.
Additionally, trade careers generally pay higher wages to professionals with more experience.
What Kinds of Trade School Programs Are Available?
Below, we discuss five common vocational programs — culinary, electrician, medical assistant, paramedic, and veterinary technician programs — and the type of careers that students can pursue after graduation.
Financial Aid for Trade School Students
The federal and state governments provide scholarships to students through the FAFSA. The FAFSA takes first-time applicants about 55 minutes to complete and returning applicants 45 minutes.
Most accredited vocational schools in Indiana accept FAFSA funds. However, prospective students should check before enrolling. The application opens on October 1 and closes on June 30 each year.
Applicants who file their taxes under dependent status must enter their guardian’s tax information from the past two years. The government awards grants and subsidized loans based on financial need and unsubsidized loans based on availability. Students do not need to pay back grants. Some graduates who work in a high-need field or geographical location for a set number of years may qualify for loan forgiveness.
Subsidized and unsubsidized loans require repayment following a six-month grace period after graduation. Unlike unsubsidized loans, subsidized loans do not begin accruing interest until after graduation.
Additionally, trade school students can supplement financial aid with scholarships from foundations and private companies.
Scholarship for Trade School Students
Students can lower future student loan payments by applying for scholarships. Unlike most types of federal aid, not all scholarships require financial need. Below, we highlight five scholarships specifically for trade school students studying in Indiana.
