Best Vocational Trade Schools in New Mexico
Why Choose Trade School?
Trade schools in New Mexico serve students who want to quickly master specialized skills and begin making more money. Learners can choose from trades like plumbing systems, surgical technology, automotive technology, and welding technology.
Students can begin trade school straight after high school or after working in a career for several years. Working professionals can continue earning a paycheck while they enroll in flexible programs that offer full-time or part-time study and online coursework.
Vocational schools in New Mexico allow students to earn diplomas, certifications, and degrees within two years. Each program’s length depends on each student’s educational goals. Certifications and diplomas take months to complete, while associate degrees can take up to two years.
To support the growing number of employers seeking a trained workforce in New Mexico, the state created the Job Training Incentive Program, which reimburses wages up to 75% for students enrolled in eligible programs.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, earning an associate degree in an occupational field gives workers an approximately 85% chance of employment. Graduates with an academic associate degree have an approximately 73% chance of employment.
Use this guide to learn more about vocational schools in New Mexico and the careers and salaries available to graduates.
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Vocational Trade Schools in New Mexico
The following list ranks the best vocational schools in New Mexico for students seeking the quickest pathway to a fulfilling and lucrative career.
Founded in 1964 and formerly known as the Technical Vocational Institute, CNM in Albuquerque offers dozens of associate degree, certificate, and training programs for students seeking vocational careers or continuing education.
Associate programs typically entail about 61 credits and take four semesters to finish. Credit requirements for certificate programs depend on certificate level. For example, a certificate of completion requires 16-59 credits, a certificate of achievement requires 1-15 credits, and a post-degree certificate of completion requires 16-59 credits. CNM also offers a few non-degree, non-certificate programs.
CNM's associate of arts and associate of science programs typically serve students seeking transfer to four-year programs. Associate of applied science degree and certificate programs prepare enrollees for skilled occupations. CNM also provides classroom training for students pursuing registered training agency apprenticeships.
Like many other vocational schools in New Mexico, CNM's courses and programs may feature various prerequisites and corequisites, including standardized test scores or successful prior coursework. Qualified students receive financial aid.
A public community college founded in 1956, SJC features associate degree and certificate programs designed for degree transfer and occupational training. Students hoping to transfer to four-year schools usually pursue AA or AS degrees, which include general education courses. AAS and certificate programs offer specialized coursework to prepare graduates for immediate employment.
Associate programs usually take two years to complete and require 60-64 credits. Certificates require 34-37 credits and one year to finish. SJC provides 11 online courses and programs for distance learners. Students can pursue an online AA in psychology, liberal arts, marketing, and business administration. Meanwhile AAS students choose between occupational safety, information technology, veterinary technology, and physical therapy assisting. SJC also offers online certificates in medical coding and billing and surgical first assistant.
SJC runs various internship and apprenticeship programs, including some virtual apprenticeship options for distance learners.
Established in 1984, SFCC offers over 100 degree and certificate programs in diverse areas including sustainable technologies, architectural and interior design, and business administration. SFCC also features programs in American Sign Language, bilingual education, health, and business science and construction.
SFCC's AA, AS, and AAS degrees usually require 61-70 credits that students complete over four semesters. Certificates typically require 17-47 credits. Many AAS students attend classes at SFCC's cutting-edge, award-winning Trades and Advanced Technology Center.
SFCC provides many online learning resources, including tutoring, academic advising, and counseling. The Builders Association of North Central Florida sponsors apprenticeships for SFCC students in carpentry, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing.
Tuition prices vary by term and residency status. SFCC also offers financial aid options, including scholarships and loans.
Created in 1964 as a branch of Eastern New Mexico University, CCC offers associate degrees and certificates in fields including computer information systems, cosmetology, fine art, and early childhood education. CCC also features health-related programs in nursing, radiologic technology/physical therapy, and emergency medical technology. CCC's career and technical certificate programs usually require about two semesters of coursework, while associate degrees take 4-5 semesters to finish.
CCC students may enroll in distance-learning courses, including interactive television courses. Enrollees can complete eight degrees online, including legal assistant studies, behavioral science, computer information systems, and general studies.
CCC offers various career services, including career planning, training, and placement. The Career and Development Center and the Center for Student Success provide resources and services such as tutoring, interview and resume help, and internship programming. Food safety students can benefit from CCC's apprenticeship program.
ENMU-Ruidoso, an associate degree-granting branch of ENMU, offers an array of career and technical programs. This vocational school in New Mexico provides certificate programs and AA, AS, and AAS programs for students seeking continuing education or career preparation.
ENMU-Ruidoso provides certificates of completion and certificates of occupational training. Credit requirements vary by program, but enrollees can usually complete certificates in 1-2 semesters. Meanwhile, associate degrees often take up to two years to finish. AA and AS graduates often transfer to ENMU's main campus to complete four-year degrees, while AAS graduates typically pursue employment in vocational and technical fields.
This school's open admissions policy accepts high school or GED graduates or Early College Program enrollees into degree-seeking programs. Students lacking these credentials may complete non-degree programs or courses. ENMU-Ruidoso is currently developing new workforce programs in fermentation science, wind energy, and construction trades.
UNM-Gallup, a UNM branch campus, runs 29 associate programs and 16 certificate programs in various academic and vocational subjects. AA programs include business administration, criminal justice law enforcement, early childhood education, and environmental planning and design. AS program topics include emergency medical services, health information technology, science, and elementary teacher education. AA and AS graduates often transfer to four-year programs.
UNM-Gallup also provides AAS and certificate programs for students seeking immediate employment before or after graduation. AAS enrollees choose from automotive, construction, and welding technology programs. Some of these programs also offer certification options in areas such as cosmetology and barbering, dental assisting, and organizational management and public administration. UNM-Gallup offers some courses online through Blackboard LEARN.
The school's open admissions policy considers applicants with high school or GED diplomas. Enrollees can apply for financial aid.
A public community college established in 1958 as a branch campus of New Mexico State University, NMSU-Alamogordo offers many degrees and certificates through its arts and sciences, allied health, and career and technology divisions.
Certificates typically require 21-30 credits of focused curriculum over two semesters. AAS, AS, and AA degrees usually require about 60 credits. These degrees include general education courses and take about two years to finish. Following graduation, many AA and AS graduates transfer to NMSU's main campus, while AAS and certificate graduates usually enter the workforce.
Career and technology fields include renewable energy, information technology, social services, and business. Arts and sciences offerings include biology, ceramics, computer science, and criminal justice.
NMSU's online students may access services including tutoring, technical support, academic and career advising, and counseling. Interested engineering technology students may participate in the electrical apprenticeship program.
A public college with campuses in Española and El Rito, NNMC runs many degree- and certificate-granting academic and vocational programs. Students at this four-year college can earn certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor's degrees.
Unique certification offerings include sUas (drone) technology, special education, and project management. AAS degree choices include allied health, radiation protection, office administration, and cosmetology. NNMC offers AA programs in Pueblo Indian studies, education, criminal justice, and film. The also offers AS programs in mathematics, environmental science, biology, and chemistry. Learners can pursue a bachelor's degree in fields such as psychology, humanities, accounting, and education.
NNMC provides tech support, tutoring, veterans resources, and scholarships. Enrollees may also participate in NNMC's student clubs and organizations. NNMC offers distance learning options for students who cannot attend on-campus classes.
Applicants submit transcripts and standardized test or placement examination results, if available. NNMC encourages prospective students to apply for financial aid such as grants, loans, and scholarships.
A New Mexico State University branch with six campuses in Doña Ana County, DACC offers associate degrees and certificates in dozens of diverse fields, including aerospace and public health. Other program offerings include film crew training, game development and design, and CISCO networking. Associate degrees often require 60-70 credits, while certificates typically entail 24-30 credits.
NMSU offers over 60 online and hybrid programs for distance learners. Some online programs require orientation sessions or proctored testing at approved testing sites. DACC offers a one-year, pre-apprenticeship certificate program in electrical line-working.
DACC enrollees' financial aid options include grants, scholarships, work study, and loans. Some students qualify for alternative funding sources, such as workforce or vocational rehabilitation programs. Through its open admissions policy and recruitment efforts, DACC endeavors to serve diverse students across the county and beyond.
Serving over 3,000 credit-earning students per semester, ENMU-Roswell offers over 80 associate degree and certificate programs. To accommodate students juggling various external obligations, ENMU-Roswell offers over 150 courses online each semester.
Students interested in transferring to four-year programs often pursue AA or AS degrees in topics such as criminal justice, early childhood education, human services, or nursing. Other associate degree types include AAS programs in occupational safety engineering, pilot training, media arts, and aviation maintenance technology. Associate degrees require about two years of full-time study.
This vocational school in New Mexico also offers certificates of achievement or certificates of employability. Achievement certificates typically require 15-20 credits, while employability certificates often require at least 40 credits. ENMU-Roswell offers a robust array of student services, including advising, special services, student outreach programs, and a success center.
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Explore our rankings methodology to learn more about how we rank schools.
FAQ
Accreditation and Licensing for Trade Schools
Vocational schools in New Mexico offer workforce training geared toward students who want to quickly begin trades while fulfilling their work and family obligations. Students should only attend accredited trade schools.
During the accreditation process, independent accrediting agencies evaluate a school’s educational outcomes, faculty, and curriculum. Vocational schools in New Mexico generally receive national accreditation. State community colleges often hold regional accreditation, the more prestigious designation. Online programs also receive accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.
Programmatic accreditation from agencies such as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology offers a stamp of approval for technical certifications and degrees.
States also require by law that trade schools receive state licensure to ensure that they meet standards that benefit a student’s education. Attending a licensed school protects a student should a school close.
Find Vocational and Trade Schools in New Mexico
High schools, early college high schools, charter schools, and workforce readiness programs all provide career and technical education (CTE) to high school students across New Mexico.
Postsecondary students can receive CTE through New Mexico’s community college system and four-year schools that offer associate degrees.
Students looking for vocational and trade schools in New Mexico can use this search tool to find a school that fits their needs.
Career and Salary Outlook for Trade School Graduates
The salaries that trade school graduates earn depend on location, experience, and field. Salaries also differ depending on if a student earns a certification, diploma, or associate degree.
Students can research salary potential prior to choosing a trade by searching the job title or field on the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) website.
Job growth rates also vary among different trades. According to the BLS, the top 10% of hairstylists and cosmetologists earn more than $30 per hour. In 2023, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters earned a median annual salary of $61,550, with a projected employment growth rate of 2% between 2022 and 2032.
According to the BLS, the average annual salary is $55,270 for all technical and trade school occupations.
What Kinds of Trade School Programs Are Available?
At trade schools in New Mexico, students can prepare for careers in construction, cosmetology, business, and healthcare. Graduates can quickly boost their earning potential or transfer credits toward an associate degree.
Financial Aid for Trade School Students
Students can expect to pay less at vocational schools than four-year institutions. Nevertheless, many individuals need additional financial aid to pay for their tuition and fees. To receive federal financial aid, students must first complete a FAFSA form online.
Accredited tech schools in New Mexico can receive federal financial aid. Financial aid includes loans, grants, and funds for work-study programs.
However, students enrolled in programs that last fewer than 15 weeks may only qualify for Direct Loan funds. Students can find out if their schools are eligible to receive federal financial aid by contacting the financial aid office. Keep in mind that federal loans and grants come with strings attached, including interest rates and terms of repayment.
Students should also consult their prospective school’s financial aid advisor to learn about any scholarships.
Visit this page to learn how to apply for financial aid. Read on to learn more about scholarship opportunities.
Scholarship for Trade School Students
Unlike loans, scholarships do not require repayment. See below for five scholarships for students attending vocational schools in New Mexico.
