Best Vocational Trade Schools in South Carolina

Trade schools in South Carolina provide career-focused training in high-demand fields such as healthcare, the skilled trades, and emergency services. Learners can pursue a vocational certificate or degree to prepare for positions as paramedics, medical assistants, and electricians. Trade school graduates can also work as dental hygienists, paralegals, mechanics, and occupational therapy assistants.

Vocational programs include a blend of classroom and hands-on learning. In addition to coursework, students typically complete clinical, laboratory, or practicum requirements. For example, paramedic studies students generally learn in an ambulance or hospital setting, while mechanics practice their skills in a shop. Many trade schools offer self-paced or accelerated programs that are ideal for working students. Learners can also choose an online vocational program for maximum flexibility.

Earning a vocational certificate or degree generally takes 1-2 years, compared to four years for a bachelor’s degree. This allows students to enter the workforce sooner. Additionally, vocational programs typically cost less than a bachelor’s degree. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, professionals with an occupational credential benefit from a higher employment rate than those with an academic credential.

This page introduces the best vocational schools in South Carolina. The following sections explore career and salary data for graduates, along with scholarship opportunities for trade school students.

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

Trade schools in South Carolina offer career training in high-demand fields. Professionals often pursue vocational training to change careers or increase their earning potential.

Students should check each prospective trade program’s accreditation and licensing status before applying. Attending an accredited and licensed school ensures students receive an education that prepares them for the workforce.

Accredited schools must meet high standards. Independent accrediting agencies grant accreditation after an extensive review process. During the review, the accrediting agency evaluates factors including student learning outcomes, faculty qualifications, and academic mission. Only schools that successfully complete the process earn accreditation.

Attending an accredited school ensures students receive a quality education. Credits earned from an accredited institution are more likely to transfer to other schools, and the requirements for many professional licenses and certifications include a degree from an accredited institution. Additionally, only students at accredited schools can receive federal financial aid.

Schools can hold national or regional accreditation. Community colleges and four-year universities typically earn regional accreditation. In South Carolina, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges awards regional accreditation.

Trade and vocational schools in South Carolina often pursue national accreditation from a specialized agency such as the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Other specialized accrediting agencies include the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, which evaluates online schools. Both national and regional accrediting agencies should hold approval from the Department of Education.

In addition to accreditation, postsecondary institutions must hold a state license. The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education oversees two-year colleges, technical colleges, and other degree-granting schools in the state.

Many occupations for trade school graduates offer above-average salaries and strong demand. After completing a vocational program, individuals can pursue roles in fields such as healthcare, the professional trades, legal services, and technology.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for dental hygienists and HVAC technicians to increase much faster than average from 2023 to 2033. Other fields with strong job growth projections include allied health and the skilled trades.

Earning potential for trade school graduates varies based on the individual’s industry and location. The average salary for trade school occupations is about $55,000 per year, according to the BLS. While occupations in personal care and service pay below-average salaries, earnings for management professionals are above average.

In addition to industry, salaries vary by position. For example, healthcare practitioners earn an average salary of about $55,000 per year, while the average annual salary for healthcare support professionals is about $45,000.

Location also impacts earning potential. In South Carolina, paralegals earn about $50,000 per year, while respiratory therapists earn an average of more than $71,000, according to BLS data. The average salary for occupational therapy assistants in the state is about $88,000 per year, while HVAC technicians earn an average of $52,000 per year. Students considering trade schools in South Carolina can research the earning potential in their field when choosing a program.

Trade school programs can prepare graduates for careers as dental hygienists, mechanics, paralegals, and radiology technicians. Many trade schools offer programs in allied health fields, the skilled trades, STEM fields, and cosmetology. While earning a vocational certificate or degree, students receive practical training in their field.

This section explores popular vocational programs.

Students can pursue various types of financial aid to pay for a vocational certificate or degree. Federal financial aid programs support students through loans, grants, and work-study opportunities. To receive federal financial aid, applicants must submit the FAFSA annually. Only learners at accredited schools can qualify for federal aid.

In addition to federal financial aid, students attending trade school can apply for private loans, scholarships, and grants. Scholarships and grants are ideal forms of funding, since they do not require repayment.

Students can also reduce the cost of a vocational program by choosing an affordable school. For example, the average cost of tuition and fees at South Carolina public universities is about $12,500 per year, while private universities cost nearly $25,000 per year. On the other hand, South Carolina community colleges charge about $4,500 per year in tuition and fees, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

Students attending trade schools in South Carolina can qualify for many scholarships and grants. Learners can apply for scholarships from private foundations, government agencies, and professional organizations. In addition to the following opportunities, students can research scholarships based on their field or school.

Trade schools provide career-centered training in fields such as technology, healthcare, and the skilled trades. Colleges typically emphasize academic programs. However, many colleges also offer vocational programs.

The cost of trade school depends on the institution and program. Many two-year colleges in South Carolina offer vocational programs for less than $4,500 per year.

Trade schools may specialize in a certain field, such as healthcare or cosmetology. Some schools offer vocational programs in multiple areas.

Examples of vocational positions include medical assistant, paralegal, electrician, and mechanic. Graduates of vocational programs can also become occupational therapy assistants, cosmetologists, and HVAC technicians.