In today’s world, you don’t necessarily need to invest four or more years in college to get a stable and well-paying work.
You can attain your career goals and also get a highly-rewarding job by acquiring a professional skill at a vocational or trade school.
To get started on a good note, you can select from the top 15 trade school programs in Chicago.
These schools focus on helping motivated individuals like you grow into new careers that offer attractive professional opportunities.
In this article, you will learn about the different trade certification training, classes, and diplomas in Chicago.
Why Trade Schools In Chicago?
A trade school sometimes referred to as a vocational school, or technical college is a post-secondary institution that’s designed to give people the technical skills needed to prepare them for a specific occupation.
Trade schools in Chicago have been providing specialized career training for some of today’s top industries, including health, information technology, skilled trades, and wellness.
In fact, the Illinois Department of Employment Security projects that the number of jobs in Chicago could rise by over six percent between 2014 and 2024. That equates to more than 171,240 new job opportunities.
Each trade school program typically features a curriculum that has been developed and continually maintained to match industry needs.
This is achieved through close connections to employers, professional associations, and manufacturers.
The comprehensive programs, however, are designed to accommodate a variety of skill levels and prepare each student to succeed in their chosen field.
In addition to that, a wide variety of student services are also available, including individual tutoring at no additional cost, as well as graduate employment assistance, which can help students with everything from resume writing to interviewing skills.
There are several reasons why you should consider enrolling in Chicago trades schools, some of the reason include;
You can only enjoy these benefits if you are enrolled in any trade schools in the country. However, you can’t gain admission into vocational schools in Chicago if you don’t meet the basic criteria. read below and learn how to get started.
What Are The Requirements to Get Into Top Trade Schools In Chicago?
Choosing to enroll in the best trade school programs in Chicago is a very honorable thing to do. You will learn a new skill, or even just as a refresher for the skills you already have.
However, there is a wide variety of school settings you can obtain vocational certification or degree.
While some people prefer to enroll in accredited Universities, others consider online options and a few choose Community trade colleges.
Depending on your field of interest, acquiring a trade school certification is a smarter, more cost-effective way for you to quickly gain new skills and entry into a fulfilling career.
Below is the guideline and basic requirements on how to get started.
High school Diploma
Top trade or vocational schools in Chicago typically require a high school diploma or general educational development (GED) certification and a 2.0 GPA.
They may require a standardized test such as the Career Programs Assessment Test, which measures basic reading, writing, and math skills.
Language
Basic communication skills are necessary if you desire to enroll in the top trade schools in Chicago.
However, most trade schools in this country require that you demonstrate English language proficiency.
Age requirements
To gain admission into any trade school in Chicago, you must be at least 18 years old or 17 years old with the permission of a parent or guardian.
Certification costing is based on the type of program you want to do, while few are available at low cost, most courses are expensive.
An average trade school degree costs $33,000. However, there might be additional fees that constitute Textbooks and course materials.
Before you hurry to pay, let’s quickly look at the list of certification programs that is best for you.
What Are The Best Trade Schools In Chicago?
Here are 15 best trade schools in Chicago that will benefit you. These schools provide hands-on training and skills that can be used in the workplace immediately upon completion of a certification program or associate’s degree.
Our selection criteria for these programs are focused on benefits offered and career outlook. We also considered the quality of education, average earnings of graduates, accreditation, and several other relevant factors.
As you read further, you will get detailed information on the various programs offered by the free online schools listed below.
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#1 Oakton Community College
| Tuition | No. of Programs | Student-Teacher-Ratio |
| $6,883 | 4 | 15.1 |
Oakton Community College is listed as the #3 top trade school in Chicago according to niche.com. It is an above-average public college located in Des Plaines, Illinois.
The school features popular majors including Liberal Arts and Humanities, Nursing Assistant, and Nursing.
Furthermore, to gain admission into Oakton, you need at least a 2.00 cumulative GPA and at least a 2.00 term GPA during each period of enrollment.
Additionally, Oakton alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $28,500.
#2 HVAC Technical Institute
| Tuition | No. of Programs | Student-Teacher-Ratio |
| $16,000 | 38 | 12.1 |
Founded in 1994. HVAC Tech is accredited by Council On Occupational Education, National Center for Construction Education and Research, Illinois Board of Higher Education, and HVAC Excellence.
The school plays a big role in a student’s development; it offers students the opportunity for personal and professional development.
To gain admission into this institute, you must exhibit the desire and physical ability necessary to complete this rigorous course.
#3 West Chicago Professional Center
| Tuition | No. of Programs | Student-Teacher-Ratio |
| $6,000 | 3 | 14:1 |
The West Chicago Professional Center is a trade school in Chicago that educates individuals to be able to enter the fast-growing technological field.
The school offer programs in HVAC Technician, Electrician Technician, and Combined Program. The tuition at this college differs, depending on the program:
To gain admission into this school, you must meet the following requirements
#4 Midwestern Career Center
| Tuition | No. of Programs | Student-Teacher-Ratio |
| $15,922 | 3 | 19:1 |
Seeking for one of the best trade school degrees in Chicago, contact the Midwestern Career Center(MCC).
This school provides quality education for appealing career opportunities. They feature programs in Medical Assistant, Surgical Technologist, and Medical Technician.
In addition to the school program, MCC offers an average financial aid of $3,337 per year to deserving students.
#5 MacCormac College
| Tuition | No. of Programs | Student-Teacher-Ratio |
| $16,195 | 5 | 18:1 |
If you are looking for where to learn valuable skills for careers in just 2 years, MacCormac College is the best place for you.
The school features programs in Paralegal, Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration, and Business.
These programs will give you the chance to gain real-world technical abilities that are needed by employers in many different industries.
At the end of your training, you can pursue any opportunity in several exciting industries all over the world.
MacCormac College also offers assistance in the form of financial aid, student housing, or temporary employment to qualified students.
#6 Bell Mar Beauty College
| Tuition | No. of Programs | Student-Teacher-Ratio |
| $10,300 | 3 | 15:1 |
Founded in 1985. Bell Mar Beauty College is a Private (for-profit), Less than 2 years school located in Cicero, IL. It is a non-degree granting school offering cosmetology training.
At Mar Beauty, you will gain hands-on training from instructors with real industry experience that will prepare you for the state licensure exam after which you will be able to get employment in the field of Cosmetology.
Additionally, the school provides financial aid to students with a high school diploma or GED.
#7 Dental Assistant Academy of Chicago
| Tuition | No. of Programs | Student-Teacher-Ratio |
| $5,500 | 1 | 3:1 |
Dental Assistant Academy is one of the top vocational schools in Chicago. The school offers 11 weeks programs that provide hands-on practice to students in a live clinic setting to become successful in the dental field.
Furthermore, students at this school can get immediate homework help and access over 20+ documents, study resources, practice tests, and essays.
To gain admission into Dental Assistant Academy, you must meet the basic requirements and also pass the manual dexterity test as well as a written test.
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#8 Elgin Community College
| Tuition | No. of Programs | Student-Teacher-Ratio |
| $3,180 | 4 | 20:1 |
Elgin Community College is one of the top vocational schools in Chicago. The school features certificate programs in fields including Liberal Arts and Humanities, Automotive Mechanics, and Natural Sciences.
Furthermore, there is a total enrollment of 3,215 students with the acceptance rate is 100%. Graduates from Elgin earn a starting salary of $29,600.
#9 Coyne College
| Tuition | No. of Programs | Student-Teacher-Ratio |
| $11,000 | 8 | 28:1 |
The list of top trade schools in Chicago cannot be completed without Coyne College. The school offers both day and evening class schedules to make getting your education as attainable as possible.
Coyne College focuses on helping students to develop problem-solving skills that are imperative for becoming valuable, productive contributors to the workplace.
CC offers a wide range of programs in the engineering and health field as shown below;
In addition, the school provides assistance with identifying potential financial aid opportunities
#10 Universal Technical Institute
| Tuition | No. of Programs | Student-Teacher-Ratio |
| $46,600 | 4 | 43:1 |
Universal Technical Institute is one of the trade school in Chicago that provides a training opportunity that can assist you with your goal.
The school features skill trade programs in automotive, diesel, and collision repair.
With the training, you can be ready to begin your career in any Industry upon graduation from this institute.
#11 SOLEX College
| Tuition | No. of Programs | Student-Teacher-Ratio |
| $18,199 | NIL | 17:1 |
SOLEX is a for-profit college with an enrollment of 66 undergraduate students.
The school features a very flexible study schedule including part-time and full-time, and evening learners.
Additionally, SOLEX offers financial aid to provide assistance to students to pay for their college expenses and other living expenses whenever possible.
#12 Empire Beauty Schools
| Tuition | No. of Programs | Student-Teacher-Ratio |
| $11,000 | 2 | 12:1 |
At Empire Beauty School, you will learn marketable beauty techniques based on classic fundamentals and modern trends.
The school provides a kit that comprises head mannequins, a full set of tools, and professional-grade beauty products.
Also, each student receives an electronic Career Success Tablet, which comes loaded with training materials, study guides, interactive apps, photos, videos, a built-in camera, and access to popular social media networks like Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.
Additionally, the school’s classrooms are built for practical demonstrations and feature large digital whiteboards and other visually stimulating learning aids.
#13 Lincoln College of Technology – Melrose Park
| Tuition | No. of Programs | Student-Teacher-Ratio |
| $27,401 | 4 | 33:1 |
Lincoln Tech – Melrose Park is a for-profit college located in Melrose Park, Illinois. It is has a total enrollment of 719 undergraduate students.
The school features a wide range of programs in Automotive Mechanics, Medical Assistant, and Electronics Equipment Installation and Repair.
Furthermore, at Lincoln Tech, you can request extra guidance from a school representative that will help you to build a solid career.
Additionally, you can earn a starting salary of $29,500.
#14 Illinois Institute of Technology
| Tuition | No. of Programs | Student-Teacher-Ratio |
| $47,646 | 4 | 12:1 |
Illinois Institute of Technology is a private university that provides a variety of options for students interested in the sciences.
It is considered one of the best trade schools in Chicago because of its uniqueness and quality service rendered to students.
The school partners with top manufacturers to ensure that students are trained on contemporary vehicles using industry-standard technology.
Additionally, Illinois Institute of Technology offers a number of financial aids and scholarships to students to make schooling affordable.
#15 College of Court Reporting
| Tuition | No. of Programs | Student-Teacher-Ratio |
| $29,041 | 9 | 34:1 |
Court Reporting is a for-profit, online college that specializes in career-oriented vocational education.
The school offers courses in Legal Administrative Assistant and Legal Studies.
Programs at college are designed in a way that will get the chance to experience what it’s like to really work in your field of study while making connections with people who can help you throughout your career.
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What Is The Duration Chicago Trade School Programs?
Program lengths vary according to schools, but typically, they can range from anywhere from eight months to two years.
Unlike a four-year college, you don’t graduate from a trade school with a bachelor’s degree. Usually, upon completion of the program, you’ll receive a diploma or trade certificate acknowledging you successfully finished.
Chicago Trade School And Technical Colleges Notable Alumni
Prominent graduates from Chicago trade schools include celebrities, politicians, business people, CEOs, and more.
These people have gone on to make significant contributions in politics and within the business world.
Below is the list of some distinguished alumni arranged in no particular order.
Conclusion
Acquiring certification or a degree in Chicago schools comes with a lot of career satisfaction. Everything you need to receive a great education is right there at one of these Chicago colleges or universities.
Look through our database below to find the information you need to compare each college in Chicago to find the program that works best for you.
Frequently Asked Question On Trade School In Chicago
Yes, you can choose a schedule that fits your job.
There is a wide range of career opportunities you can get with a trade school diploma.
To gain admission into any trade school, you must demonstrate English proficiency, obtain a high school diploma and, pass the interview.
References
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