15 Best Trade Schools in Houston | Best US Trade School

Are you thinking of going to the best trade schools in Houston? Houston is home to some of the world’s largest trade schools. These schools aim to train and develop individuals who want to reach the pinnacle of their profession.

You would get your hands dirty and have so much fun. Most have even said that going to a trade school does not feel like school until it’s time for exams.

You should consider the benefits of trade school if it’s what you want. Think about what the future holds for you after you have graduated from a trade school. This would get you in sync with the curriculum when the time comes.

There are several Houston trade schools. If trade school is what you want, you may get confused about which ones to pick. The purpose of this article is to help you with the stressful part.

We have outlined the 15 best trade schools in Houston for you to pick from. Keep reading.

Are Trade Schools Worth It?

You must have heard a lot of experience to wonder if trade schools are worth it. Well, trade schools in Houston have proven to produce outstanding graduates in fields. These graduates are from fields such as health, information, skilled trades, wellness, and technology.

Trade schools organize and ensure to accommodate various skill levels and equip each student to excel in their chosen field. Houston trade schools also provide a variety of student services-

  • Free individual tutoring
  • Graduate employment assistance (writing of resumes, interviewing skills, etc.)

Among the many reasons Trade schools in Houston are worth it are the following:

  • Houston trade schools exist to ensure that students receive an effective and supportive academic environment.
  • You would experience the feel of the trade from the start to the end of the program.
  • Most Houston trade schools provide financial aid, such as scholarships, to qualified students.
  • Trade schools in Houston have flexible schedules provided by the institution. This allows students to switch between programs. It would also allow you to swap between day and evening activities.
  • There are social activities for students to enjoy during their breaks.

Related Article: 10 Reasons To Learn A Trade And Leave Your Degrees In 2024

How much does a Trade school in Houston Cost?

The cost of obtaining a certificate from Houston trade schools varies depending on the program. Some courses can be quite expensive, while others can be pretty inexpensive.

A typical trade school degree costs around $33,000, though there may be additional fees for textbooks and course materials.

Related Article: How Much Does An HVAC Technician Make?

What are the Requirements for Getting into a Trade School in Houston?

There are a few basic requirements for enrolling in some of the best trade schools in Texas. They are as follows:

  • You must be at least 16 years old.
  • Trade schools in Houston require that you are proficient in English
  • You must pass a high school diploma or state-approved examinations
  • There is a test and interview for trade schools in Houston. You must have completed them.

How to apply to Trade School in Houston

Every school has its different process for applying for the school. The steps you should take when using for Houston trade schools are-

Step 1

You must submit a complete application with supporting documents. Ensure you follow all instructions when you are applying.

Then submit it through the necessary procedures that they stipulated.

Step 2

Ensure that you have all of the necessary fees required. Your application fees depend on the size of your school.

It also depends on the quality of education you receive from the school.

Step 3

Wait for the review and acceptance of your application. The length of time depends on your school.

It also depends on you and the timeliness with which you respond to requests for information and revisions. You must include your catalog and enrollment agreement with your application.

Step 4

After the school has gotten back to you, showing your application was successful, all you should do is prepare to leave for school.

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15 Best Trade Schools in Houston

Many in-demand occupations require specialized training. All Houston trade schools provide this.

While technical colleges can provide hands-on experience, trade schools offer more focused education tailored to specific industries and career paths.

The trade schools provide students with relatively quick, low-cost pathways to profitable jobs. You can train for a job as a cosmetologist, healthcare worker, or auto mechanic in two years or less.

The 15 best trade schools in Houston are:

  • 1. WACO, Texas State Technical College
  • 2. El Paso Community College
  • 3. Fortis College
  • 4. South Texas Vocational Technical Institute
  • 5. Tulsa Welding School
  • 6. Edge Tech Academy
  • 7. Grayson College
  • 8. Lamar Institute of Technology
  • 9. ECPI University
  • 10. Remington College
  • 11. Aviation Institute of Maintenance Programs
  • 12. Lee College
  • 13. Ogle School of Hair, Skin, & Nails – Arlington
  • 14. Lincoln Tech
  • 15. Universal Technical Institute

#1. WACO, Texas State Technical College

  • Tuition- $5,500
  • 29 Programs
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 13.1

Texas State Technical College is one of the best trade schools in Houston. It is a government institution founded in 1965. It has its location in McLennan County, WACO, near Houston.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accredits this trade school. They can confer Associate Degrees and Certificates of Completion.

Waco is the only school in the state whose funding model is on student employment outcomes. You must have a 2.00 total GPA (based on your enrolled term).

Also, you must have a minimum of a 2.00 GPA for each duration of your enrollment to be eligible for admission.

You can select any of the following programs:

  • HVAC mechanic
  • Automotive Repair
  • Technician
  • Welding
  • Dentistry assistant
  • Heavy-Duty Diesel Truck
  • Medical procedures assistant

Visit WACO, Texas State Technical College

#2. El Paso Community College

  • Tuition: $2,518
  • 38 programs
  • Student-teacher ratio: 26.1.

The college, founded in 1972, is one of the best trade schools in Houston. El Paso Community College (EPCC) is a community college in El Paso, Texas, in the United States. EPCC provides over 38 programs. You can obtain various associate degrees and technical certificates in two years or less. This trade school offers the skills needed to compete on the field.

You can select any of the following programs-

  • Pipe fitting
  • Welding
  • Electrical work
  • Heating
  • Ventilation
  • Air conditioning
  • HVAC

Visit El Paso Community College

Related: How Much Does The Average Mechanic Make?

#3. Fortis College

  • Tuition: $22,539
  • 6+ programs
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1

Fortis College is an excellent choice and one of the best trade schools in Houston. If you are looking for a school that can provide a wide range of career-related training, you should consider Fortis College.

Fortis offers medical assisting, billing and coding, sterile processing technician, and surgical technology courses. The Houston-based Sterile Processing Technician course teaches students medical terminology. It also teaches techniques for ensuring that surgical instruments are free of contaminants.

You can select one of the following programs:

  • Surgical Innovation
  • Assisting with Medical Procedures
  • Technician in Sterile Processing
  • Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration
  • Medical billing and coding
  • Healthcare Administration

Visit Fortis College

#4. South Texas Vocational Technical Institute

  • Tuition: $18,260.
  • 8 programs
  • The student-teacher ratio is 22:1.

This school is one of the most reputable trade schools in Houston. STVT provides high-quality training to help you find a rewarding job. They concentrate on education in health, business, and skilled trades. This trade school offers the following courses for a diploma-

  • Refrigeration, heating, and air conditioning
  • Automotive Repair Combined Technician and Business Studies Welding
  • Assisting with Dentistry
  • Heavy-Duty Diesel Truck
  • Technology for Medical Administrative Assisting
  • Assisting with Medical Procedures

In addition, STVT provides an average of $4,086 in financial aid to deserving students. This school prepares students for jobs in the companies they wish to work for.

Visit South Texas Vocational Technical Institute

#5. Tulsa Welding School

  • Tuition: $16,195.
  • 10+ programs
  • Student-teacher ratio: 30:1

If you are looking for a school where you can learn essential skills, consider Tulsa welding school. Along with the academic curriculum, the school assists students who meet the requirements with housing, financial aid, or temporary work. In this trade school, you can find careers such as-

  • Welding
  • Pipe fitting
  • Electrical work and heating
  • Ventilation
  • Air conditioning, and
  • Refrigeration (HVACR).

Tulsa Welding School is one of the best trade schools in Houston. You would gain practical technical skills that employers in various fields require. After completing your education, you can work in any of the world’s fascinating industries.

Visit Tulsa Welding School

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#6. Edge Tech Academy

  • Tuition: $15,000
  • 7+ Programs
  • Student-to-teacher ratio: 4:1

Arlington, Texas, is home to Edge Tech Academy. Edge Tech will provide hands-on training from instructors with real-world industry experience. This trade school equips you with important skills and confidence. The school focuses on installing, maintaining, and repairing commercial and residential equipment.

Edge Tech is also close to several potential employers. Some of the programs offered in Edge Tech are-

  • Commercial driving
  • Healthcare
  • Skilled trades
  • Technology, amongst others

Visit Edge Tech Academy

#7. Grayson College

  • Tuition: $2,952.
  • 21 Programs
  • Student-teacher ratio: 18:1

Grayson offers a wide range of vocational certificate degrees on campus and online. Students also receive GC counseling for free. The school is one of the best trade schools in Houston.

They offer an Associate of Applied Science degree to students who want to enter the workforce immediately after graduation.

An Associate of Arts Teaching degree is also available for students planning to attend four-year universities.

Liberal arts and sciences/liberal studies

  • registered nursing/registered nurse
  • Business administration and management
  • Junior high/intermediate/middle school education and teaching
  • Computer and information systems security/information assurance
  • Computer technology/computer systems technology
  • Dental assisting/assistant
  • Radiologic technology/science – radiographer
  • Emergency medical technology/technician (EMT paramedic)
  • criminal justice/safety studies

Visit Grayson College

#8. Lamar Institute of Technology

  • Tuition: $14,703
  • Four programs
  • Student-teacher ratio: 16:1

Lamar Institute of Technology is one of the best universities in Texas. It provides certificates in technology, energy, healthcare, and public safety. It is one of the best trade schools in Houston. The majors Lamar Institute of Technology provides majors for-.

  • Lab Technician
  • Instrumentation Technician, and
  • Police and Criminal Science

It has a total enrollment of 1,313 undergraduates and a 100% acceptance rate. Lamar Institute has a graduation rate of 33%, and graduates earn a starting salary of $30,600.

Visit Lamar Institute of Technology

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#9. ECPI University

  • Tuition- $16,639
  • 5 Programs
  • Student-Teacher-Ratio: 11:1

Houston’s top list of trade schools would be incomplete without ECPI University. The school provides various associate’s, bachelor’s, and diploma programs. ECPI commits to assisting students in developing commonly used communication. It also teaches understanding, comprehension, and problem-solving skills. All of this is important for productive, valuable employees in the workplace.

The school offers programs in various formats, including on-site, online, and a combination. The advantages of ECPI University are-

  • It designs programs in response to industry expectations and actual employer feedback.
  • There are externships and clinical opportunities for professionals
  • You would have access to year-round scheduling leads to shorter program lengths.
  • There is faculty carefully chosen for their expertise and eager to share their knowledge.
  • Group tutoring services are available on a flexible basis.

Visit ECPI University

#10. Remington College

  • Tuition: $16,056.
  • No. of Programs: 9
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 23:1

Remington College is a non-profit educational institution that focuses on career-focused educational technology.

The school offers high-quality programs to help you quickly earn a degree or diploma. It is one of the best trade schools in Houston.

Externships are available through specific programs. This allows you to experience what it’s like to work in your field of study while connecting with others who can help you advance your career.

Some of the programs offered by Remington College are-

  • Beauty
  • Creative Arts in Business
  • Electronics in Culinary Arts
  • Medical Care
  • Technology of Information
  • Criminal and Legal Justice
  • Trades requiring specific skills

Visit Remington College

#11. Aviation Institute of Maintenance Programs

  • Tuition: $19,078
  • Number of Programs: 4
  • Student-Teacher-Ratio: 13:1

The Aviation Institute of Maintenance has accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

It is one of the best trade schools in Houston that offers FAA-approved programs (FAA). Some of the skill trade programs offered at the school are-

  • Avionics Technician
  • Aviation Maintenance Technician
  • Combination Welding, and
  • HVAC Technology

After completing your studies at the Aviation Institute of Maintenance, you should prepare to begin your career in the aviation industry.

Visit Aviation Institute of Maintenance Programs

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#12. Lee College

  • Tuition: $4,179
  • Number of Programs: 27
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1

Lee College is a public community college in Baytown, Texas. It is one of the best trade schools in Houston. Lee offers students both online and on-campus training.

If you want to transfer to a four-year program, you can enroll in an AA degree program for students. You can also consider a dual-credit program for high school students.

In addition to the school program, the school provides financial aid to students. This helps pay as much as possible for their Lee College expenses and other living expenses.

Some of the programs in Lee College are-

  • Business administration and management
  • Chemical Technology/technician
  • Instrumentation Technology/technician
  • Applied horticulture/horticulture operations
  • Culinary arts/chef training
  • Welding technology/welder
  • Automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician
  • Drafting and designing technology/technician
  • Cosmetology/cosmetologist
  • Data processing and data processing technology/technician

Visit Lee College

#13. Ogle School of Hair, Skin, & Nails – Arlington

  • Tuition: $16,950
  • Number of Programs: 2
  • Student-Teacher-Ratio: 20:1

The National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS), is recognized by the US Department of Education accredited Ogle School. The school has eight campuses throughout the state.

They offer both part-time and full-time schedules in Cosmetology and Esthetics programs.

To get admitted to Ogle, you must be fluent in English and have a high school diploma from an accredited school or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED).

Visit Ogle School

#14. Lincoln Tech

  • Tuition: $27,401
  • Number of Programs: 4
  • Student-Teacher-Ratio: 33:1

Consider Lincoln Tech if you are looking for the best trade schools in Houston. This school will help you reach your full potential. It is one of the Texas technical colleges that operate remotely.

The school offers a variety of programs that will assist you in establishing a successful career. A school representative at Lincoln Tech can provide you with additional assistance if you need it. Some of the programs offered by Lincoln Tech are-

  • Aesthetics
  • Automotive technology
  • Collison repair and refinishing
  • Computer networking
  • Culinary arts
  • Diesel technology, amongst others

Visit Lincoln Tech

#15. Universal Technical Institute

  • Tuition: $46,250
  • Number of Programs: 4
  • Student-Teacher-Ratio: 32:1

Its uniqueness and quality service to students has made Universal Technical Institute one of the best trade schools in Houston. The school collaborates with leading manufacturers. This ensures students get training on modern vehicles that use industry-standard technology.

You can earn factory technician certification points. This puts you at the forefront of your field’s knowledge and prepares you for ASE certification. UTC employment services rely on extensive industry relationships. It eases the transition into the professional world.

Some of the programs offered by UTC are-

  • Automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician
  • Diesel mechanics Technology/technician
  • Industry-standard technology

Visit the universal technical institute

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What are the Highest Paying Trade School Jobs in Houston?

For trade schools in Houston, all jobs pay between $15,043 (34.5%) and $26,640 (61.1%) more than the national average. The skilled trades get paid a salary of $43,565. If you qualify or are hired, the jobs would allow you to earn more than the average Skilled Trades position.

The highest-paying trade school jobs in Houston are-

  • Construction- $70,205 
  • Trade supervisor- $64,355 
  • Expert Mechanic- $64,314 
  • Skilled trade persons who work on their own- $58,609

What do you need to be Employable after Attending Trade School in Houston?

There are numerous advantages to attending trade school, but the most important thing to remember is that if your heart is not in it, you will most likely fail. In other words, you must be wholly immersed in the trade you intend to pursue.

Concentrating on the “Why” behind your decision to attend trade school is critical. If your only goal is to get a job, that’s not the end. However, if you aim to find a rewarding career based on a foundation of vocational training, you’ll set yourself up for success.

Simply, to be employable, you must show enthusiasm about your trade. You must also be passionate and graduate well from the school you choose to attend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a job with a trade school certificate?

Yes. You can apply for various job opportunities when you have a trade school diploma.

What do I need to gain admission into any trade school?

To gain admission to any trade school, you must demonstrate English proficiency, obtain a high school diploma, and then pass the test.

How long does trade school in Houston take?

You require a specific number of months and years to complete an education, and trade schools in Houston are no exception. Certification in Houston trade schools can take anywhere from eight months to two years.

What are the benefits of attending a trade school in Houston?

The ROI value of trade schools and their hands-on training are the most important benefits of attending a trade school. Students gain hands-on experience by completing classroom lessons – whether online or in person. There are also work experiences at local businesses and organizations. These experiences frequently lead to future job opportunities.

Who are well-known trade school graduates?

There are well-known graduates from some of Texas’ best trade schools who became industry leaders. Some are John Fincher, baseball pitcher Steven Okert, artist Ruth Hurmence Green, and author Grace Halsell.

Conclusion

Being skilled in any field necessitates hard work and ongoing development. Furthermore, it cannot happen through mere wishful thinking. Instead, it is the result of education. You are lucky if you live in Texas and want to attend trade schools.

These trade schools in Houston help students advance in their careers. They also offer appealing job opportunities that can help anyone advance their career.

See also: 15 Best Highest Paying Trades In 2024

References

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