15 Best Trade Schools in MA (Massachusetts) in 2024

Trade schools, often known as vocational or technical schools, provide you with skills-based educational programs that prepare you for careers in fields such as plumbing, welding, cosmetology, and technology.

When compared to students in four-year programs, trade school students have numerous advantages. Trade schools in MA, for example, provide programs that require 1-2 years to complete and allow you to enter the workforce sooner than four-year degrees. 

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, professionals with occupational credentials have a greater employment rate than those with academic credentials.

The best trade schools in MA (Massachusetts) are listed in this article to assist you in selecting the best trade school programs for your needs.

This page also includes information about the trade school programs’ acceptance rate, cost, program details, and more. Find out more!

Table of contents

Are Trade Schools In MA Worth It?

According to conventional wisdom, if you want to make a successful living, you need a college diploma. Vocational training can lead to even better job opportunities at a trade school or through an apprenticeship.

They provide substantial job security, especially during economic downturns. Because of the considerable demand for trade workers, earnings are generally high and continue to rise over time.

Trade schools in MA also allow students to complete a degree in less time than they would at a typical institution. This means that, depending on your trade school programs, you might be working in the field in as little as two years!

Looking for the highest paying trade school jobs? Read: Highest Paying Trade School Jobs in the World | 2024

How Much Do Trade Schools In MA Cost? 

Tuition for trade schools in MA varies depending on the trade school and its program. A trade school education costs about $33,000 on average.

For comparison, that is roughly the cost of a single year of tuition at a four-year university.

Check Out: 10 Best Automotive Engineering Schools in Florida | 2024

What Are The Requirements For Getting Into Trade Schools In MA?

Exams on Education and Placement in the Past

Knowing all of the requirements for getting into trade schools in MA might help you feel secure in taking the next steps once you’ve decided to further your education in Massachusetts.

One of the most basic requirements for joining a trade school is to have completed high school. This can vary from student to student, and it does not imply that you need high school graduation to attend trade school.

Documents that are approved separately from a high school diploma can include a state-issued GED or state-authorized equivalency exam.

It is also acceptable to complete an officially certified homeschooling program. Some trade schools in MA will accept proof of attendance at a Title IV-eligible program or completion of a postsecondary degree program.

Aside from having acceptable educational proof, the majority of colleges will ask students to take a placement test before being admitted.

While these tests are used to establish if a student is a good fit for a certain school, most trade schools do not require extra testing or specific SAT or ACT scores.

Read This: 15 High-Paying Jobs for Trade School Graduates

GPA Requirements

You might be asking if a student’s GPA is taken into account when applying to trade schools in MA. This varies based on the school to which you’re applying.

When it comes to passing education or placement examinations, GPA is usually less important than meeting other prerequisites.

Additional Prerequisites for Trade School Admission

There are a few other considerations if you’re considering going to one of the trade schools in MA.

Many trade schools have a few more items that they consider prerequisites for enrolment, in addition to specific educational criteria. 

Age Requirements

The minimum age to apply to trade schools in MA is usually 16, although applicants may be required to be older depending on the trade school programs.

Many Schools need a parent or legal guardian to sign an enrollment agreement for students under the age of 18.

How To Apply For Trade Schools

One of the key advantages of applying to trade schools in MA is that, unlike traditional colleges, they offer several start dates throughout the year and rolling admissions.

This allows you to begin working on your degree whenever convenient, rather than waiting for a spring or fall semester to enrol.

Investigating the exact tuition fees at the institution you want to attend is critical before applying.

Many colleges include tuition calculators and various financial aid tools, while some colleges provide particular scholarships and grants to help with fees.

Before you begin the process, gather any documents that may be required. It will be helpful if you have confirmation of education and, if necessary, placement examinations. A non-refundable application fee is frequently collected, so have a payment method on hand.

The application procedure itself is rather simple. You will be asked to choose which program type best meets your interests, after which the institution will gather your eligibility and financial information.

Following the submission of your application, an admissions representative will contact you to discuss the next stages and maybe conduct an interview. This is to ensure that you and the school are a good match.

Check Out: 13 Best Mechanical Trade Schools and Programs

Overview of the Best Trade Schools in MA (Massachusetts)

Trade schools provide programs that are career-focused and prepare you for specialized jobs. They also have a shorter study duration, allowing you to get into the work market sooner. Below is a list of some of the best trade schools in MA you can choose to attend; they include:

  • #1 Mount Wachusett Community College
  • #2 Middlesex County College
  • #3 Bunker Hill Community College
  • #4 Bristol Community College
  • #5 Springfield Technical Community College
  • #6 North Shore Community College
  • #7 Cape Cod Community College
  • #8 Quinsigamond Community College
  • #9 Quincy College
  • #10 Holyoke Community College
  • #11 Northern Essex Community College
  • #12 Greenfield Community College
  • 13 Massasoit Community College
  • #14 Berkshire Community College
  • #15 Roxbury Community College

The Best Trade Schools In MA (Massachusetts) In 2024

#1 Mount Wachusett Community College

Mount Wachusett Community College accepts recent high school graduates, non-traditional students, and dual enrollment high school students. MWCC is based in Gardner and has Devens, Leominster, and Fitchburg campuses. 

More than 70 associate degrees and certificates are available to students. Education, computer information systems, engineering and physics, and pharmacy science are only a few of the subjects covered by the programs.

Associate degrees in automotive technology or veterinary technology are popular choices for those interested in a technical career. With numerous courses, the liberal arts and sciences associate degree provides learners with the general education required for a four-year degree.

MWCC, one of the trade schools in MA, offers certifications that can be transferred to associate degrees. 

  • Tuition cost: $5,668/year
  • Acceptance rate: 100%
  • Application fee: $0

Apply to the School

#2 Middlesex County College

Around 11,000 students from a variety of backgrounds attend Middlesex Community College’s Lowell and Bedford campuses to seek certificates, degrees, and workplace skills.

Technical degrees such as aviation maintenance, radiologic technology, and energy utility technology are among the 80 trade school programs available. MCC offers a comprehensive healthcare program, which includes dental hygiene and nursing degrees.

MCC has offered online learning for more than 20 years to give students more freedom. Associate degrees in business administration, criminal justice, and paralegal studies are all available online.

The associate degree in liberal arts and sciences is preferred by students who want to transfer to a bachelor’s program because it saves them time and money.

  • Tuition cost: $7,416/year
  • Acceptance rate: 100%
  • Application fee: $25

Apply to the School

#3 Bunker Hill Community College

Bunker Hill Community College is the state’s largest community college, having opened its doors in 1973. The college has campuses in Charleston, Chelsea, and other locations. BHCC enrols 19,000 students in associate and certificate programs in a variety of fields. 

General education, liberal arts or career electives, and major requirements are all required for all degrees. Associate degrees in accounting, computer information systems, and early childhood development are available at BHCC. Several associate degrees serve as stepping stones to four-year programs at senior colleges. 

An AS in electrical engineering, an AS in criminal justice, or an AS in biology are among the options. BHCC offers an AS in biomedical engineering and an AS in biotechnology to train workers for positions in biotechnology, one of the state’s key industries.

Baking and culinary arts and cardiac sonography are two distinctive two-year trade school programs that students can pursue. Learners who want to gain abilities swiftly can choose from many credentials. 

BHCC also offers internship and career development possibilities through a virtual or in-person employment fair.

  • Tuition cost: $5,160/year
  • Acceptance rate: 100%
  • Application fee: $0

Apply to the School

#4 Bristol Community College

With campuses in Fall River, Attleboro, Taunton, and New Bedford, Bristol Community College continues a 50-year education and workforce development heritage. More than 150 trade school programs leading to degrees and certificates are available through the school’s comprehensive catalogue. 

Traditional majors like business administration and criminal justice are available, as well as a liberal arts and science transfer option with eight concentrations.

BCC offers associate degrees in biomedical manufacturing technology, electromechanical technology, and offshore wind power technology to equip individuals for the state’s high-tech businesses. 

The school’s one-of-a-kind deaf studies associate degree program has four specializations, including the interpretation and deaf studies transfer. BCC’s robust healthcare program includes nurse practitioners, dental hygienists, and veterinary technicians.

Bristol Online is one of the major digital learning platforms in the state. Online students at BCC, one of Massachusetts’ premier technical institutions, have access to online tutoring and on-campus services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Tuition cost: $5,136/year

Acceptance rate: 100%

Application fee: $10

Apply to the School

#5. Springfield Technical Community College

Springfield Technical Community College is the state’s only technical community college and is located on the Springfield Armory National Historic Site. Nursing, IT security, optics, and photonics are among the 76 degrees and certificates offered by STCC. 

Students interested in obtaining a jump start on a four-year degree save time and money by enrolling in degrees developed expressly for transfer. Business, liberal arts, and engineering are all viable options.

Undecided students can use the general studies option to try several trade school programs and occupations before tailoring their degree to their needs.

  • Tuition cost: $5,560/year
  • Acceptance rate: 100%
  • Application fee: $0

Apply to the School

#6. North Shore Community College

North Shore Community College first opened its doors to North Shore citizens in 1965. On three campuses, nearly 11,000 students benefit from high-quality programming offered in state-of-the-art facilities. 

Students acquire degrees that prepare them for employment or transfer to a four-year institution. Business administration, nursing, allied health, science, and math are just a few of the 75 programs available.

An AA in liberal arts with diverse concentrations is one of the transfer alternatives. Engineering, computer programming, and aviation management are among the technical degrees available to students.

The AS in aviation science professional pilot program is a newer program that involves classroom education and flight training to prepare students for a professional career as a pilot.

Certificates from NSCC, one of the best trade schools in MA, equip students with the skills they need to start a new profession in fields like computer-aided design, medical assistant, or healthcare technician. 

  • Tuition cost: $5,352/year
  • Acceptance rate: 100%
  • Application fee: $0

Apply to the School

#7. Cape Cod Community College

Approximately 6,000 students attend Cape Cod Community College each year. The school, which is located in West Barnstable, offers 40 degree and certificate programs. Students can get an AA in a variety of fields, such as liberal arts, psychology, and education. 

For individuals seeking to transfer to a four-year college, AA is the best option. Aviation maintenance technology, funerary science, and IT, with three concentrations, are among the school’s technical programs. Certificates are available in a variety of professions, including aviation and bookkeeping.

Students can earn advanced degrees at CCCC that are not offered at many trade schools in MA. Learners can achieve an RN-to-BSN or a master of clinical social work through CCCC’s agreements with the University of Massachusetts-Boston. 

CCCC also offers online programs every semester to give students more flexibility. All students have access to online tutoring 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

  • Tuition cost: $5,352/year
  • Acceptance rate: 100%
  • Application fee: $0

Apply to the School

#8. Quinsigamond Community College

Quinsigamond Community College has been a hub for job development and continuing education in central Massachusetts since the 1960s. Worcester College offers 120 different programs to its 13,000 students. 

Associate degrees in conventional sectors like automotive technology, hospitality and entertainment management, and small company management are popular among students.

Their certificates help students improve their clerical and office skills and technical skills in areas like HVAC and energy utility technologies.

QCC’s robust IT curriculum includes associate degrees in web development/programming and interactive media-digital design. Learners can get the first two years of a four-year degree through a variety of transfer methods.

Online classes, as well as night and weekend classes, are all part of QCC’s commitment to flexibility. The institution has some of the lowest tuition in the region, allowing students to graduate with less debt. 

  • Tuition cost: $5,830/year
  • Acceptance rate: 100%
  • Application fee: $20

Apply to the School

#9. Quincy College

Quincy College has campuses in Quincy and Plymouth where students can enrol. Approximately 4,000 students from Greater Boston and 100 other countries obtain the education and training they require for professions and future education. 

Accounting, computer science, and paralegal studies are among the 37 associate degrees offered by QC. Students can get degrees in high-demand professions like surgical technology or emergency medical services.

QC’s professional trade school programs feature alternatives that can be completed in as little as a few months to a year. 

As one of Massachusetts’ premier vocational schools, QC has strong transfer agreements with four-year colleges, including UMass Boston and Northeastern University.

  • Tuition cost: $6,960/year
  • Acceptance rate: 100%
  • Application fee: $0

Apply to the School

#10. Holyoke Community College

Holyoke Community College provides an affordable, high-quality education on a 135-acre green campus with almost 9,000 students who attend classes. 

Students with limited time and funds can achieve in-demand certifications in just a few months. Certificates in rapidly increasing industries such as medical assistant, veterinary assistant, and computer networking are among the alternatives. 

Associate degrees take two years to complete and include a wide range of topics, including information technology management, nursing, clean energy, and criminal justice.

HCC’s tuition and fees make it one of Massachusetts’ most cheap trade schools. Scholarships and scholarships further enhance the school’s affordability.

  • Tuition cost: $5,378/year
  • Acceptance rate: 100%
  • Application fee: $0

Apply to the School

#11. Northern Essex Community College

Haverhill’s Northern Essex Community College provides a variety of credit and non-credit trade school programs. Traditional subjects such as business, nursing, criminal justice, and computer and information sciences are all available to students. 

NECC provides an associate degree in American Sign Language Studies, which isn’t often provided at community institutions. More than a dozen healthcare options are included in a comprehensive portfolio of certificates.

They also offer bachelor’s degrees in early childhood education, psychology, and business administration in collaboration with UMass, Cambridge College, and Regis College. Students interested in distance learning can pick from 11 entirely or partially online degrees.

The dual-enrollment program at NECC allows students from area high schools to receive college credit while still meeting their high school graduation requirements. Dual enrollment offers advantages such as a head start on a degree, significant tuition savings, and the chance to experience college life early. 

  • Tuition cost: $5,544/year
  • Acceptance rate: 100%
  • Application fee: $0

Apply to the School

#12 Greenfield Community College

Greenfield Community College in the Pioneer Valley gives students a lively academic environment on campus. Approximately 3,000 students are enrolled in classes with a 12-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, which promotes customized learning. 

Accounting, computer information systems, management, and digital marketing are just a few of the degrees and certificates offered by the school.

GCC’s extensive scientific, math, engineering, and technology program includes degrees and certificates in environmental conservation, farm and food systems, and engineering technology. When students earn an associate degree in renewable energy, they gain high-tech skills in the field of sustainability.

GCC has associate degrees that are specifically designed to meet MassTransfer criteria. Students receive all of the necessary transfer counselling to ensure a smooth transition. 

They provide Peer tutoring free of charge to students who require academic assistance. 

Tuition cost: $5,570/year

Acceptance rate: 100%

Application fee: $0

Apply to the School

13 Massasoit Community College

Students at Brockton’s Massasoit Community College can pick from 64 different programs, including trade school programs. Some can be completed in as little as a few months, while associate degrees take two years to complete. 

The college’s programs span numerous categories, including business administration and management, culinary and hospitality, and health and public safety. Transfer associate degrees in computer science and engineering are among the school’s latest majors. 

Massasoit provides around 40 entirely online and hybrid trade school programs, making it one of the best technical schools in Massachusetts for virtual learning. 

Tuition cost: $5,160/year

Acceptance rate: 100%

Application fee: $0

Apply to the School

#14 Berkshire Community College

Berkshire Community College is one of the state’s 15 community institutions that offer 50 academic trade school programs. AS degrees in fire science, health science, criminal justice, and social work are among the two-year alternatives. 

Fifteen short-term choices in disciplines like allied health and human services lead to certifications. 

Before transferring to UMass for a BSN, nursing students attend BCC for general education and foundation courses.

The transfer procedure is streamlined thanks to BCC’s articulation partnerships with 30 universities in Massachusetts and other regions of the country. 

Students who complete program criteria enter four-year universities as juniors, thanks to agreements. Free tutorial services, transfer counselling, and career development are available to all BCC students.

BCC, one of Massachusetts’s leading technical institutions, charges in-state tuition for online and evening programs regardless of where students live.

Tuition cost: $5,492/year

Acceptance rate: 100%

Application fee: $0

Apply to the School

#15 Roxbury Community College

Roxbury Community College, which primarily serves people of the Greater Boston area, provides roughly 30 programs on campus in Roxbury Crossing. 

Liberal arts, social science, and health careers are among the majors the AA degree covers. The technical, engineering and healthcare fields are the focus of the AS degree. Those interested in obtaining short-term certifications can do it in less than a year.

  • Tuition cost: $5,784/year
  • Acceptance rate: 100%
  • Application fee: $0

Apply to the School

How Can You Choose the Best Skilled Trade?

Making the appropriate pick in a skilled vocation might be difficult with so many options. You have the freedom to be anybody or anything you desire, but careful consideration is required to ensure that you will enjoy and prosper.

Here are some tips to help you succeed:

Consider Your Passions And Abilities

For example, if you have a fascination with autos, becoming an auto mechanic makes logical. The more closely your trade school programs align with your interests, the more you’ll enjoy the rigorous training.

Speak With Your High School Career Counselor. 

Professional advice, including extensive information about the demands and rewards of specialized trades, will be beneficial to you.

You can also talk about your employment alternatives, financial concerns, and personal objectives.

Speak With Tradesmen In Your Chosen Field. 

You will get information straight from the horse’s mouth to make you more aware of the realities of the training and profession.

This will also prepare you for the trade school programs you choose.

Investigate Pay, Job Growth, And Working Conditions. 

You might want to have your eyes wide open when it comes to these issues, especially when it comes to physical labour.

While skilled trade employment pays well, the physical and mental demands might be difficult to meet.

What Are The Highest Paying Trade Jobs In Massachusetts? 

Completing a recognized program will enable you to apply for a variety of high-paying employment.

You can rise to supervisory and managerial positions in your area with significant experience, advanced certification, and further education.

Following your trade school programs, you will be qualified for the following jobs:

  • Carpenter
  • Ironworker
  • Plumber
  • Electrician
  • Home Inspector
  • Dental Hygienist
  • Elevator Mechanic
  • Construction Manager
  • Air Traffic Controller
  • Commercial Pilots 

Frequently Asked Questions On The Best Trade Schools In MA

How long do trade school programs take?

Most diplomas from trade school programs take a year to complete, and an associate’s degree will take two years to complete. 

Which degree program level is less expensive?

Trade schools and two-year degree programs are typically less expensive than four-year ones. It’s critical to do your homework on tuition prices before enrolling in a technical school so that you can budget properly.

Can I attend trade school online?

Yes, it’s possible to attend a trade school online. Some trade school programs are easier to pursue online than others. You may need to partake in some in-person activities for more hands-on trade schools programs, such as an electrical technician or medical assistant.

What are the requirements for trade schools in MA?

Trade schools in MA have a less stringent admissions process than four-year colleges and universities. Extracurricular activities, grades, and test scores may not be as important as dedication and passion. Although some schools may need students to have work experience, trade school standards are often less stringent.

Does attending trade school lead to well paying and happy profession?

For less money than a four-year college, trade schools can give a faster road to a well-paying and happy profession. Whether you should attend a trade school or college is primarily determined by your job goals. Many trades also demand people to continue training on the job and gain professional qualifications to grow.

What are the benefits of trade school?

The most essential benefits of a trade school are its return on investment and hands-on experience which can frequently lead to future job chances.

Conclusion

Many trade schools exist in Massachusetts, where students can acquire a thorough vocational education.

Before choosing trade schools in MA, make sure the institution provides courses in your field of interest.

Reference

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Ajah Excel is a team growth and performance expert with over nine years of experience in blogging and personal development. He leads a team of 36 crazy, restless innovators with an enviable work culture at Silicon Africa Technologies Limited – a fast-rising tech firm from the SouthEast. Excel is the founder of Kiiky.com and WriterGig. He is also the co-organizer of TEDx Ikenegbu and convener of Social Media Fest. He is a vibrant learner who yearns to share his knowledge to educate and inspire young Africans. He has a B.Tech in Information Management Technology with certifications in growth hacking, effective communication, leadership, team, and personal development, to mention a few. Ajah Anayochukwu Excel is a passionate public speaker, creative writer, and brand storyteller.

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