Online Trade and Vocational Schools

There are many varieties of online trade schools, from institutions offering diploma programs in several areas to schools that specialize in a particular cluster of trades, such as automotive repair or heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). Some people use the term "trade" to refer to jobs installing or repairing mechanical equipment, but the definition is much broader than that and also includes careers in the culinary arts, beauty and cosmetology, and healthcare.

Trade schools top out at the certificate or associate level. You need to apply to a four-year college if you want to earn a bachelor's degree or higher. In most cases, instructors design vocational programs to prepare graduates for whatever licensure or certification they need to practice their trade. For example, a plumbing program will usually include a course to help you study for the state licensure exam for plumbers.

Many people are attracted to online learning programs for their flexibility. Most of them offer asynchronous courses, which means you can sign in to do your work at convenient times rather than on a set schedule.

Indeed, convenience is the chief reason for the popularity of online degrees, and online trade programs are no different — to a point. As discussed, most vocational programs call for some hands-on experience, so you'll often find hybrid programs that have some in-person elements.

Depending on your vocation, you might want to ensure that your school has earned accreditation from the organization responsible for that field. You can review the list of programmatic accreditors on the Council for Higher Education Accreditation site to find one that reviews trade programs in your area of study. Note that not every discipline has a programmatic accreditor.

This depends on your learning style and personal circumstances. You might find it hard to concentrate on recorded lectures and educational videos at home or in public, where there are constant opportunities for distraction. It can be especially challenging to study at home with children around. But if you think you have the means and temperament to stay disciplined with coursework outside of rigid class times, then distance learning is worth considering.

Vocational schools are often private institutions that can charge online students what they like, so costs range widely. We found average tuition costs between $15,000 and $26,000 when we ran the numbers for four popular trade fields, based on data from the Department of Education's (DOE) College Affordability and Transparency List. The DOE doesn't distinguish between online and in-person programs, so we can't say whether attending online is likely to save you money.

You should understand that trade schools tend to cost more than community colleges, which give steep discounts to nearby residents who pay local taxes. Enrolling in a career education program at your local two-year college could save you thousands of dollars in tuition and potentially lead to less student debt down the road.

Yes, you can explore both government and private sources of financial aid for your online trade program. Most funding sources ask you to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) so they can understand your financial situation. If you have undocumented immigration status, you won't be able to get federal aid, but you may still qualify for state and private aid — check your state's department of education website to find any special forms for undocumented learners.