List of Top 11 Two-Year Trade Schools: Check Tuition Fees and In-State Student Population

May 29, 2025, 04:49 EDT

This article discusses the rising importance of two-year trade schools in the U.S. as an alternative to four-year degrees. It highlights Forbes' ranking of the top two-year trade schools, listing institutions like the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA), North Central Kansas Technical College, and State Technical College of Missouri, among others. The article provides information such as the type of institution (public or private), median mid-career salaries, average fee structure, and in-state student populations for each school.

The Top Two-Year Trade School
The Top Two-Year Trade School

Now, as around millions of high school students in the U.S. pursue their higher education, the buzz around college applications grows louder. For most, the path ahead appears predetermined: a four-year bachelor’s degree. But as time evolves, skilled trades become more important than theoretical knowledge. So, now a different kind of institution is rising to meet this new-era demand: two-year trade schools.

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These two-year trade schools are not just an option but the best way to study for many. They offer streamlined training in high-demand sectors, lower tuition costs, and impressive job placement offers. Now, Forbes has recently released its ranking of the Top Two-Year Trade Schools in the U.S., reflecting on institutions where hands-on education meets real-world success. 

List of Top 11 Two-Year Trade Schools

Check the list of the top two-year trade schools as per the Forbes ranking, and let’s see which schools are offering what at affordable prices. 

  • Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA), West Mifflin, PA

The Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) is located in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. PIA is a private, non-profit institution. The median mid-career salary of its graduates is $70,700, the average tuition price is $25,394, and the in-state student population there is around 40%.

  • North Central Kansas Technical College, Beloit, KS

North Central Kansas Technical College is a public institution in Beloit, Kansas. It is located in a rural area with an average net fee of around $11,961 and an in-state student population of 100%.

  •  State Technical College of Missouri, Linn, MO

State Technical College of Missouri, which is also known as State Tech, is a public technical school located in Linn, Missouri. It is a public institution with a median mid-career salary of $58,400, an average net price of $7,918, and an in-state student population of 97%.

  • Lake Area Technical Institute, Watertown, SD

Lake Area Technical College (LATI) is a public community college located in Watertown, South Dakota. The campus spans around 40 acres and serves an area of 18,000 square miles. As a public institution, it has a median mid-career salary of $56,900, an average academic price of $11,216, and an in-state student population of 81%.

  • Lancaster County Career and Technology Center, Willow Street, PA

Lancaster County Career and Technology Center is a public institution located in Willow Street, Pennsylvania. The average net price at this institution is $9,865, and the in-state student population is 98%.

  • Carolinas College of Health Sciences, Charlotte, NC

Carolinas College of Health Sciences is a public institution located in Charlotte, North Carolina. The average study fees at the college are $21,895, and the in-state student population is 100%.

  • Mitchell Technical Institute, Mitchell, SD

Mitchell Technical College, also known as Mitchell Tech, is a public institution located in Mitchell, South Dakota. As a public college, it has a median mid-career salary of $58,300, an average fee of $11,003, and an in-state student population of 91%

  •  Salina Area Technical College, Salina, KS

Salina Area Technical College is a public technical college located in Salina, Kansas, United States. The college is coordinated by the Kansas Board of Regents and regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It is a public institution with an average net price of $5,917 and an in-state student population of 95%.

  • Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, Lancaster, PA

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology is also known as Stevens Tech. It is a public technical college located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It offers 25 academic programs for about 1,400 students. As a public institution, it has a median mid-career salary of $63,000, an average net academic fee of $5,341, and an in-state student population of 100%.

  •  Johnson College, Scranton, PA

Johnson College is a private, non-profit institution located in Scranton, Pennsylvania, with its campus situated in a city. The college has a median mid-career salary of $56,400, an average net price of $18,059, and has around 97% of in-state student population.

  •  Rosedale Technical College, Pittsburgh, PA

Rosedale Technical College is a private, non-profit institution located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with its campus in a suburb. The college has a median mid-career salary of $59,500, an average net price of $15,227, and an in-state student population of around  90%.

Despite these schools’ promising the best outcomes, trade school enrollment has declined, dropping 15% from 2010 to 2016. However, with bipartisan backing, including the federal Perkins Act reauthorization, momentum is building for vocational education.

Overview

Trade schools may not suit everyone, but for those who prefer hands-on work, lower debt, and immediate employment, they offer a compelling alternative to traditional college. As demand for skilled labour surges, these two-year programs are proving their worth, one successful graduate at a time.

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Sneha Singh
Sneha Singh

Content Writer

    Sneha Singh is a US News Content Writer at Jagran Josh, covering major developments in international policies and global affairs. She holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Amity University, Lucknow Campus. With over six months of experience as a Sub Editor at News24 Digital, Sneha brings sharp news judgment, SEO expertise and a passion for impactful storytelling.

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