Top 9 Trade Schools in Iowa

Trade schools in Iowa go by a variety of titles, but their primary objective is often to offer instruction tailored to a given trade. A bachelor’s degree is more expensive than a vocational school, which is typically shorter and has less stringent admission standards. These initiatives typically last two years or fewer. 

Trade Schools in Iowa

The majority of general education classes are eliminated, and they place a strong emphasis on practical training. Regardless of a student’s high school performance, the more lenient entry standards at many vocational institutions in Iowa can offer a lucrative postsecondary route. Check out the best trade schools in Iowa in this article.

Top 9 Trade Schools in Iowa

Best Trade Schools in Iowa

Without a high school diploma or with a poor GPA, trade colleges in Iowa may admit candidates. Additionally, they typically do not require any particular courses, backgrounds, or additional activities. Here are some of the top trade schools in Iowa.

1. Western Iowa Tech Community College

An integrated community college with public funding, Western Iowa Tech Community College serves several Iowa counties. Its goal as a holistic community college is to boost the economies of the areas it serves while also offering high-quality education.

The college offers several diplomas, associate degrees, and certificate programs in high-demand vocational fields. Some of these include accounting, administrative office management, accounting specialist, administrative assistant, advanced emergency medical technician, agriculture agronomy, medical coding, and welding technology, among 130 other programs.

The tuition fee per credit hour for the programs can range from $67 to $208. Students can get financial aid through scholarships, free tuition, and other grants. The college has Higher Learning Commission accreditation, and several institutions have also authorized the college.

2. Hawkeye Community College

Iowa’s Waterloo is home to the main campus of Hawkeye Community College. The institution is committed to serving the community’s needs and offering excellent, cost-effective education to students from all walks of life. The college offers associate and certificate programs in liberal arts, agriculture, automotive and transportation, business, construction trades, education, health sciences, IT, manufacturing and engineering, and more.

Aspiring students and their families can participate in on-campus and online visitation activities. The college offers online and on-campus individual appointments. On visit days, there are discussions with current students and professors, details on financial assistance and scholarships, and a rundown of everything Hawkeye has to offer.

The tuition fee for the program range between $210 and $227 depending on whether the student is a resident or a non-resident. Financial aid is available in the form of scholarships, grants, direct federal student loans, and military education benefits, among others. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited Hawkeye Community College.

3. Midwest Welding Academy

Midwest Welding Academy provides a range of courses for certifications at the Journeyman level and perks for lifelong brush-up for graduates. The academy offers assistance with job placement for life and aid with job exam preparation. Students opting for the programs can learn at their own pace in addition to a flexible timetable. The school has a student-to-teacher ratio of 2:10.

The Midwest Welding Academy works hard to deliver exceptional Journeyman-level training. They contribute to the development of technically competent and effective welding professionals. A multilingual teacher is on hand at Midwest Welding School to teach pupils who are fluent in Spanish. The program duration ranges from 160 hours to 720 hours.

The tuition fees vary from $4,000 to $17,655 and depend on the program you choose. Every consumable item and textbook are included in the tuition. A completion certificate and welding certifications will be given to students once they have met the specified course criteria. They are all included in the tuition price, and no need to incur extra costs.

4. Des Moines Area Community College

Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) Urban Campus is located in the center of Des Moines. Des Moines Area Community College offers associate degrees, certificates, diplomas, and non-credit programs in a wide range of subjects. Ten academic and career-focused routes make up the DMACC’s programs and learning areas.

The college hosts one of the most varied and multiracial student populations in the state. To help students reach new heights in their lives and professions, they provide them with top-notch education, academic counseling, and academic assistance. The DMACC Board of Trustees determines the pricing of credit classes at DMACC each year.

Your final cost will vary based on where you live, how many credits you take, any fees, and the class type. The tuition cost ranges from $178 to $356 per credit hour, depending on whether you are a resident or non-resident, taking classes physically, online, or web-blended.

5. Iowa Central Community College

Iowa Central Community College provides a more economical and educational option to four-year institutions. It offers more than 100 majors and a variety of student activities. For great hands-on learning, visit one of their five campuses in Fort Dodge, Storm Lake, or Webster City.

For many of our students, Iowa Central’s online courses provide a convenient option for distance learning. The college offers more than 30 tuition-free programs for students in varying fields. Students also get the opportunity to choose from over 30 athletic programs. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 16:1, the college ensures to provide students with an efficient learning environment.

From dental hygiene, certified nurse aid, and medical assistant to culinary arts, criminal justice, and radiologic technology, students get a huge selection of programs. You can take a virtual or in-campus tour to get a feel of the environment and in-depth information regarding the programs. The Higher Learning Commission has granted accreditation to the college.

6. Waldorf University

Situated in the heart of Forest City, Iowa, Waldorf University is a welcoming private liberal arts college. Waldorf presents opportunities for everyone who wishes to further their academic, personal, or professional lives. You can fit lessons around your hectic schedule thanks to the flexible course offerings, which include online and residential alternatives.

Through current trends and industry best practices, Waldorf gives students a comprehensive grasp of their chosen sector. As a means of professional advancement for working professionals, certificate programs are also offered. Waldorf provides a solution for every student’s academic demands.

Students must demonstrate that they have successfully completed the high school graduation standards set out by their state to get admission. The tuition fee per credit hour for the programs offered at the university is $315. Students can get federal student aid, grants, and scholarships to aid their finances. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has granted Waldorf University accreditation.

7. Southeastern Community College

Southeastern Community College is located in the center of Columbus County. The goal of the institute is to create a skilled workforce that will make the neighborhood a dynamic place to live, work, and play. Beyond the great educational opportunities they offer, they extend significant activities and services to the community in an effort to realize their goal.

The college offers a range of associate degree programs that students can take online or on campus. Students can become industry-ready after completing one of their special programs. They furthermore include programs that help students get ready for future study at a four-year institution, continuing education seminars, and online or distance education courses.

With the aid of SCC’s work-study opportunities, grants, loans, and scholarships, students get affordable education at the institute. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) has granted Southeastern Community College accreditation to grant associate degrees.

8. Kirkwood Community College

Kirkwood Community College is the region’s top option for excellent, easily accessible education and training, with 14 facilities spanning 7 counties. With the most majors and programs in the area, Kirkwood provides the ideal routes to accomplish your goals. The college offers over 140 associate, diploma, certificate, and short-term programs in a litany of fields. They also provide upskill courses designed for working professionals to take them to the next level in their careers.

Students can earn free college credits while they are in high school by getting hands-on learning opportunities. Incredible learning possibilities are available at Kirkwood, along with a wide range of helpful amenities, including individualized advice and even grants for overseas students.

The Kirkwood Foundation has tirelessly sought money to promote students’ access to training and education since its founding in 1969. Students can get financial aid such as scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study. Kirkwood adheres to the standards set forth by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) in collaboration with state and federal authorities.

9. Northwest Iowa Community College

Northwest Iowa Community College is dedicated to serving students, collaborating with local companies and sectors, offering top-notch instruction, and allowing students to put learning into practice. Students can choose online or on-campus classes in more than 40 programs that the school offers.

Programs include business, IT, construction, electrical, general studies, manufacturing, and health. The college has a 13:1 student-to-teacher ratio which ensures they get individual attention from the instructor. It is among the most inexpensive choices for post-high school education. Tuition and expenses are affordable at NCC.

Northwest Iowa Community College has been granted certification by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accrediting body approved by the U.S. Department of Education. The average tuition fee for the programs at the college is $5,910. Each year, hundreds of students can choose from financial assistance and grants.

Wrapping Up

Students in Iowa can attain entry-level competencies required for jobs and can then finish the remainder of their training while working. You could get competing pay in many of these areas due to their high demand. You can find out more details ab

Trade Schools in Iowa

The below list of trade schools are available in Iowa.

Iowa Trade Schools by City