IA School Directory
Compare 8 accredited trade schools across 8 cities — tuition, programs, and IA licensing rules
8
Schools
8
Cities
15
Trade Programs
Iowa is home to 8 accredited trade schools and vocational training programs across 8 cities. Whether you're looking for hands-on training in the skilled trades, healthcare, or technology fields, IA offers a range of programs designed to help you start a rewarding career in as little as a few months.
Trade schools in Iowa provide focused, career-oriented education that gets you into the workforce faster than a traditional four-year degree. Programs typically combine classroom instruction with practical, hands-on training so you graduate with real-world skills employers are looking for.
Median listed tuition across 8 Iowa schools that publish a price is $5,929, ranging from $4,152 to $7,050. The table below breaks that down by program — every figure comes from the tuition these schools publish, not a national average.
| Program | Programs | Median tuition | Range | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚚 CDL Training | 8 | $6,004 | $1,800–$9,685 | 3-8 weeks |
| ❄️ HVAC Technician | 8 | $7,359 | $5,512–$10,992 | 6-24 months |
| ⚡ Electrician | 8 | $6,840 | $5,496–$9,685 | 9-24 months |
| 🔥 Welding | 8 | $6,090 | $4,500–$8,616 | 6-18 months |
| 🚗 Automotive Technician | 8 | $8,850 | $6,308–$11,100 | 6-24 months |
| 🩺 Medical Assistant | 8 | $6,840 | $5,496–$9,685 | 9-12 months |
| 🪚 Carpentry | 8 | $6,840 | $2,500–$9,685 | 6-24 months |
| 🦷 Dental Assistant | 8 | $6,840 | $5,496–$9,685 | 9-12 months |
| 💊 Pharmacy Technician | 8 | $6,071 | $1,689–$9,685 | 6-12 months |
| 💻 IT & Networking | 8 | $6,840 | $5,496–$9,685 | 6-24 months |
| 🔧 Plumbing | 7 | $7,050 | $5,496–$9,685 | 9-24 months |
| 👨🍳 Culinary Arts | 7 | $7,050 | $5,496–$9,685 | 6-24 months |
| 🐾 Veterinary Technician | 7 | $7,050 | $5,496–$9,685 | 18-24 months |
| 💇 Cosmetology | 3 | $5,512 | $5,496–$8,616 | 9-15 months |
| 💆 Massage Therapy | 3 | $5,512 | $5,496–$8,616 | 6-12 months |
Based on the 8 schools listed on Trade Schools Review in Iowa. Median is calculated across programs with a published tuition figure; schools that quote on request are excluded. Confirm current pricing with the school.
The lowest published tuition among Iowa schools in our directory. Public community and technical colleges dominate this list — they charge in-district rates for the same credentials private career colleges sell at several times the price.
Sioux City, IA · Community College
$4,152
listed tuition
Fort Dodge, IA · Community College
$5,496
listed tuition
Bettendorf, IA · Community College
$5,512
listed tuition
Ankeny, IA · Community College
$5,550
listed tuition
Waterloo, IA · Community College
$6,308
listed tuition
Cedar Rapids, IA · Community College
$6,630
listed tuition
Calmar, IA · Community College
$6,780
listed tuition
Council Bluffs, IA · Community College
$7,050
listed tuition
Ankeny has the most options in the state with 1 school. Pick a city to compare local programs, tuition, and schedules.
With 8 options to compare, choosing the right trade school takes some research. Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating programs in IA: