Are you a resident of Chicago searching for the best trade schools in the city? Here is an article that explains all you need to about vocational schools in Chicago.
Trade schools have a lot to offer to students who want to acquire skills in construction, health sciences, you name it. These institutions are located in different cities across the United States, but in this post, we are discussing vocational schools in Chicago.
Trade schools have less expensive tuition fees and courses can be completed within a short period.
Trade schools are institutions where skills are learned through training. A lot of people have established a career path for themselves through training and skills acquired from trade schools.
In a moment, we will list the top trade schools in Chicago, so stick around to find out what we have on our list.
What Is a Trade School?
A trade school or vocational school is an accredited post-secondary institution that offers specific skills to students who want to excel in a particular industry.
Trade schools are different from what you would expect from a four-year college or university. They are accredited and offer a variety of programs in different fields of study.
Hands-on training in construction, information technology, and health is what you should expect from any trade school. Trade schools have equipped thousands of workers in several industries.
The construction industry is one place where you will skilled workers who graduated from a trade school. They are the utility worker that installs and maintain systems for utility companies.
Some of them are the plumbers that fix and maintain water supply systems in commercial or residential settings.
In general, trade schools can be a substitute for those who can’t afford to attend a four-year college or university. One thing is for sure after graduating from a trade school and that is acquiring specific skills suitable for a particular industry.
Also Read: What is an HVAC Certification and How to Get One?
What Are the Conditions for Admission to the Top Trade Schools in Chicago?
Generally, everyone is provided with an option regarding how they want to be educated. The system has provided online education, so distance is not an excuse to earn a degree or diploma.
With the number of students attending colleges and universities, we can all agree that attending a four-year institution is preferred by many. Vocational schools have a fewer number because of this.
Instead of attending a four-year college, some people will prefer to attend a trade school. When you consider course duration and the cost to attend a trade school, it’s a better option than a four-year college.
Obtaining a trade school certificate or diploma is less expensive and programs can be completed within a short period.
You know your area of interest and the career you want to build for yourself. A trade school will guide and offer you hands-on training in a specific career field.
Let’s talk about the step-by-step guide you need to know and a list of prerequisites.
Age Restrictions
A trade school is not a place for minors. For you to enrol in a trade school, you must be at least 18 years old. Applicants who are 17 years old must present a parental or guardian agreement.
This is a requirement for applicants who want to enrol in trade schools in Chicago.
Keep in mind that the type of program you choose to enrol in will determine the cost of your certification. The majority of the courses offered at trade schools in Chicago are expensive and some are not.
According to reports, a trade school degree cost about $33,000. This does not include the extra cost of course material and textbooks.
High School Diploma
Before you apply to any trade school in Chicago, make sure you have completed your high school education. One of the basic requirements to gain entry into a vocational school is a high school diploma or GED.
Additionally, you must present a minimum GPA of 2.0 if you want to enrol in any of the trade schools.
Evidence of English Language Competency
Communication is key when it comes to learning, especially in a post-secondary institution. The top trade schools require an applicant to show proficiency in English.
So, if you are an international student, you must show proficiency in English before you can gain admission.
The Career Program Assessment Test is a national examination that trade schools may request. The exam is designed to assess the reading, writing, and math skills of an applicant.
How Long Are Trade Schools in Chicago?
Students can graduate from a trade school within a short period. In general, trade schools offer associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas.
Unlike a bachelor’s degree offered in colleges and universities, an associate’s degree takes two years to complete.
Each vocational school has its curriculum, which varies from what other trade schools offer. The coursework is rigorous and last for about 8 months to two years.
Trade Schools in Chicago
Chicago is home to some of the top trade schools in the United States and here is a list of the best institutions.
#1 MacCormac College
MacCormac College is a private two-year college situated in Chicago. The institution is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and approved by the National Court Reporters Association and America Bar Association.
MacCormac College is an institution that offers paralegal criminal justice and law enforcement administration programs, as well as business studies.
The programs offered at MacCormac are designed to equip students with technical skills to excel in various business settings.
MacCormac is an institution that offers you the opportunity to pursue your career in a conducive learning environment. Qualified instructors are ready to take you through intensive training.
As one of Chicago’s best trade schools, MacCormac College provides financial aid to qualified students. Student housing and temporary employment are also available to students at MacCormac College.
Also Read: 10 Best Esthetician Schools in Chicago
#2. Bell Mar Beauty College
Established in 1985, Bell Mar Beauty College is a private institution located in Cicero, Illinois. This beauty school offers programs that students can complete in less than two years.
Although it’s not located in Chicago, Bell Mar Beauty College is one of the top trade schools in Illinois. The instructors at Bell Mar Beauty College are experts with years of experience in cosmetology.
They will ensure you receive the practical training required to excel in this profession. After graduation, you will be able to take and pass the state licensing test.
So if you want to acquire basic skills in cosmetology, try visiting the official website of Bell Mar Beauty College.
#3. Dental Assistant Academy of Chicago
Dental Assistant Academy of Chicago is one of the top trade schools you can find in Illinois. This institution offers programs that last for 11 weeks.
Through this 11-week program, students acquire the best experiences to face real-world problems. Dental health professionals are essential workers in the healthcare system, no doubt.
It’s a profession with promising job prospects.
Dental Assistant Academy of Chicago is an instruction that offers quick homework assistance. Students can also get access to over 20 publications, sample tests, study aids, and essays.
There is a basic requirement for students who wish to gain entry into this college. As an applicant to the Dental Assistant Academy of Chicago, you must pass a written test, as well as a manual dexterity test.
#4. Elgin Community College
This is a public community college located in Elgin, Illinois. Elgin Community College offers a variety of programs, from applied physical sciences to clinical laboratory technology, dental assistant, graphic design, human services, and paralegal.
Elgin Community College has an acceptance rate of 100%. This means you have a better chance to enrol in one of the best vocational schools in Illinois.
In-state tuition currently at Elgin Community College is about $7,140.
#5. Coyne College
Coyne University is one of the top trade schools in Chicago. It’s a private for-profit institution located in Chicago and it has a small student body.
At Coyne University, students can choose between attending daytime classes or evening classes. Coyne offers a variety of programs to about 500 students.
It’s an institution that focuses on assisting students to develop the right skills required to solve real-world problems.
#6. Empire Beauty School
Whether you want to acquire professional skills in nail technology, aesthetics, or cosmetology, Empire Beauty School got you covered.
Empire Beauty School is an institution that teaches the latest tools and techniques required for you to become a licensed skincare professional. The goal is to inspire the next generation of licensed beauty professionals in the beauty industry.
Empire allows its students to access social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest in order to stay updated on the latest trends.
#7. Oakton Community College
Oakton Community College is a public college that was established in 1969. In-state tuition at Oakton Community College is about $10,000.
Although this community college is not located in Chicago, it remains one of the top trade schools in Illinois. Oakton Community College is currently located in Des Plaines, Illinois.
The college was initially established in Morton Grove, Illinois before it was relocated.
Oakton Community College offers a variety of programs. Nursing, nursing, assistant, and liberal arts and humanities are some of the popular programs offered at Oakton College.
The cost for these programs is estimated at $6,300.
Oakton College admission requirements include presenting a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00. They also require a term GPA of 2.00 for every term of attendance.
Also Read: UIC Acceptance Rate, Admission, SAT/ACT, Tuition, Ranking
#8. HVAC Technical Institute
HVAC Technical Institute is an accredited institution established in 1994. As one of the best trade schools in Chicago, HVAC Technical Institute offers various programs that prepare students for the workforce.
Programs available at HVAC Technical Institute can be completed within a short period. HVAC Technical provides qualified instructors to educate students on residential and commercial refrigeration.
Keep in mind that HVAC Technical Institute will request for high school diploma or GED. Applicants must also submit their application form alongside a driver’s license/ID, and pay their tuition.
Courses offered at HVAC Technical Institute include;
- HVAC/R Technician
- HVAC Technician
- Electrical Technician
- Light Commercial Refrigeration
#9. West Chicago Professional Center
West Chicago Professional Center is an institution where students acquire basic skills through hands-on training.
This Chicago-based vocational school offers HVAC technicians, electrical technicians, as well as combined program programs.
The cost for the HVAC technician program is about $4,541, while the electrical technician program costs $4,367.
#10. Chicago Universal Technical Institute
Chicago Universal Technical Institute is an institution that offers the appropriate training in a conducive learning environment.
This is an institution that offers skill trade courses both in the automotive and collision repair industry.
#11. Solex College
Solex College is an institution that offers both full-time and part-time programs to a small number of students.
Attending Solex College can be quite expensive. But not to worry, as students are offered financial aid at Solex College to cover their living expenses and college cost.
Also Read: University of Chicago Acceptance Rate, Admission, SAT/ACT, GPA, Tuition
#12. Midwest Career Center
Midwest Career Center is a trade school that offers top-quality education. MCC is an institution that offers programs for medical technicians and surgical technologists.
#13 Lincoln College of Technology
Lincoln College of Technology is one of the top trade schools in Chicago. The admission process at Lincoln College of Technology requires a high school diploma or GED.
They also offer financial aid to students provided they present an ID/driver’s license.
Conclusion
A trade school is an institution where students acquire skills and knowledge to pursue a specific career. Trade schools offer anything from applied sciences to health sciences, etc.
A trade school offers programs that students can complete within two years, and the cost to attend one is less expensive. Attending a trade school is an opportunity to pursue a career in any field.
