Trade schools offer certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees. In California, these programs can cost upwards of $30,000. However, prices will vary and more affordable options are available. Costs also depend on resident status. In-state tuition is significantly cheaper than the amount students from outside of California will pay.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), bachelor’s degree programs can cost anywhere from $100,000 to $130,000. The price of attending a four-year public college was $24,869 during the 2018-2019 school year. A private for-profit institution costs just over $33,000 per year.

Technical colleges and trade schools charge just a fraction of the price. Students are able to leave these institutions without the amount of debt university students accrue. Flexible financial aid options are also available.

To receive an associate’s degree in the state of California, you must complete a minimum of 60 credits and maintain a grade point average of 2.0 or higher. Students must also complete at least 18 credits related to their chosen major.

Associate degrees are awarded after completing a two-year degree program. A minimum of 60 credits is needed to graduate. Part-time students will need more time to complete these requirements. Other students choose to condense their workload to graduate early or within one year.

IT certificates are widely available at trade schools and provide access to a number of desirable salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and network system administrators earn an annual median pay of $84, 8100. Meanwhile, computer programmers can earn upwards of $89,190.

Other high-paying trade job roles include medical assistant, construction manager, elevator repairer, and electrical technician.

Most accredited trade schools are eligible for federal student aid. Applicants enrolled in programs that last longer than 15 weeks are generally eligible for all forms of federal student aid, including grants and student loans. The only form of federal financial assistance available to individuals pursuing programs any shorter than this is direct loans.

Eligibility for financial aid is established through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Continued financial aid eligibility is based on financial need and satisfactory academic progress. Once we have evaluated a family’s ability to contribute, ICOHS College offers a financial aid package that may include grants and loans. We are also GI Bill approved, meaning we offer special financing options for veterans, service members, or qualified family members.

Occupational education opportunities generally have more flexible requirements than typically university programs. Our general eligibility requirements are that you must have a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent such as a General Educational Development (GED) certificate.

Students who have completed their high school education through a homeschool program approved under state law are also welcome at our San Diego campus.

Private postsecondary education programs typically offer academic certifications and degrees to students who have completed all requirements for a specific trade or career. This process generally takes less time than the traditional undergraduate program, though it varies from state to state.