15 Best Trade Schools in Iowa | Cost, Requirements, How to Apply

This article explores the best trade schools in Iowa.

Selecting a school can be very time-consuming and annoying. Going to a regular four-year college is a standard route that many people decide to take. 

Traditional education isn’t appropriate for everyone, though. Shorter programs that concentrate on teaching specialized skills may be more successful for some students. 

Trade schools can be helpful in this situation. Contrary to colleges, trade schools provide a quicker and less expensive path to employment in a potentially lucrative field. 

If this style of education appeals to you more, stop your search right here. A list of outstanding vocational schools accepting new students is shown below.

Are There Trade Schools in Iowa?

The National Center for Education Statistics estimates that Iowa currently has more than 10 trade schools.

Here are some Trade schools in Iowa:

  • Iowa Lakes Community College
  • Midwest Technical Institute
  • Siouxland Pipe Welding School
  • The Salon Professional Academy

How Much Do Trade Schools Cost?

The cost of trade schools in Iowa varies by program and school.

In the best trade schools in Iowa, many community colleges also offer vocational programs for under $2,200 per year.

See Also: 15 Best Trade Schools in Fort Worth | Cost, Requirements, How to Apply

What are the Requirements For Trade Schools in Iowa?

To be considered the best trade school in Iowa. The applicants must gather all necessary evidence, including a copy of their high school diploma, high school transcript, or GED, according to the application requirements specified by the best trade schools in the Iowa admission office before submitting their application packet.

You should be sure before applying that you have the strong determination to enroll in the best trade schools in Iowa because the primary selection criteria by which the students are selected will be based on the student’s interest in this field.

Your motivation can have a big impact on the hiring decision and persuade the interviewer that you are the ideal candidate for the job.

What are the best trade schools in Iowa | 2024?

1. Iowa Lakes Community College

There is a course at Iowa Lakes Community College that will fit your interests because the college offers so many different options. This is one of the best trade schools in Iowa.

They take themselves in having a flexible curriculum that gives students the option of full- or part-time study options. Additionally, this institution provides evening, weekend, and online classes. 

They want to give everyone and everyone the best possible education. Many former, present, and potential students consider Iowa Lakes to be among the greatest colleges in the nation.

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2. Midwest Technical Institute

The educational facility Midwest Technical Institute provides a wide range of programs in the fields of mechanical trades and health careers. This is one of the best trade schools in Iowa.

All of the courses have a great future and a good chance of becoming financially rewarding. 

This institution has produced a large number of field and industry professionals since its 1995 founding. 

Because they want to be adaptable and accessible to students from all backgrounds, they provide a variety of timetable options. 

The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools & Colleges has granted Midwest Technical Institute accreditation. Additionally, it takes part in the Federal Financing Aid Program run by the US Department of Education. 

While the HVAC/R program has the HVAC Excellence accreditation, its medical assisting programs are also CAAHEP-accredited.

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3. Siouxland Pipe Welding School

Did you know that one of the highest-paying positions in the skilled professions is welding? 

You might join this rich business if you can discover a top-notch educational setting to acquire and hone your skills. This is one of the best trade schools in Iowa.

Fortunately, Siouxland Pipe Welding School has some excellent courses in a variety of welding specialties. 

Gaylon Parker, one of the instructors at this school, ensures that their instruction is of the highest caliber possible. He has 20 years of experience in the welding business and is a master welder. 

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With only four months to complete it, the course is thorough and quick. After finishing, pupils will be ready to join the pipe welding industry right away.

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See Also: 15 Best Trade Schools in Dallas | Cost, Requirements, How to Apply

4. Body Wisdom Massage Therapy School

The Body Wisdom School of Massage Therapy was founded in 1999. This is one of the best trade schools in Iowa.

Since then, a sizable number of aspiring massage therapy practitioners have been welcomed and educated there. This isn’t just a typical institution that emphasizes academic rigor. 

In this case, self-development is also crucial. People will discover how to take care of themselves first before focusing on their clients. 

Their personnel has extensive knowledge in both massage and athletic massage therapy. You may be sure that their curriculum meets and surpasses all national criteria because their program has also been accredited by COMTA.

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5. Iowa School of Beauty

A family-run enterprise with almost a century of history is the Iowa School of Beauty. This is one of the best trade schools in Iowa.

The professors are excellent and have a great deal of enthusiasm for working with students. 

They aim for excellence and will do all it takes to give those who are interested in beauty the best possible education. 

Additionally, the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences has given this institution national accreditation. 

Prospective beauticians who successfully complete the program can sit for the Iowa State Board Exam, obtain a license, and start working. 

Beauty is a multi-billion dollar industry that is incredibly lucrative. Thus, it may be a wise decision for aspirants to become cosmetologists, nail techs, estheticians, or massage therapists.

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6. Upper Iowa University

Since 1853, Upper Iowa University has been a functioning community. This is one of the best trade schools in Iowa.

They are recognized as a very respected college with thousands of happy students thanks to their educational brilliance. 

Expectedly, the Higher Learning Commission, the Louisiana Higher Education Board, the Wisconsin Educational Approval Board, and the Iowa Department of Education have all given their programs full accreditation. 

Offering a wide variety of helpful courses, they make sure that everyone may find a course that interests them. 

For students who match the requirements, this prestigious college offers a variety of financial aid programs and grants.

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7. The Salon Professional Academy

The Salon Professional Academy encourages people to seek careers in the beauty sector, which is ripe with opportunities and innovation. This is one of the best trade schools in Iowa.

Through a dynamic program, they hope to help each student reach their full potential and learn exceptional artistic ability. 

This institution employs cutting-edge technology, monitors current market trends, and instructs students in contemporary methods. 

The facilities are exceptionally well-equipped, and students will have the chance to put their abilities to the test in an actual workplace. 

In addition to being a school, The Salon Professional Academy also owns prosperous spas and beauty salons, further attesting to their expertise and experience in the field. 

This academy is the only beauty school accredited by Redken for excellence in education and a Certified Redken Business Resource.

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8. Capri College

Capri College, which was established in 1996, has produced a lot of prosperous beauty industry specialists. This is one of the best trade schools in Iowa.

They take pride in offering affordable, “cutting-edge” education to pupils. 

Students at Capri College have access to a wide range of employment prospects because of the college’s extensive network of spas and beauty parlors. 

In the Excellence in Education Program for 2013, this school took home top accolades. 

The student’s curriculum is practical and includes lots of practice in order for them to get a feel for a particular ability. 

The fact that this institution offers a 2-week satisfaction guarantee is an intriguing feature. 

This means that students will receive a complete refund, less the application and registration fees, if they decide they don’t like the program during the first two weeks of classes.

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9. JTL Truck Driving Training

In the last few years, there has been a noticeable growth in the demand for truck drivers. This is one of the best trade schools in Iowa.

A great career that pays well is steady, and offers a ton of opportunity is trucking. Given that it has successfully trained hundreds of pupils, JTL Truck Driving School is among the best in the nation. 

The staff is knowledgeable, affable, and compassionate. A wonderful, high-quality education is offered to children at a very affordable school. 

They have an excellent reputation, and pupils only have positive things to say about them. It’s an all-around well-rounded program that could produce outstanding outcomes in the future.

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10. Hamilton Technical College

For 45 years, Hamilton Tech College has served the quad-city region. This is one of the best trade schools in Iowa.

Over the years, they’ve grown and expanded significantly because of their fantastic program. Giving pupils practical training that has been specifically tailored to meet industrial needs is their aim. 

The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges has granted accreditation to Hamilton Tech College. After completing the courses offered here, students will be qualified to work in a variety of lucrative industries. 

One of the best things about this college is the faculty. They have years of expertise, and many pupils have commended their interactive teaching techniques.

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See Also: 15 Best Trade Schools in Kentucky | Costs, Requirements, and How to Apply

11. Kirkwood Community College

The site of Kirkwood in Cedar Rapids includes a 635-acre working farm, a vineyard, and more than a dozen structures. This is one of the best trade schools in Iowa.

The college’s more than 16,000 students can choose from more than 120 degrees and certificates. Because of its offerings in manufacturing, health sciences, technology, and engineering, Kirkwood ranks at the top of Iowa’s technical institutions. 

Students at Kirkwood can obtain degrees in cutting-edge fields like agricultural geospatial technology, manufacturing and robotics technologies, and electroneurodiagnostic technology. 

Additionally, the college grants degrees in paralegal studies, automobile technology, dental hygiene, and skilled trades. 

Students can select a one-year certificate in a specialty like small-scale food production, clinical laboratory assistant, or construction estimator.

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12. Indian Hills Community College

Indian Hills is one of the top trade schools in Iowa, with campuses in southeast Iowa. This is one of the best trade schools in Iowa.

In two years or less, the career and technical programs at the institution prepare students for the workforce. 

Indian Hills provides associate degrees in a number of well-liked vocational subjects, including health sciences, culinary arts, automotive technology, and construction technology. 

Students can enroll in allied health courses in emergency services, radiologic technology, respiratory care, and dental hygiene.

The technical degrees offered by the college include courses in bioprocessing technology, electrical technology, and renewable energy technology.

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13. Des Moines Area Community College

More than 200 degrees and certificates are available from DMACC’s six facilities in the state’s capital city of Iowa. This is one of the best trade schools in Iowa.

Nearly 66,000 students are served by DMACC’s on-campus and online programs. 

98% of students, according to the college, either find employment or continue their studies after graduating. 

Technology-focused degrees in disciplines like applied engineering technology, advanced manufacturing technology, and medical laboratory technology are available to students at DMACC. 

The vocational degrees offered by the institution also include courses in legal studies, culinary arts, automobile mechanics, and dental hygiene. 

The DMACC offers specialist credentials in uncommon fields like building maintenance, respiratory therapy, and sleep medicine.

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14. Hawkeye Community College

Having been established in 1966, Hawkeye today has 25,000+ students. The technical and vocational programs offered by the college are reasonably priced. This is one of the best trade schools in Iowa.

The career services department at Hawkeye aids students in tailoring their programs to their abilities and professional objectives. Additionally, the college assists students with finding employment and offers personalized career advice. 

READ ALSO:  15 Best Trade Schools in Chicago | Costs, Requirements, and How to Apply

Engineering, allied health, technology, and emergency services are among the vocational fields offered by Hawkeye. 

A degree in electronics engineering technology, automotive technology, or welding technology is available to students. Additionally, Hawkeye offers programs for dental hygienists, physical therapist assistants, and occupational therapy assistants. 

Dental assistants, landscaping and grass managers, and medical assistants are all trained by the college’s occupational credentials.

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15. Iowa Lakes Community College

The Great Lakes region of Iowa is home to Iowa Lakes, which offers specialized vocational programs tailored to the needs of local companies. This is one of the best trade schools in Iowa.

The technical and vocational programs at the institution collaborate with organizations that promote economic development to include career-oriented skills in their curriculum. 

Students can obtain degrees in engineering technology, construction technology, and agricultural technology at Iowa Lakes. 

A degree for boat and watercraft technicians as well as certificates in marine service technology and power sports and power equipment technology are among the tailored programs offered by the college. 

Learners with a passion for healthcare might pursue certification in surgical technology or training as medical assistant specialists.

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How much do traders earn in Iowa?

The prognosis for employment and pay varies substantially by profession. The mean annual wage for all trade school occupations in 2017 was $55,270, according to the BLS. 

Different wage potential is offered by each industry. For instance, according to the BLS, welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers made a median annual pay of $42,490 in 2019 and are expected to see a 3% increase in employment between 2018 and 2028. 

Additionally, according to the BLS, electricians made a median annual wage of $56,180 in 2019 and are expected to experience a 10% job growth rate over the same time period.

Are there financial aids for trade schools in Iowa?

The FAFSA provides funding for trade schools. First-time candidates should allow 55 minutes to finish this application while returning applicants should allow 45 minutes. 

For need-based funding, this application needs your financial information. The tax information of the applicant’s guardian must be entered if they submit their taxes as dependents. 

Subsidized loans, unsubsidized loans, and grants are available through the FAFSA. Grants and subsidized loans demand proof of financial need from applicants. 

Grants are not repaid, however, subsidized loans must be repaid by students.

Conclusion 

Did you know that a four-year bachelor’s degree typically costs 82% more than an associate degree? 

Students who decide to further their education in trade schools will also have an easier time finding a secure career. 

This is due to the enormous demand for skilled professionals in today’s economy. 

Fortunately, there are a lot of fantastic institutions that instruct these talents and get their potential students ready for a career in the workforce.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What types of technical colleges exist? 

In Iowa, there are tech schools for the medical field as well as for cosmetology, criminology, and welding. 

Can Credits from trade schools be transferred? 

Accredited trade schools’ credits are typically accepted by four-year institutions. The ability to build on an associate degree and progress toward a bachelor’s degree is offered by several universities to transfer students. 

What distinguishes a trade school from a technical school? 

They can both be used interchangeably. The same types of degrees and certificates are offered by technical schools and trade schools.

References

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