Tuition, cost and net price
| Median per year | Public | Private nonprofit | For-profit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schools | 597 | 124 | 1,402 |
| Tuition and fees (2025-26) | $4,761 | $16,640 | $17,000 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $15,582 | $28,662 | $26,528 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $8,389 | $20,834 | $21,132 |
| Federal debt of completers | $9,608 | $9,500 | $9,497 |
Cost of attendance adds books, supplies, housing, food and transportation to tuition. Net price is what aided students actually paid after grants and scholarships.
Net price by family income
| Family income | Public trade schools | For-profit trade schools |
|---|---|---|
| $0 to $30,000 | $7,715 | $20,636 |
| $30,001 to $48,000 | $8,199 | $21,441 |
| $48,001 to $75,000 | $8,442 | $21,853 |
| $75,001 to $110,000 | $10,412 | $24,407 |
| Over $110,000 | $13,870 | $26,652 |
At public schools, the lowest-income students pay the least because federal Pell Grants cover much of the bill. At for-profit schools the gap between income groups is smaller, so even low-income students often pay a lot.
How to pay less
- Start with public options. Public technical colleges and community colleges usually charge a fraction of private schools for the same certificate.
- File the FAFSA. Trade schools on the College Scorecard take federal aid, and Pell Grants do not have to be repaid.
- Ask for the full program price, not just yearly tuition: tools, uniforms, kits and licensing exams can add hundreds or thousands of dollars.
- Look at apprenticeships for electrical, plumbing and other construction trades, where you are paid while you train.
- Check what graduates earn before you borrow. Every trade page shows program earnings and debt.
Sources
- College Scorecard data, U.S. Department of Education, institution and field of study files, release of October 15, 2026
- College Scorecard data dictionary
