Trade and career programs at Porter & Chester Institute
Certificate and associate programs in the trades we track. One-year earnings are for graduates of 2020-21 and 2021-22, four-year earnings for graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, both in 2024 dollars.
| Program | Credential | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Earnings 4 yrs after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | Certificate | 289 | $42,734 | $52,971 | $13,392 |
| Medical assistant | Certificate | 175 | $37,513 | $39,081 | $12,524 |
| LPN and CNA | Certificate | 169 | $64,388 | $60,388 | $19,160 |
| HVAC | Certificate | 162 | $48,757 | $60,224 | $16,533 |
| Dental assisting and hygiene | Certificate | 114 | $35,455 | $36,894 | $10,783 |
| Auto and diesel mechanic | Certificate | 97 | $44,695 | $45,988 | $16,198 |
| Plumbing | Certificate | 59 | $39,712 | n/a | $13,910 |
| Welding | Certificate | 43 | n/a | n/a | $12,763 |
Porter & Chester Institute cost
| Tuition and fees (2025-26) | $13,748 |
|---|---|
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $28,576 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $20,194 |
Net price by family income
| Family income | Average net price |
|---|---|
| $0 to $30,000 | $16,999 |
| $30,001 to $48,000 | $24,351 |
| $48,001 to $75,000 | $18,517 |
| $75,001 to $110,000 | $22,256 |
| Over $110,000 | $26,822 |
Program prices often differ from the school-wide figure, and tools, uniforms or licensing exams can add to them. Ask the school for the full price of the program you want.
Outcomes and students
- 58% of first-time, full-time students finished within 150% of the normal program length (students who started in fall 2022 or the 2022-23 year).
- 49% of first-time students came back or finished after the first year.
- Former students earned a median of $48,942 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $12,965 in federal student loans.
- 69% of students receive a federal Pell Grant.
- Accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Porter & Chester Institute cost?
Tuition and fees are $13,748 a year (2025-26). After grants, aided students paid an average net price of $20,194 in 2024-25.
What is the completion rate at Porter & Chester Institute?
58% of first-time, full-time students finished within 150% of the normal time for their program.
How much do Porter & Chester Institute graduates earn?
LPN and CNA certificate graduates had the highest median earnings of the programs we track: $64,388 one year after finishing.
Is Porter & Chester Institute accredited?
Porter & Chester Institute is accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, according to the Department of Education.
Other trade schools nearby
- New England Tractor Trailer Training School of CT-Bridgeport, Bridgeport: $12,695 a year
- Lincoln Technical Institute-East Windsor, East Windsor: $37,766 a year
- Lincoln Technical Institute-New Britain, New Britain: $35,621 a year
- Lincoln Technical Institute-Shelton, Shelton: $33,395 a year
- Academy Di Capelli-School of Cosmetology, Wallingford: $18,930 a year
- American Institute-West Hartford, West Hartford: $19,495 a year
More: all trade schools in Connecticut · Porter & Chester Institute on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard (institution and field of study files), data release of October 15, 2026. Earnings are for graduates who received federal aid and were working, not enrolled. What each figure covers.