255 trade schools · California
Trade schools in California
California has 255 trade schools in our data (44 public, 195 for-profit), and 360 schools in all, counting community colleges, offer certificate or associate programs in the trades we track. Median yearly tuition at trade schools here is $16,375.
Trade schools255
Public44
For-profit195
Median tuition$16,375
Median completion rate75%
Median earnings 10 yrs after entry$41,532
Programs by trade in California
Number of schools, including community colleges, with a certificate or associate program in each field.
Welding80 schoolsHVAC40 schoolsElectrician58 schoolsPlumbing8 schoolsCarpentry8 schoolsConstruction trades52 schoolsAuto and diesel mechanic94 schoolsHeavy equipment mechanic33 schoolsTruck driving (CDL)10 schoolsCosmetology and barbering112 schoolsCulinary arts55 schoolsMedical assistant158 schoolsLPN and CNA101 schoolsDental assisting and hygiene89 schoolsPhlebotomy and medical lab30 schoolsEMT, surgical tech and imaging120 schoolsMedical billing and coding141 schoolsMassage therapy23 schoolsParalegal55 schools
All 255 trade schools in California
Schools that mostly award certificates. Click a heading to sort.
| School | Type | Students | Tuition (2025-26) | Avg net price | Completion rate | Earnings 10 yrs after entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABC Adult SchoolCerritos | Public technical school | 173 | $5,000 | $12,847 | 36% | n/a |
| ABCO TechnologyLos Angeles | For-profit trade school | 75 | $9,354 | $7,594 | 100% | n/a |
| ATA CollegeEl Cajon | For-profit trade school | 80 | $16,990 | $17,259 | 82% | $33,153 |
| ATI College-WhittierWhitter | For-profit trade school | 149 | $34,900 | $32,364 | n/a | $42,922 |
| Academy for Salon ProfessionalsNorthridge | For-profit trade school | 134 | $9,250 | $21,006 | 96% | $31,029 |
| Advance Beauty CollegeGarden Grove | For-profit trade school | 346 | $4,420 | $10,949 | 90% | $17,233 |
| Advance Beauty Techs AcademyCorona | For-profit trade school | 90 | $15,650 | $28,800 | 68% | $22,521 |
| Advanced Career InstituteVisalia | For-profit trade school | 664 | $5,970 | n/a | 73% | $47,832 |
| Allan Hancock CollegeSanta Maria | Public community or technical college | 8,052 | $1,158 | $3,975 | 34% | $46,603 |
| Alliant International University-San DiegoSan Diego | For-profit trade school | 391 | $15,392 | n/a | n/a | $67,985 |
| American Beauty CollegeWest Covina | For-profit trade school | 334 | $18,000 | $33,634 | 88% | $30,742 |
| American Career College-AnaheimAnaheim | For-profit trade school | 1,644 | $42,901 | $35,222 | 76% | $44,917 |
| American Career College-Los AngelesLos Angeles | For-profit trade school | 2,168 | $42,901 | $35,032 | 76% | $44,917 |
| American Career College-OntarioOntario | For-profit trade school | 2,242 | $42,901 | $34,185 | 72% | $45,256 |
| American College of Healthcare and TechnologyRiverside | For-profit trade school | 272 | $36,695 | $23,009 | 78% | $33,866 |
| American College of Healthcare and TechnologyHuntington Park | For-profit trade school | 125 | $17,950 | $18,015 | 89% | $33,866 |
| American College of Healthcare and Technology-Santa AnaSanta Ana | For-profit trade school | 51 | $17,950 | $20,010 | 78% | $33,866 |
| American Jewish UniversityLos Angeles | Nonprofit trade school | 60 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $43,649 |
| Angeles CollegeLos Angeles | For-profit trade school | 598 | $30,887 | $27,587 | n/a | $64,146 |
| Angeles InstituteARTESIA | For-profit trade school | 113 | $33,411 | $27,607 | 86% | $56,002 |
| Asian-American International Beauty CollegeWestminster | For-profit trade school | 442 | $1,250 | n/a | 94% | $17,379 |
| Associated Barber College of San DiegoSan Diego | For-profit trade school | 121 | $22,245 | $26,450 | 77% | n/a |
| Associated Technical College-Los AngelesLos Angeles | For-profit trade school | 315 | $17,000 | $24,049 | 89% | $30,773 |
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance-FremontFremont | For-profit trade school | 343 | $16,757 | $29,245 | 83% | n/a |
| Baldwin Park Adult & Community EducationBaldwin Park | Public technical school | 426 | $1,365 | $9,288 | 77% | $40,990 |
| Barstow Community CollegeBarstow | Public community or technical college | 2,657 | $1,104 | $7,373 | 43% | $39,138 |
| Bay Area Medical AcademySan Francisco | For-profit trade school | 209 | $16,276 | $32,426 | 44% | n/a |
| Beaumont Adult SchoolBeaumont | Public technical school | 108 | $31,177 | $31,171 | 87% | $50,003 |
| Bellus Academy-Chula VistaChula Vista | For-profit trade school | 341 | $9,994 | $22,900 | 71% | $28,438 |
| Bellus Academy-El CajonEl Cajon | For-profit trade school | 157 | $15,448 | $36,248 | 75% | $31,143 |
| Bellus Academy-PowayPoway | For-profit trade school | 324 | $15,448 | $33,464 | 70% | $33,999 |
| Beyond 21st Century Beauty AcademySanta Fe Springs | For-profit trade school | 120 | $16,415 | $32,445 | 94% | $31,081 |
| Blake Austin CollegeVacaville | For-profit trade school | 217 | $37,035 | $29,592 | 88% | $51,432 |
| Bridges Beauty CollegeVictorville | For-profit trade school | 98 | $16,300 | $27,898 | 84% | $26,284 |
| Brownson Technical SchoolAnaheim | For-profit trade school | 307 | $17,895 | $33,997 | 90% | $74,023 |
| CET-CoachellaCoachella | Nonprofit trade school | 96 | $15,500 | $11,322 | 89% | $39,846 |
| CET-ColtonColton | Nonprofit trade school | 162 | $16,375 | $22,471 | 77% | $39,846 |
| CET-El CentroEl Centro | Nonprofit trade school | 130 | $15,000 | $18,063 | 83% | $39,846 |
| CET-OxnardOxnard | Nonprofit trade school | 95 | $15,249 | $10,657 | 64% | $39,846 |
| CET-SalinasSalinas | Nonprofit trade school | 171 | $15,249 | $13,616 | 70% | $39,846 |
| CET-San DiegoSan Diego | Nonprofit trade school | 223 | $15,500 | $23,892 | 73% | $39,846 |
| CET-San JoseSan Jose | Nonprofit trade school | 266 | $16,375 | $21,150 | 73% | $39,846 |
| CET-Santa MariaSanta Maria | Nonprofit trade school | 142 | $15,249 | $8,372 | 72% | $39,846 |
| CET-SoledadSoledad | Nonprofit trade school | 155 | $16,375 | $14,518 | 80% | $39,846 |
| CET-WatsonvilleWatsonville | Nonprofit trade school | 142 | $15,249 | $5,084 | 81% | $39,846 |
| CRU Institute of Cosmetology and BarberingGarden Grove | For-profit trade school | 91 | $16,200 | $29,044 | 77% | $27,593 |
| California Barber and Beauty CollegeSan Diego | For-profit trade school | 50 | $13,450 | $25,471 | 71% | n/a |
| California Beauty CollegeModesto | For-profit trade school | 122 | $8,550 | $15,174 | 90% | $33,336 |
| California Career InstituteAnaheim | For-profit trade school | 628 | $37,455 | $35,222 | n/a | $64,286 |
| California College of Barbering and CosmetologyStockton | For-profit trade school | 227 | $21,150 | $29,103 | 80% | n/a |
| California College of MusicPasadena | For-profit trade school | 60 | $24,800 | n/a | 22% | n/a |
| California Hair Design AcademyLa Mesa | For-profit trade school | 98 | $16,750 | $22,930 | 92% | $28,861 |
| California Healing Arts CollegeCarson | For-profit trade school | 243 | $17,950 | $20,970 | 74% | $33,901 |
| California Institute of Arts & TechnologyNational City | For-profit trade school | 2,112 | $22,270 | $43,710 | n/a | n/a |
| California Nurses Educational InstituteRancho Mirage | For-profit trade school | 200 | $36,800 | $25,738 | 94% | $53,163 |
| Capstone CollegePasadena | For-profit trade school | 148 | $17,950 | $17,601 | 86% | $41,395 |
| Career Academy of BeautyGarden Grove | For-profit trade school | 219 | $11,825 | $15,669 | 92% | $31,606 |
| Career Care InstituteLancaster | For-profit trade school | 620 | $32,197 | $60,867 | 39% | $46,289 |
| Career Development Institute IncLos Angeles | For-profit trade school | 172 | $34,500 | $26,250 | 65% | $65,186 |
| Carrington College-Pleasant Hill CampusPleasant Hill | For-profit trade school | 412 | $22,404 | $47,124 | 62% | $46,253 |
| Carrington College-SacramentoSacramento | For-profit trade school | 2,168 | $22,626 | $46,644 | n/a | $46,253 |
| Carrington College-San JoseSan Jose | For-profit trade school | 644 | $22,404 | $46,680 | 60% | $46,253 |
| Carrington College-San Leandro CampusSan Leandro | For-profit trade school | 326 | $22,404 | $46,849 | 56% | $46,253 |
| Carrington College-StocktonStockton | For-profit trade school | 436 | $22,404 | $46,119 | 61% | $46,253 |
| Central Coast CollegeSalinas | For-profit trade school | 569 | $17,766 | $28,749 | 73% | $45,918 |
| Central Valley Barber CollegeRiverbank | For-profit trade school | 122 | $15,150 | $15,838 | 87% | n/a |
| Cerritos CollegeNorwalk | Public technical school | 18,870 | $1,364 | $1,577 | n/a | $46,657 |
| Chabot CollegeHayward | Public community or technical college | 11,392 | $1,334 | $9,873 | 51% | $53,180 |
| Charles A Jones Career and Education CenterSacramento | Public technical school | 91 | $25,100 | $15,646 | 74% | $47,280 |
| Cinta Aveda InstituteSan Francisco | For-profit trade school | 117 | $12,100 | $19,183 | 64% | $41,669 |
| Citrus CollegeGlendora | Public community or technical college | 8,286 | $1,254 | $850 | 49% | $46,835 |
| Citrus Heights Beauty CollegeCitrus Heights | For-profit trade school | 114 | $15,200 | $27,475 | 84% | n/a |
| City College of San FranciscoSan Francisco | Public community or technical college | 17,348 | $1,696 | $5,852 | 40% | $53,794 |
| Clovis Adult EducationClovis | Public technical school | 226 | $15,000 | n/a | 77% | $51,957 |
| Coalinga CollegeCoalinga | Public community or technical college | 2,522 | $1,384 | $9,339 | 47% | $42,656 |
| Coastline Beauty CollegeFountain Valley | For-profit trade school | 203 | $7,625 | $27,433 | 93% | $16,432 |
| Coba AcademyAnaheim | For-profit trade school | 109 | $15,125 | $28,831 | 72% | $27,403 |
| College of the DesertPalm Desert | Public community or technical college | 10,207 | $1,326 | $17,769 | 33% | $44,228 |
| College of the SequoiasVisalia | Public community or technical college | 11,562 | $1,394 | $1,096 | 42% | $43,147 |
| Concorde Career College-Garden GroveGarden Grove | For-profit trade school | 214 | $40,766 | $26,077 | 77% | $50,569 |
| Concorde Career College-North HollywoodNorth Hollywood | For-profit trade school | 158 | $40,899 | $26,872 | 70% | $51,562 |
| Concorde Career College-San BernardinoSan Bernardino | For-profit trade school | 222 | $18,790 | $26,869 | 70% | $47,316 |
| Concorde Career College-San DiegoSan Diego | For-profit trade school | 147 | $19,453 | $27,490 | 83% | $48,059 |
| Contra Costa Medical Career CollegeAntioch | For-profit trade school | 556 | $14,352 | n/a | 83% | n/a |
| Cuesta CollegeSan Luis Obispo | Public community or technical college | 7,180 | $1,350 | $5,891 | 53% | $53,127 |
| Cypress CollegeCypress | Public technical school | 13,354 | $1,150 | $759 | n/a | $50,380 |
| DeHart Technical SchoolModesto | For-profit trade school | 99 | $19,592 | $39,314 | 83% | n/a |
| DeVry University-CaliforniaOntario | For-profit trade school | 2,378 | $15,992 | $36,531 | n/a | $51,716 |
| Design's School of CosmetologyPaso Robles | For-profit trade school | 73 | $14,475 | $18,268 | 88% | $34,060 |
| Diamond Beauty CollegeSouth El Monte | For-profit trade school | 67 | $4,950 | $13,608 | 95% | $15,038 |
| Diversified Vocational CollegeLos Angeles | For-profit trade school | 264 | $17,000 | $21,379 | 86% | $29,472 |
| Downey Adult SchoolDowney | Public community or technical college | 875 | $21,996 | $24,327 | 32% | $45,598 |
| East Los Angeles CollegeMonterey Park | Public technical school | 27,753 | $1,238 | $3,737 | n/a | $47,339 |
| Elite Cosmetology SchoolPALM DESERT | For-profit trade school | 115 | $16,000 | $25,992 | 92% | $21,742 |
| Escondido Adult SchoolEscondido | Public technical school | 1,476 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Federico Beauty InstituteSacramento | For-profit trade school | 220 | $16,750 | $36,236 | 90% | $31,804 |
| Foothill CollegeLos Altos Hills | Public technical school | 11,137 | $1,580 | $2,851 | n/a | $64,467 |
| Fredrick and Charles Beauty CollegeEureka | For-profit trade school | 69 | $13,100 | $17,660 | 74% | n/a |
| Fresno City CollegeFresno | Public technical school | 21,251 | $1,334 | $3,839 | n/a | $39,674 |
| Galaxy Medical CollegeNorth Hollywood | For-profit trade school | 111 | $16,960 | $11,113 | 92% | $30,716 |
| Gemological Institute of America-CarlsbadCarlsbad | Nonprofit trade school | 186 | $24,570 | $27,633 | 84% | $53,288 |
| Gurnick Academy of Medical ArtsSan Jose | For-profit trade school | 3,421 | $37,638 | $33,054 | n/a | $75,979 |
| Hacienda La Puente Adult EducationLa Puente | Public technical school | 491 | $1,305 | $3,294 | 77% | $46,693 |
| Healing Hands School of Holistic HealthEscondido | For-profit trade school | 220 | $16,000 | $65,880 | 59% | $30,980 |
| Healthcare Career CollegeParamount | For-profit trade school | 447 | $1,957 | n/a | 50% | $36,592 |
| High Desert Medical CollegeLancaster | For-profit trade school | 2,245 | $53,821 | $29,845 | 57% | $48,874 |
| Hilltop Beauty SchoolDaly City | For-profit trade school | 77 | $14,245 | $22,426 | 82% | $27,300 |
| Hinton Barber and Beauty CollegeVallejo | For-profit trade school | 50 | $13,725 | $17,716 | 75% | $19,950 |
| Homestead SchoolsTorrance | Nonprofit trade school | 157 | $35,750 | $16,597 | n/a | $60,911 |
| Hoss Lee AcademyRoseville | For-profit trade school | 112 | $14,000 | $25,984 | 91% | n/a |
| Hypnosis Motivation InstituteTarzana | Nonprofit trade school | 209 | $17,297 | $52,680 | 77% | $38,119 |
| ICOHS CollegeSan Diego | Nonprofit trade school | 171 | $24,300 | $52,776 | 70% | n/a |
| Independent Training & Apprenticeship ProgramSacramento | For-profit trade school | 92 | $17,895 | $20,089 | 94% | n/a |
| Institute for Business and TechnologySan Jose | For-profit trade school | 765 | $19,291 | $27,097 | 76% | $45,236 |
| Institute of Culinary EducationPasadena | For-profit trade school | 553 | $40,803 | n/a | 71% | $52,129 |
| Institute of TechnologyClovis | For-profit trade school | 1,377 | $33,367 | $31,938 | 78% | $39,839 |
| Integrity College of HealthPasadena | For-profit trade school | 225 | $37,637 | $31,233 | n/a | n/a |
| InterCoast Colleges-FairfieldFairfield | For-profit trade school | 183 | $22,500 | $24,694 | 81% | $48,046 |
| InterCoast Colleges-Rancho CordovaRancho Cordova | For-profit trade school | 71 | $22,500 | $22,363 | 75% | $48,046 |
| InterCoast Colleges-RiversideRiverside | For-profit trade school | 65 | $22,500 | $24,129 | 54% | $48,046 |
| InterCoast Colleges-West CovinaWest Covina | For-profit trade school | 535 | $24,600 | $29,948 | n/a | $48,046 |
| International College of Beauty Arts & SciencesLos Angeles | For-profit trade school | 62 | $11,100 | $23,374 | 100% | $21,837 |
| International School of Beauty IncPalm Desert | For-profit trade school | 132 | $15,000 | $18,631 | 92% | $28,230 |
| J D Academy of Salon and SpaDanville | For-profit trade school | 91 | $14,065 | $34,856 | 92% | n/a |
| Jama's Beauty & Barber CollegeWest Hills | For-profit trade school | 57 | $15,270 | $29,701 | n/a | n/a |
| John Wesley International Barber and Beauty CollegeLong Beach | For-profit trade school | 57 | $15,790 | $26,539 | 33% | $25,853 |
| Lancaster Beauty SchoolLancaster | For-profit trade school | 150 | $15,200 | $26,990 | 79% | $30,573 |
| Long Beach City CollegeLong Beach | Public community or technical college | 22,427 | $1,560 | $1,192 | 31% | $44,903 |
| Los Angeles College of AestheticsLos Angeles | For-profit trade school | 117 | $9,075 | $26,616 | 77% | $27,512 |
| Los Angeles Pacific CollegeLos Angeles | For-profit trade school | 78 | $7,330 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Los Angeles Trade Technical CollegeLos Angeles | Public community or technical college | 9,998 | $1,238 | $3,531 | 33% | $42,277 |
| Los Angeles Valley CollegeValley Glen | Public technical school | 12,601 | $1,238 | $7,478 | n/a | $46,096 |
| Lu Ross AcademyVentura | For-profit trade school | 229 | $19,000 | $32,087 | 79% | $31,618 |
| Lyle's College of BeautyBakersfield | For-profit trade school | 70 | $14,075 | $17,973 | 89% | $22,684 |
| Lyle's College of BeautyFresno | For-profit trade school | 90 | $13,075 | $21,108 | 0% | $22,684 |
| Lytles Redwood Empire Beauty CollegeSanta Rosa | For-profit trade school | 86 | $24,836 | $27,257 | 91% | $31,703 |
| MIXED Institute of Cosmetology & BarberSacramento | For-profit trade school | 138 | $16,000 | $18,258 | 78% | n/a |
| MJ Barber & Beauty AcademyLa Quinta | For-profit trade school | 66 | $14,100 | $15,931 | 91% | $31,920 |
| MJ Barber & Beauty AcademyHemet | For-profit trade school | 94 | $14,100 | $20,120 | 84% | $31,920 |
| MTI CollegeSacramento | For-profit trade school | 2,000 | $19,520 | $23,294 | 72% | $45,221 |
| Marian Health Careers Center-Los Angeles CampusLos Angeles | For-profit trade school | 150 | $29,246 | $28,215 | 82% | $76,305 |
| Marian Health Careers Center-Van Nuys CampusVan Nuys | For-profit trade school | 90 | $29,246 | $23,192 | 60% | $76,305 |
| Mayfield CollegeCathedral City | For-profit trade school | 292 | $16,188 | $26,045 | 79% | $39,143 |
| Merced CollegeMerced | Public community or technical college | 10,001 | $1,202 | $714 | 35% | $43,058 |
| Merritt CollegeOakland | Public community or technical college | 5,288 | $1,258 | $6,360 | 26% | $46,743 |
| Milan Institute of Cosmetology-VacavilleVacaville | For-profit trade school | 260 | $14,585 | $19,377 | 74% | $27,516 |
| Milan Institute-BakersfieldBakersfield | For-profit trade school | 582 | $16,645 | $22,208 | 63% | $30,613 |
| Milan Institute-ClovisClovis | For-profit trade school | 560 | $14,070 | $20,939 | 66% | $30,613 |
| Milan Institute-MercedMerced | For-profit trade school | 359 | $16,645 | $21,818 | 64% | $30,613 |
| Milan Institute-Palm DesertPalm Desert | For-profit trade school | 356 | $16,645 | $23,665 | 58% | $34,532 |
| Milan Institute-VisaliaVisalia | For-profit trade school | 635 | $16,645 | $21,838 | 68% | $38,492 |
| Modern Beauty AcademyOxnard | For-profit trade school | 90 | $15,200 | $30,985 | 83% | $27,957 |
| Modern Technology SchoolFountain Valley | For-profit trade school | 101 | $17,116 | $33,251 | 74% | $51,175 |
| Moler Barber CollegeOakland | For-profit trade school | 411 | $16,393 | $25,305 | 63% | n/a |
| Mt. Diablo Adult Education-Mt. Diablo USDConcord | Public technical school | 172 | $5,410 | $14,786 | 89% | $42,399 |
| Musicians InstituteHollywood | For-profit trade school | 759 | $34,322 | $57,321 | n/a | $37,883 |
| My Le's Beauty CollegeSacramento | For-profit trade school | 150 | $2,900 | n/a | 97% | $24,387 |
| National Career CollegePanorama City | For-profit trade school | 398 | $31,325 | $28,885 | 75% | $44,808 |
| National Career EducationCitrus Heights | For-profit trade school | 515 | $16,413 | $24,267 | 82% | $45,236 |
| National Holistic InstituteEmeryville | For-profit trade school | 1,258 | $16,956 | $21,849 | 73% | $39,384 |
| North Adrian's College of Beauty IncModesto | For-profit trade school | 207 | $18,145 | $16,524 | 71% | $32,759 |
| North-West College-AnaheimAnaheim | For-profit trade school | 513 | $19,625 | $30,040 | 54% | $43,549 |
| North-West College-GlendaleGlendale | For-profit trade school | 71 | $19,625 | $38,196 | 60% | $40,041 |
| North-West College-Long BeachLong Beach | For-profit trade school | 652 | $39,295 | $39,118 | 45% | $43,549 |
| North-West College-PomonaPomona | For-profit trade school | 381 | $39,295 | $33,725 | 62% | $43,549 |
| North-West College-RiversideRiverside | For-profit trade school | 717 | $39,295 | $35,030 | 67% | $43,549 |
| North-West College-Van NuysVan Nuys | For-profit trade school | 294 | $39,295 | $36,818 | 39% | $44,412 |
| North-West College-West CovinaWest Covina | For-profit trade school | 653 | $39,295 | $35,100 | 67% | $40,041 |
| Orange Coast CollegeCosta Mesa | Public community or technical college | 16,091 | $1,222 | $1,850 | 49% | $53,930 |
| Palo Verde CollegeBlythe | Public community or technical college | 3,381 | $1,288 | $23,756 | 83% | $42,518 |
| Palomar CollegeSan Marcos | Public community or technical college | 17,712 | $1,356 | $1,839 | 41% | $48,110 |
| Palomar Institute of CosmetologySan Marcos | For-profit trade school | 193 | $16,250 | $22,365 | 95% | $33,498 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Costa MesaCosta Mesa | For-profit trade school | 395 | $14,075 | $20,740 | 86% | $17,963 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-East BayPleasant Hill | For-profit trade school | 184 | $20,075 | $24,569 | 81% | $31,030 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-FresnoFresno | For-profit trade school | 223 | $14,550 | $19,751 | 85% | $30,837 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-ModestoModesto | For-profit trade school | 218 | $9,375 | $21,844 | 83% | $27,122 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-PasadenaPasadena | For-profit trade school | 170 | $15,150 | $36,669 | 74% | $32,219 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-SacramentoSacramento | For-profit trade school | 309 | $9,360 | $15,474 | 87% | $30,488 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-San DiegoSan Diego | For-profit trade school | 225 | $15,875 | $27,599 | 96% | $17,963 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-San JoseSan Jose | For-profit trade school | 91 | $13,205 | $23,509 | 23% | n/a |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Sherman OaksSherman Oaks | For-profit trade school | 286 | $24,000 | $27,819 | 69% | $31,213 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-TemeculaTemecula | For-profit trade school | 320 | $18,175 | $30,324 | 88% | $30,011 |
| Pima Medical Institute-Chula VistaChula Vista | For-profit trade school | 537 | $18,079 | $48,917 | 63% | $44,191 |
| Pima Medical Institute-San MarcosSan Marcos | For-profit trade school | 573 | $18,079 | $42,339 | 83% | $44,191 |
| Platt College-Los AngelesAlhambra | For-profit trade school | 570 | $15,451 | $22,226 | n/a | $49,629 |
| Pomona Unified School District Adult and Career EducationPomona | Public technical school | 57 | $6,000 | $5,651 | 86% | $31,533 |
| Poway Adult SchoolPoway | Public technical school | 1,459 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Premiere Career CollegeIrwindale | For-profit trade school | 105 | $29,285 | $26,680 | 92% | $47,067 |
| Professional Institute of BeautyEl Monte | For-profit trade school | 93 | $15,075 | $24,874 | 77% | $19,737 |
| Reedley CollegeReedley | Public community or technical college | 5,504 | $1,334 | $6,055 | 47% | $42,903 |
| Regan Career InstituteEl Monte | For-profit trade school | 56 | $22,610 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Riggins Urban Barber CollegeSan Diego | For-profit trade school | 85 | $22,750 | $21,675 | 50% | n/a |
| Rio Hondo CollegeWhittier | Public technical school | 15,684 | $1,388 | $15,389 | n/a | $48,362 |
| Riverside County Office of Education-School of Career EducationRiverside | Public technical school | 105 | $12,021 | $14,995 | 79% | n/a |
| Salon Success Academy-CoronaCorona | For-profit trade school | 196 | $9,700 | $14,656 | 92% | $28,854 |
| Salon Success Academy-RedlandsRedlands | For-profit trade school | 220 | $16,100 | $18,541 | 91% | $28,854 |
| Salon Success Academy-RiversideRiverside | For-profit trade school | 164 | $16,100 | $15,389 | 89% | $21,938 |
| Salon Success Academy-UplandUpland | For-profit trade school | 254 | $16,100 | $18,639 | 94% | $27,670 |
| San Bernardino Beauty CollegeSan Bernardino | For-profit trade school | 82 | $16,000 | $44,126 | 79% | n/a |
| San Diego Global Knowledge UniversitySan Diego | For-profit trade school | 173 | $13,774 | $28,623 | n/a | n/a |
| San Francisco Institute of Esthetics & Cosmetology IncSan Francisco | For-profit trade school | 167 | $13,350 | $24,401 | 81% | $42,178 |
| San Francisco School of Massage & BodyworkSan Francisco | For-profit trade school | 139 | $10,250 | $43,439 | 75% | n/a |
| San Joaquin Valley College-BakersfieldBakersfield | For-profit trade school | 798 | $22,404 | $22,588 | 57% | $43,313 |
| San Joaquin Valley College-HesperiaHesperia | For-profit trade school | 528 | $26,978 | $29,089 | 74% | $43,313 |
| San Joaquin Valley College-LancasterLancaster | For-profit trade school | 257 | $22,404 | $28,061 | 71% | $43,313 |
| San Joaquin Valley College-ModestoSalida | For-profit trade school | 598 | $26,978 | $26,323 | 73% | $43,313 |
| San Joaquin Valley College-OntarioOntario | For-profit trade school | 895 | $26,978 | $28,000 | 72% | $43,313 |
| San Joaquin Valley College-Rancho MirageRancho Mirage | For-profit trade school | 305 | $26,978 | $29,479 | 64% | $43,313 |
| San Joaquin Valley College-Santa MariaSanta Maria | For-profit trade school | 114 | $42,582 | $20,870 | 69% | $43,313 |
| San Joaquin Valley College-TemeculaTemecula | For-profit trade school | 650 | $26,978 | $26,534 | 80% | $43,313 |
| San Joaquin Valley College-Trades Education CenterFresno | For-profit trade school | 364 | $26,978 | $28,609 | 68% | $43,313 |
| San Joaquin Valley College-VisaliaVisalia | For-profit trade school | 2,207 | $22,404 | $30,383 | n/a | $43,313 |
| Santa Ana Beauty CollegeSanta Ana | For-profit trade school | 99 | $7,100 | $7,871 | 79% | $22,109 |
| Santa Ana CollegeSanta Ana | Public technical school | 22,485 | $1,188 | $7,224 | n/a | $48,917 |
| Santa Rosa Junior CollegeSanta Rosa | Public community or technical college | 15,080 | $1,318 | $6,765 | 36% | $52,482 |
| Shasta School of CosmetologyRedding | For-profit trade school | 112 | $15,300 | $38,345 | 68% | $21,856 |
| Sierra College of BeautyMerced | For-profit trade school | 220 | $9,000 | $12,597 | 71% | $31,864 |
| South Coast CollegeOrange | For-profit trade school | 306 | $13,494 | $12,131 | 50% | $50,899 |
| Southern California College of Barber and BeautyEscondido | For-profit trade school | 59 | $15,375 | $33,528 | 86% | n/a |
| Southern California Health InstituteNorth Hollywood | For-profit trade school | 156 | $14,700 | $30,624 | 73% | $33,422 |
| Southern California Institute of TechnologyAnaheim | For-profit trade school | 508 | $20,515 | $32,201 | n/a | $72,606 |
| Southern California University of Health SciencesWhittier | Nonprofit trade school | 158 | $11,100 | n/a | n/a | $56,233 |
| Spartan College of Aeronautics & TechnologyInglewood | For-profit trade school | 411 | $48,666 | $35,589 | 75% | $73,493 |
| Spartan College of Aeronautics and TechnologyRiverside | For-profit trade school | 317 | $42,880 | $37,157 | 74% | $73,493 |
| Summit CollegeSan Bernardino | For-profit trade school | 989 | $19,995 | $29,181 | 64% | $47,523 |
| Sutter County Career Training CenterYuba City | Public technical school | 54 | $14,000 | $17,567 | 86% | $42,505 |
| Teachers College of San JoaquinStockton | Public technical school | 642 | $6,926 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| The Fab SchoolRancho Cucamonga | For-profit trade school | 161 | $31,125 | $39,558 | 98% | n/a |
| The Nurse AcademyNational City | For-profit trade school | 55 | $37,775 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| The Salon Professional Academy-San JoseSan Jose | For-profit trade school | 196 | $16,500 | $28,229 | 82% | n/a |
| Tri-Community Adult EducationCovina | Public community or technical college | 217 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| UEI College-BakersfieldBakersfield | For-profit trade school | 1,415 | $21,500 | $33,327 | 76% | $32,404 |
| UEI College-Chula VistaChula Vista | For-profit trade school | 1,373 | $21,500 | $36,023 | 76% | $36,421 |
| UEI College-FresnoFresno | For-profit trade school | 1,009 | $19,900 | $30,755 | 68% | $32,404 |
| UEI College-Garden GroveGarden Grove | For-profit trade school | 1,073 | $21,500 | $31,051 | 73% | $36,421 |
| UEI College-GardenaGardena | For-profit trade school | 1,332 | $21,500 | $33,175 | 65% | $36,742 |
| UEI College-Huntington ParkHuntington Park | For-profit trade school | 1,079 | $19,900 | $29,961 | 73% | $36,421 |
| UEI College-OceansideOceanside | For-profit trade school | 814 | $21,500 | $33,307 | 77% | $36,421 |
| UEI College-OntarioOntario | For-profit trade school | 1,045 | $21,500 | $33,510 | 72% | $36,421 |
| UEI College-ResedaReseda | For-profit trade school | 1,201 | $21,500 | $32,114 | 83% | $36,421 |
| UEI College-RiversideRiverside | For-profit trade school | 1,616 | $21,500 | $31,892 | 79% | $36,742 |
| UEI College-SacramentoSacramento | For-profit trade school | 1,217 | $19,900 | $31,166 | 67% | $36,742 |
| UEI College-StocktonStockton | For-profit trade school | 868 | $21,500 | $33,601 | 78% | $36,421 |
| UEI College-West CovinaWest Covina | For-profit trade school | 978 | $21,500 | $31,276 | 72% | $36,421 |
| Unitek CollegeFremont | For-profit trade school | 4,972 | $36,945 | $27,942 | n/a | $81,243 |
| Unitek CollegeSouth San Francisco | For-profit trade school | 191 | $36,945 | $31,483 | 75% | $78,478 |
| Unitek CollegeHayward | For-profit trade school | 284 | $13,734 | $25,128 | 61% | $78,478 |
| Universal Healthcare Careers CollegeLos Angeles | For-profit trade school | 287 | $13,800 | $27,952 | 85% | n/a |
| Urban Barber CollegeConcord | For-profit trade school | 224 | $14,950 | $23,342 | 86% | n/a |
| Ventura Adult and Continuing EducationVentura | Public technical school | 74 | $7,050 | $17,101 | 89% | $45,284 |
| Victory Career CollegeCarson | For-profit trade school | 100 | $12,600 | $17,352 | 75% | n/a |
| Vista Adult SchoolVista | Public technical school | 1,426 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| West Los Angeles CollegeCulver City | Public technical school | 7,284 | $1,238 | $5,238 | n/a | $45,826 |
| Xavier College School of NursingStockton | For-profit trade school | 106 | $30,000 | $16,617 | n/a | $85,276 |
| ZMS The AcademyLos Angeles | For-profit trade school | 144 | $8,795 | $6,862 | 68% | n/a |
Colleges in California with the most trade programs
- American River College, Sacramento: 11 trade fields
- College of the Canyons, Santa Clarita: 11 trade fields
- Pasadena City College, Pasadena: 11 trade fields
- Bakersfield College, Bakersfield: 10 trade fields
- Shasta College, Redding: 10 trade fields
- Southwestern College, Chula Vista: 10 trade fields
- Butte College, Oroville: 9 trade fields
- Chaffey College, Rancho Cucamonga: 9 trade fields
- Imperial Valley College, Imperial: 8 trade fields
- Riverside City College, Riverside: 8 trade fields
- Saddleback College, Mission Viejo: 8 trade fields
- San Joaquin Delta College, Stockton: 8 trade fields
Cities with the most trade schools: Los Angeles (14), San Diego (9), Sacramento (9), Riverside (7), Anaheim (6), San Jose (6), Garden Grove (5), San Francisco (5), Fresno (5), Pasadena (5), Stockton (5), West Covina (4).
Frequently asked questions
How many trade schools are in California?
255 schools in California mostly award certificates, and 360 schools including community colleges offer programs in the 19 trades we track.
How much does trade school cost in California?
The median trade school in California charges $16,375 a year in tuition and fees (2025-26). Public schools and community colleges usually cost less; compare the tuition column above.
What is the cheapest trade school in California?
Among trade schools with a reported price, Barstow Community College in Barstow has the lowest yearly tuition and fees: $1,104.
Colleges in California · All trades
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.