Trade Schools in Florida

Are you considering attending a trade school in Florida? You might be surprised to learn that trade schools in Florida can provide a path to high-paying and highly skilled jobs with ongoing training.

While many undergraduate students leave school with large student debt, trade school students often start their careers with little or no debt. Keep reading to learn more about trade schools in Florida.

If you want to find a program, click on the city closest to you below:

Facts About Trade School and Trade Jobs in Florida

Here are a few facts to know about trade school and trade jobs in Florida:

• Trade school graduates in Florida can expect to earn an average salary of nearly $50,000.
• There are roughly 300 trade and vocational school programs in Florida in fields such as healthcare, construction, and more.
• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the most prevalent trade jobs available in Florida are truck drivers, nursing assistants, and medical assistants.

Trade Job Outlook in Florida

You might be surprised to learn how much you can earn with a trade school education in Florida. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a job that requires a postsecondary nondegree education is $49,153. And depending on the career path you choose, these jobs that don't require a degree can pay upwards of $70,000 or $80,000.

So how does this compare to other education levels in Florida? Despite the potential $100,000 more that you'll spend on education, you most likely won't make a whole lot more with a bachelor's degree or master's than you will with a trade school education.

Average Cost of Trade School in Florida

As we've discussed, one of the perks of trade school is that it's more affordable, meaning many students can begin their careers debt-free. The average cost of trade school is around $33,000. Compared to a bachelor's degree, that's pretty cheap. According to CollegeBoard, a four-year degree can cost up to $150,000 on average.

The trade schools in Florida on our list below are all under $33,000 and cost a little over $16,000 on average.

Accreditations in Florida

No matter what career path you plan to follow, it's important that you choose a school that is accredited. When a school is accredited, it's been reviewed by a regional or national organization and has proven itself to provide a quality education that meets certain standards.

Some trade schools in Florida are accredited by regional organizations like the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Other schools may be accredited by national organizations like the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and College or the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.

When you decide which program you want to attend, make sure the program is accredited by industry-recognized organizations. For example, if you want to become a veterinary technician, ensure the program you attend is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. That way, you can be sure you're getting a quality education that an employer will value.

Financial Aid for Trade School in Florida

While trade schools in Florida are more affordable than traditional higher education programs, they can still present a cost burden to some students. Below are some scholarships available to students attending trade schools in Florida.

Florida Public Postsecondary Career Education Student Assistance Grant Program

• Who's eligible: Florida residents enrolled in a participating Florida college or career center.
• Amount: Varies
• Deadline: Varies
• What to know: This is a need-based scholarship available to Florida residents enrolled in certificate programs of 450 or more clock hours at participating Florida colleges or career centers.

Career & Technical Scholarship Program

• Who's eligible: Students who have completed high school and are completing a career or technical program at an accredited non-profit postsecondary institution in the U.S.
• Amount: Up to $2,500
• Deadline: July 15
• What to know: Scholarships are awarded to students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their lives who wish to pursue a career or technical education at an accredited non-profit postsecondary institution in the United States.

Mildred Sorensen National Scholarship

• Who's eligible: Students with a 2.5 GPA who are high school graduates enrolled in a technical or vocational education program.
• Amount: $1,000
• Deadline: March 1, 2022
• What to know: Must attend a program leading to a certificate, diploma, associate's degree, or higher.

Check out our guide on Vocational Education Financial Aid for more information on paying for trade school.

FAQs About Continuing Education in Florida

Florida Trade Schools and Colleges

Florida residents have plenty of trade schools to choose from. Below are trade schools in 10 of the top Florida cities. They all:

• Cost under $33,000
• Have a graduation rate of over 50%
• Are institutionally accredited

Erin Gobler

Contributing Writer

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