Reviewed by: Melissa Anderson, MSEd / First Covered: January 2016 / Updates: 2
Key Takeaways:
- Our #1 ranking school for the most valuable online trade school programs is Nash Community College, followed by Pitt Community College.
- Online technical degrees offer cost-effective, flexible pathways for career advancement and further education, accommodating full-time jobs and family commitments.
- Accreditation is crucial for legitimacy; accredited programs assure students of receiving quality education recognized for career advancement.
If you’re looking for a quicker, more affordable path to a career, online trade school programs offer a great alternative to traditional college. Trade school programs focus on practical skills that lead directly to in-demand careers, and online options make them even more accessible. Unlike four-year degrees, online trade schools allow you to skip the lengthy classroom time and high tuition costs. According to the College Board, tuition at a two-year trade school is about a third of what you’d pay for a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, many programs offer certificates that pay well with minimal education requirements. In this article, we’ll cover the 10 best value online trade school programs for 2024, helping you choose the right one to kickstart your career.
Featured Programs
Rating and Ranking the Best Accredited Online Technical Colleges
To develop this ranking of the top online technical colleges, our editors began with an initial pool of 55 two-year community and technical colleges offering online programs. In this initial pool, only accredited online technical schools were considered. In addition, schools were required to offer multiple technical degrees online to be considered.
Once editors created this initial list, we applied a tuition filter, eliminating the online tech schools with tuition rates of more than $6,000 annually. Finally, we applied our site-wide trade school program methodology. In cases of a tie, the most affordable technical online colleges were awarded the higher rankings.
Click here to see the full methodology!
#1—Nash Community College
Rocky Mount, North Carolina
Points: 19
Undergraduate Tuition: $2,666
Nash Community College is one of several online technical colleges in our ranking accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. It offers a wide range of online technical degrees, certificates, and diplomas. For students seeking a two-year degree, options include:
- Online Associate’s in Information Technology: Healthcare Informatics
- Online Associate’s in Emergency Management
- Online Associate’s in Criminal Justice Technology
- Online Associate’s in Accounting and Finance
- Online Associate’s in Office Administration: Office Software Specialist
Online certificate programs are available in fields such as:
- Health Sciences
- Business and Information Technology
- Law and Criminal Justice
- Emergency Management
A variety of online student resources are available to NCC’s distance learning students. This includes online tutoring, advising, and technical support.
Pros:
- Affordability
- Open admissions
- Above-average ROI
Cons:
- Low graduation rate
#2—Pitt Community College
Winterville, North Carolina
Points: 18
Undergraduate Tuition: $1,940
With tuition rates of less than $2,000 per year, Pitt Community College is one of the country’s most affordable technical online colleges. The school also has no shortage of online offerings for prospective students. This includes online technical degrees, certificates, and diplomas. For students seeking a vocational or technical degree online, PCC offers nearly two dozen options, including:
- Online Associate’s in Business Administration: Human Resources Management
- Online Associate’s in Nuclear Medicine Technology
- Online Associate’s in Health Information Technology
- Online Associate’s in Early Childhood Education
- Online Associate’s in Industrial Management Technology
A mandatory orientation is required for all distance learning students. Still, this component can also be completed entirely online. Pitt Community College is one of the nation’s fully accredited online technical colleges. This is thanks to its affiliation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Pros:
- Affordability
- Open admissions
Cons:
- Lower graduation rate
#3—Shoreline Community College
Shoreline, Washington
Points: 17
Undergraduate Tuition: $4,076
Shoreline Community College is the very best online technical school in our ranking in terms of potential ROI. It is also one of the nation’s most affordable technical online colleges. The school offers thirty distinct programs for distance learnings. This includes fully online technical degrees such as:
- Online Associate of Applied Arts and Sciences (AAAS) in Accounting
- Online AAAS in Business
- Online AAAS in Criminal Justice
- Online AAAS in Health Information Technology
Numerous online certificates are also available in in-demand vocational areas like:
- Health Data Analyst
- Criminal Justice Advocacy
- Project Management
- Medical Coding and Reimbursement
Shoreline Community College is a State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) participant. It is institutionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Pros:
- High ROI
- Open admissions
- Small class sizes
Cons:
- Less affordable
#4—Clovis Community College
Fresno, California
Points: 16
Undergraduate Tuition: $1,616
Clovis Community College is one of the most affordable technical online colleges in our ranking. It offers a number of different fully online and hybrid courses and degree programs for vocational students. Some of the school’s 100% online technical degrees include:
- Online Associate of Science (AS) in Behavioral Science
- Online Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies
- Online AAS in Business Administration
- Online Associate of General Studies
Fully online certificate programs are also available and include:
- Online Certificate of Completion in Criminal Justice
- Online Certificate of Achievement in Game Design
- Online Certificate of Achievement in Networking
Online academic counseling is also available to support individual academic achievement. Clovis Community College holds institutional accreditation from the WASC Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.
Pros:
- Open admissions
- Affordability
- More diverse
Cons:
- Lower graduation rate
#5—Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
Salisbury, North Carolina
Points: 16
Undergraduate Tuition: $2,632
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is one of the most comprehensive online tech schools in our ranking. The school offers more than 250 online courses. This enables students to earn a diploma, get a certificate in their chosen field, and obtain technical degrees online. Fully online degree offerings include:
- Online Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Emergency Medical Science
- Online AAS in Information Technology Information Systems
- Online AAS in Healthcare Management
- Online AAS in Business Administration Marketing
- Online AAS in Early Childhood Education
Students can also pursue over three dozen online certificates and diplomas entirely online. Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Pros:
- Affordability
- Open admissions
Cons:
- Lower graduation rate
#6—Georgia Piedmont Technical College
Clarkston, Georgia
Points: 16
Undergraduate Tuition: $3,178
Georgia Piedmont Technical College is one of the best online technical schools in terms of the number of fully online programs offered. It is home to more than 50 certificates, diplomas, and technical degrees online. These programs span subjects such as media, business, public safety, and technology, for example. Specific plans of study include:
- Online Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Health Information Management Technology
- Online AAS in Marketing Management
- Online AAS in Cyber Forensics Technology
- Online AAS in Design and Media Production Technology
- Online Certificate in Criminal Justice Fundamentals
- Online Certificate in Visual Basic Programming
- Online Diploma in Business Technology
- Online Diploma: Computer Support Specialist
Coursework can be completed entirely online. Still, distance learners are required to participate in a proctored component for each class they take. Georgia Piedmont Technical College is authorized to confer technical degrees online through accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Pros:
- Open admissions
- Small class sizes
Cons:
- Lower graduation rate
#7—Eastern Gateway Community College
Steubenville, Ohio
Points: 16
Undergraduate Tuition: $4,026
Eastern Gateway Community College has a robust online learning program. This enables it to reach students throughout the country with online technical degrees and certificate/diploma options. Among its numerous fully online associate’s degree programs are offerings such as:
- Online AAS in Health Information Management
- Online AAS in Criminal Justice
- Online AAB in Professional Office Management
- Online AA in Teacher Education
- Online AAS in Social Work
Students with university aspirations will also find a general AA degree online, as well as an online Associate of Individualized Study option. Hybrid and certificate programs are also available. EGCC is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award technical degrees online.
Pros:
- Affordability
- Diversity of programs
Cons:
- Larger class sizes
- Low graduation rate
#8—Richmond Community College
Hamlet, North Carolina
Points: 15
Undergraduate Tuition: $2,536
Richmond Community College takes pride in providing a supportive environment for distance learning students. Enrolled students interested in virtual learning can choose from several fully online associate’s degrees. These include:
- Online Associate’s in Accounting
- Online Associate’s in Healthcare Management Technology
- Online Associate’s in Early Childhood Education
- Online Associate’s in Human Service Technology
- Online Associate’s in Criminal Justice Technology
The school also offers many different online courses and certificate programs. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has accredited Richmond Community College to award these online credentials.
Pros:
- Open admissions
- Small class sizes
Cons:
- Below-average graduation rate
#9—Barton County Community College
Great Bend, Kansas
Points: 15
Undergraduate Tuition: $3,776
One of the nation’s first online tech schools, Barton County Community College has been offering online classes since 1999. Today, the two-year college offers fully online associate’s degrees and certificate programs. These programs span in-demand subject areas such as:
- Computer and Information Technology
- Health Professions
- Military Studies/Leadership
- Public Safety, Corrections, and Security
- Industrial and Energy Technology
- Business/Economics
Customized training opportunities are also available online, including those in:
- Military Training
- Hazardous Materials and Emergency Management
- OSHA Safety
BCCC is fully accredited to confer these technical degrees online by the Higher Learning Commission.
Pros:
- Above-average ROI
- Open admissions
Cons:
- Less diverse
#10—Riverland Community College
Austin, Minnesota
Website – Website not accessible at this time.
Points: 15
Undergraduate Tuition: $5,826
Riverland Community College is a mid-sized public community college serving parts of southeastern Minnesota. The school has built a substantial distance learning program. It offers just over two dozen online technical degrees and certificates. This includes standout programs such as:
- Online Associate of Applied Science (AAS): Administrative Assistant
- Online AAS in Accounting
- Online AAS in Supervisory Management
- Online Certificate in Game Design
- Online Certificate in Mobile Apps and Virtual Reality
- Online Certificate in Tax Preparation
Most of the school’s on-campus programs also feature some online and distance learning components. Riverland Community College is a member of the Minnesota State system. It is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Pros:
- Affordability
- ROI
Cons:
- Less diverse
Types of Online Technical Schools
Online technical schools aren’t one-size-fits-all institutions. Instead, there are several different types of online technical colleges available. In this section, we will discuss some of the options you’ll have at your disposal when searching for online technical degrees.
Accredited Online Technical Colleges
If you’ve just started to consider the idea of online technical schools, you may be wondering if the prospect is simply too good to be true. Questions about the legitimacy of online tech degrees are not uncommon. Rest assured, though, if the schools you are researching are accredited by an accrediting body approved by the U.S. Department of Education, they are indeed the real deal. But if you can’t locate any accreditation information for an institution despite doing your due diligence, then you may be wise to continue your search for online technical colleges elsewhere.
Pro Tip: The U.S. Department of Education keeps an online database of accredited schools nationwide. Use the search tool to locate any postsecondary school’s accreditation status.
Hybrid Versus Fully Online Tech Schools
One of the key differences among online technical schools is their course delivery format. Some online programs claim to be distance education offerings, but they actually require some on-campus attendance. These programs are better categorized as hybrid degree programs. True online programs, sometimes labeled as “100% online” or “fully online,” do not require students to make any trips to campus whatsoever. Instead, these programs rely on distance education technology such as teleconferencing to bring teachers and students together in virtual environments.
Asynchronous Versus Synchronous Online Tech School Programs
Even fully online programs can differ in terms of scheduling requirements, though. This is because some of these programs are primarily asynchronous offerings. Meanwhile, others are synchronous. The primary difference between these two formats is that asynchronous programs are more self-paced, whereas synchronous degree plans require students to attend online classes at predetermined times. There are benefits and drawbacks to both asynchronous and synchronous options. For instance, asynchronous programs are more convenient but lack the interactivity that synchronous programs may offer.
Part-Time Versus Full-Time Technical Schools Online
Whether you want to attend an online technical school on a part-time or full-time basis, you shouldn’t have much trouble finding a program. While many schools offer one or the other format, some cater to both full-time and part-time students. If you’re still unsure as to which scheduling option is best for you, consider how much time per week you’ll be able to devote to your studies. Students who work full-time may find a part-time online technical degree program to be a better fit, for example. Please note that part-time programs typically have longer completion times.
Types of Online Technical Degrees and Programs
Just as all online tech schools are unique, so too are the programs these institutions offer. Online technical degrees are just one part of the equation. Below, we’ll take a more in-depth look at what the best online technical colleges have to offer.
Online Industry Certificate Programs
If you’re interested in online tech schools but aren’t excited about a lengthy degree plan, consider one of the many online certificate programs available. These programs offer advanced training in various trades and industries, and can be completed in just a few months, as opposed to years. Depending on the program, an industry certificate can prepare students for entry-level employment in a vocational field or advancement in a current area of employment.
Online Vocational Diplomas
Vocational diplomas are similar to industry certificate programs, but they may be more involved. Translation? You may need to take additional courses to earn a diploma rather than a certificate, and these courses may also prove more challenging. The upside is that a diploma program could hold more weight with a potential employer than a certificate. Neither will be as impressive as online technical degrees, though.
Online Associate’s Degrees
Ready to take a deep dive into an online technical school program? Then, you may be prepared for an associate’s degree track. Many technical schools online offer Associate of Applied Science degree programs, often referred to as AAS programs. These two-year degree programs equip enrolled students with real-world skills and provide opportunities to apply them through virtual experiential learning activities. Other online technical degrees include Associate of Science (AS), Associate in Arts (AA), and Associate of Applied Business (AAB) programs.
Online Technical School Programs: Curriculum
Students may have questions about the online curriculum for technical degrees. For instance, you may be wondering how many classes you’ll be expected to take as well as precisely what you’ll be studying. The exact curriculum details for your program will depend on the school you attend and the degree or certificate you’re seeking. Still, you can expect that online technical degrees will be more streamlined than other undergraduate programs. That’s because these programs do not usually require a general education component. That means you will not have to take classes outside of your chosen subject area. For example, students enrolled in an online medical assistance program will take only courses in healthcare. They won’t be required to take introductory college math or composition classes, unlike those pursuing a four-year degree plan.
Popular Online Technical Degrees
If you’re interested in earning a technical degree online, you’ll be happy to learn that there are many options to choose from. No matter what industry or employment field you’re looking to join, there’s probably a technical degree online to fit your career interests. Below, we’ll provide details on some of the most popular options available to prospective distance learning students.
Online Associate Degrees in Business Administration
Most lucrative careers in business administration require at least a bachelor’s degree. Even so, online technical degrees in business administration can represent the first step towards a four-year degree and/or a foot in the door to the corporate job of your dreams.
Online technical schools commonly offer multiple degree plans in business administration. That’s because the field is relatively broad. Some programs may feature concentrations and specialization options. These include programs in areas such as marketing, finance, human resources, and others. Below, we’ll list some examples of course titles common in online business administration associate degree curricula.
Sample Course Titles for Online Technical Degrees in Business Administration
- Business Systems Analysis and Design
- Managerial Accounting
- Principles of Management
- Business Statistics
Online Associate’s Degrees in Behavioral Science
Like online technical degrees in business administration, associate’s degrees in behavioral science cover a wide range of subfields. These may include psychology, sociology, and human services, for example. Some of these two-year degree programs provide preparation for entry-level careers. Others are ideal for students interested in transferring to a university after graduation. Online technical degrees in behavioral science will vary widely in terms of curriculum details. Even so, we’ve listed some sample course titles below for the sake of example.
Sample Course Titles for Online Technical Degrees in Behavioral Science
- Applied Human Growth and Development
- Professional Success in Behavioral Science
- Deconstructing Social Problems
- Statistics for Behavioral Science
Online Associate’s Degrees in Early Childhood Education
Students interested in working in early childhood education can take the first step toward a successful career by pursuing online technical degrees in the discipline. Such a degree can qualify graduates for entry-level jobs as teacher’s aides or provide them with a solid foundation for a bachelor’s degree program. Curricula for these technical degrees will address topics in child development, educational policy, and instructional techniques, for instance.
Sample Course Titles for Early Childhood Education Technical Degrees Online
- Wellness in the Early Childhood Setting
- Educational Philosophy for Teachers
- Infant and Toddler Care
- Working with Preschoolers
Online Associate Healthcare Degrees
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), more jobs will be added to the healthcare industry than to any other occupational field in the coming years. Online technical degrees in this burgeoning field can qualify graduates for high-paying jobs in the medical field. These include diagnostic medical sonographers, cardiovascular technologists, and nuclear medicine technologists, for example. Course titles associated with healthcare technical degrees online will vary depending on your chosen specialization and/or career path. Still, we’ve listed some sample classes below for general reference.
Sample Course Titles for Online Technical Degrees in Healthcare
- Managing Healthcare Human Resources
- Healthcare Law, Policy, and Regulations
- Medical Terminology
- Health & Human Disease
Frequently-Asked Questions About Online Technical Degrees
The decision to attend an online tech school is a big one. Once it’s made, you’ll be required to devote a fair amount of resources toward earning one of many available online technical degrees. With a lot of work and a little luck, the investment will pay off brilliantly. Still, it’s normal to have concerns. Below, our editors will address the most common questions about online technical colleges and their offerings. Keep in mind that the information provided here is general in nature. It is not intended to replace information from a school representative about a specific college or technical degree online.
Q: How much do online tech schools cost?
A: Expenses associated with earning an online technical degree or certificate will vary depending on the school you attend. The most affordable online technical colleges offer tuition rates of less than $2,000 per year.
Q: How long does it take to earn technical degrees online?
A: Online technical degrees can take up to two years to complete, but accelerated options may be available for some programs. These programs can shorten your completion time but may require more time and effort in the short term.
Q: Can I do trade school online?
A: Yes! Increasingly, two-year schools are offering their technical degrees online. To find a program that interests you, check program options at your local community colleges or search online.
Q: What are the best online trade school programs?
A: Our editors can rank online tech schools according to certain factors. Still, we cannot determine which program will best fit your individual needs and preferences. As you consider your options, keep in mind that the best online trade school programs for you are those accredited offerings that meet your budget, schedule, and career goals.
Q: What are the highest-paying online associate’s degrees?
A: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the highest-paying jobs requiring an associate’s degree for entry are air traffic controller, radiation therapist, and nuclear technician.
Q: Are technical school degrees in demand?
A: Many of them are, yes, but it depends on the degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the most in-demand technical degrees are environmental science, paralegal studies, healthcare, and web development.
CVO Staff
Sources:
- College Board: College Costs
- National Center for Education Statistics (NCES): College Navigator
- Niche: 2021 Best Trade Schools in America
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook
- U.S. Department of Education: Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs
- Trades/Careers Degree Rankings
- The Highest Paying Trade School Programs
- Highest Paying Associate Degree Jobs
- Important Considerations for Trade School Graduates
- Best Trade School Careers for the Future
- What is an Associates Degree in Science?
- Top Online Community Colleges
- Is Community College a Good Idea?
This concludes our list of the top 10 best value online technical degree programs.