In case you belong to those students who are not interested in a traditional four-year degree, you probably know that vocational education will provide you with the training necessary to become qualified professionals in a variety of trades.
Determining which school requires a lot of research, but we made it easier for you by gathering the information about top ten schools which you can choose from.
Anoka Technical College
Anoka Technical College offers certificates, diplomas and the Associate in Applied Science degrees to its students.
Enrollment: So as to apply for this school, you can do it online, by submitting the college application form.
All prospective students are required to take the ACCUPLACER test and apply for financial aid at www.fafsa.gov.
The next step is to attend orientation and register for classes.
Some programs may require an additional application process, such as Occupational Therapy Assistant, Paramedic, Practical Nursing and Surgical Technology.
Students applying to the Practical Nursing program must submit a paper application, Financial Aid Application, Immunization Form and Prior Learning Assessment.
Fees: When the tuition is in question, each program has its price.
Welding course costs $193 per credit hour, while Surgical Tech course is $214.
Judicial Reporting tuition is $293.67 per credit, Practical Nursing is $212.55 per credit and Online courses are $200.
Courses Offered:
- Automotive Technology
- Community & Social Services
- Construction, Engineering, Manufacturing & Technology
- Generals
- Golf Course Grounds & Landscape Management
- Health Science Technology
- Information Technology Management
- Legal, Administration & Management
- Supporting Programs
- Summer Programs
Contact Information:
- Anoka Technical College
- Address: 1355 US-10, Anoka, MN 55303
- Phone: +1 763-576-4700
- Web: http://www.anokatech.edu
Pine Technical & Community College
Enrollment: Pine Technical & Community College is open to people who have earned a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED).
Prospective students should know that there are additional criteria which may apply for certain programs, such as passing a background check for acceptance into the Gunsmithing Technology program.
Applicants who do not meet the requirements may be considered for admission to Pine Technical & Community College under Ability to Benefit, but do not have the right to Financial Aid.
The application process consists of a few steps.
The first in entails the completion and submission of the online application.
You will be asked to select a major/program.
You may download the PTCC Application for Admission and mail it or submit it in person.
If you need it, you can also apply for financial aid, using FAFSA code 005535, online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
The third step is the ACCUPLACER assessment and Registration after you have been invited to campus.
The Accuplacer Assessment will determine your level of college readiness.
You will discuss your scores with an Accuplacer advisor, meet with a registration advisor, pay your Tuition and Fees, and be ready to start the classes.
Courses Offered:
- Liberal Arts and Transfer Degrees
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Automotive
- Business
- Computer Science and Information Technology
- Education and Human Services
- Gunsmithing and Firearms
- Health Science and Nursing
- Individualized Studies – Specialized Diploma, AAS, or AS
- Language
Contact Information:
- Pine Technical & Community College
- Address: 900 4th St SE, Pine City, MN 55063
- Phone: +1 320-629-5100
- Web: http://www.pine.edu
Ridgewater College
The reason why students decide to study at Ridgewater is high-quality education.
The College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Enrollment: The great thing related to enrollment is that there is no application fee!
You can apply for admission online or contact the Admissions Office to provide you with a paper form of it
You need to send high school transcripts or GED.
If you need it, you can apply for financial aid.
You should take the Accuplacer Assessment unless you have scored a 22 or above in maths and 21 or above in reading subtest on the ACT
Once all this is done, you are supposed to attend a registration session, pay tuition and start your new career path.
Fees: General tuition is $186.38 per credit, but some programs and courses cost more:
Farm Business Management: $177.88 per credit
Nursing – Associates Degree and Bachelor of Science: $221.54 per credit
Nursing – Practical Nursing: $215.54 per credit
Veterinary Technology: $208.04 per credit
Senior Citizen Rate Age 62 or Older: $31.75 per credit
Online Course Tuition: $201.88 per credit
Courses Offered:
- Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering Technology
- Agriculture & Veterinary Technology
- Liberal Arts/General Education
- Fine/Performing Art & Design
- Automotive Trades
- Business & Marketing
- Technical Program
- Construction Trades
- Cosmetology & Massage Therapy
- Education
- Health Care
- Information Technology
- Law Enforcement & Public Safety
- Liberal Arts
- Mathematics, Science & Engineering
- Occupational Skills Program
Contact Information:
- Ridgewater College
- Address: 2101 15th Ave NW, Willmar, MN 56201
- Phone: +1 320-222-5200
- Web: https://www.ridgewater.edu
Hibbing Community College
Hibbing Community College was established in 1996 and since that moment, it has been providing its students with an amazing education that enabled them to become successful in their careers.
Hibbing Community College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Enrollment: The admission process at Hibbing Community College requires an official high school transcript and official GED scores.
If you have attended a Minnesota State institution, an official transcript will be electronically obtained by HCC.
You are supposed to send your transcripts to:
Hibbing Community College
Attn: Admissions Office
1515 East 25th Street
Hibbing, MN 55746
Additionally, Minnesota State Law requires proof of immunization against measles, mumps, diphtheria, rubella, and tetanus (TD) for persons born after 1957.
There are career programs which may require additional documentation.
Fees: Hibbing Community College requires a $20.00 non-refundable application fee with your application.
Courses Offered:
- Automotive Technology
- Automotive Services of Excellence
- Dental Assistant
- Diesel Mechanics/Heavy Equipment Maintenance
- Associated Equipment Distributors (AED)
- Electrical Maintenance
- Law Enforcement
- Medical Lab Technician
- Pharmacy Technician
- Nursing Assistant
Contact Information:
- Hibbing Community College
- Address: 1515 E 25th St, Hibbing, MN 55746
- Phone: +1 800-224-4422
- Web: https://hibbing.edu
Lake Superior College
Enrollment: The application process will require you to send High school or college courses and grades, that is transcripts, as well as a Financial aid application
Make sure to submit the application prior to the application deadlines.
For the summer semester, it is May 31st and for fall it is August 23rd.
The application process consists of creating a StarID account.
You are not required to provide your social security number (SSN) to be accepted to Lake Superior College.
You are supposed to submit the Official transcripts to LSC and it can be done online via e-mail admissions@lsc.edu, by mail to be sent to Lake Superior College 2101 Trinity Road, Duluth, MN 55811 or in person if you decide to bring in a sealed envelope from the institution attended.
Then, you will be asked to fill out the immunization form, and in case you are applying for programs with additional program application, you will need to pay attention to some additional requirements.
Two weeks after your application is received, the college will contact you about your application status.
Fees: The $20 application fee must be paid.
Courses Offered:
Among so many programs offered, we have decided to mention just a few, and you can visit the official website so as to learn about the other courses:
- Advanced Machine Production Technologist
- Aircraft Maintenance
- Aircraft Mechanic
- Art Transfer Pathway
- Associate of Arts
- Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.)
- Associate of Science (A.S.)
- Auto Body Collision Repair
- Auto Body Repair
- Bookkeeper
- Brake Specialist Degree
- Business Administration
- Business Operations Support
- Chemistry Transfer Pathway
- Civil Engineer Technician
- CNC
Contact Information:
- Lake Superior College
- Address: 2101 Trinity Rd, Duluth, MN 55811
- Phone: +1 218-733-7600
- Web: https://www.lsc.edu
Dakota County Technical College
DCTC is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Enrollment: Students who are interested in applying must complete the following admissions requirements.
Firstly, they need to submit a DCTC Application filled out with accurate answers.
You are supposed to create a STARID account, so as to submit the online application form.
Then, they have to complete the ACCUPLACER Placement Test and submit transcripts – a copy of their high school transcript or high school diploma or a copy of their GED certificate.
Students without a high school diploma or GED are not eligible for financial aid.
Once you have received your acceptance letter or email, you are supposed to sign up for your student orientation and registration session.
Fees: All applicants are required to pay a $20 non-refundable application fee.
Tuition and fees for one school year are approximately $190.38 per credit for classroom instruction.
Courses Offered:
- ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
- BUSINESS
- CONSTRUCTION & MANUFACTURING
- HEALTH & EDUCATION
- MARKETING & SALES
- STEM CAREERS
- VISUAL ARTS & COMMUNICATION
- TRANSPORTATION
- GENERAL EDUCATION
Contact Information:
- Dakota County Technical College
- Address: 1300 145th St E, Rosemount, MN 55068
- Phone: +1 651-423-8300
- Web: https://www.dctc.edu
Minnesota State College Southeast, Red Wing Campus
Enrollment: New students are encouraged to apply for this college.
You can apply if you are a graduating high school senior, veteran or an adult learner.
To apply and enroll in classes you must complete and submit an online application and pay $20 application fee.
Then, you are supposed to schedule and take the Accuplacer Placement Exam, as well as submit a high school transcript or GED.
The last step is to attend orientation and registration session, so as to be able to start the classes.
If you are interested in one of the following programs, you need to know that there are additional admission requirements and application materials.
- Practical Nursing (diploma)
- Radiography (A.A.S. degree)
- Medical Laboratory Technician (A.A.S. degree)
- Phlebotomy (Certificate)
Fees: The approximate tuition rate for all students is $172.30 per semester credit.
Courses Offered:
There are numerous courses offered, but we will mention just a few:
- Accounting
- Accounting Transfer Pathway
- Administrative Support Careers
- Auto Body Collision Technology
- Automotive and Light Duty Diesel Technology
- Band Instrument Repair
- Bicycle Design and Fabrication
- Biomedical Equipment Technology
- Business Management
- Business Transfer Pathway
- CNC Machine Tool
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Drafting Technologies
- Computer Engineering Technology
- Construction Technology
- Cosmetology
- Creative Writing Certificate
- Criminal Justice
- Cyber and Information Security
- Early Childhood Education
- Electrical Engineering Technology
- Electronics Technology
- English Transfer Pathway
- Exercise Science Transfer Pathway
- Guitar Repair & Building
- Health Sciences Broad Field
- Heavy Diesel Maintenance
- History Transfer Pathway
- Individualized Studies
- Liberal Arts and Sciences (AA)
- Massage Therapist
- Mechatronics Technology
- Medical Laboratory Technician
- Medical Support Careers
- Network Administration & Technology
- Nursing
Contact Information:
- Minnesota State College Southeast, Red Wing Campus
- Address: 308 Pioneer Rd, Red Wing, MN 55066
- Phone: +1 651-385-6300
- Web: http://www.southeastmn.edu
Alexandria Technical & Community College
Enrollment: If you are a new student, you are supposed to provide required documentation set by the admissions criteria.
Additional admission requirements may be required for some programs.
You need to possess a high school graduate or GED certificate.
Applying at ATCC requires application completion.
Fees: Tuition is $165.42/credit, while fees are $20.09/credit.
For Online Courses, tuition is $199.00/credit and fees are $10.35/credit no matter where you live.
Courses Offered:
You should take a closer look at all the courses available.
Here are just a few:
- Accounting
- Business Management
- Business Transfer Pathway
- Carpentry
- Communication Art & Design
- Computer Information Systems
- Cybersecurity, Virtualization, & Networking
- Diesel Mechanics
- Early Childhood Education
- Early Childhood Education AS
- Fashion Management
- Health & Fitness Specialist
- Human Services Practitioner
- Individualized Studies
- Interior Design
- Law Enforcement
- Legal Administrative Assistant
- Liberal Arts & Sciences
- Marine, Motorcycle, & Powersports Technician
Contact Information:
- Alexandria Technical & Community College
- Address: 1601 Jefferson St, Alexandria, MN 56308
- Phone: +1 320-762-0221
- Web: https://www.alextech.edu
Summit Academy OIC
Since its foundation, Summit Academy OIC is education those candidates who want careers in the fields of Construction, Healthcare and Information Technology.
What they have to offer is high-quality, in-demand training, as well as individualized support.
Enrollment: There are a few steps that prospective students have to take, so as to apply for this college.
Firstly, they need to attend an information session which is offered at 10 am every Wednesday at Summit Academy OIC.
Then, they need to turn in the application and take the Assessment Exam on which you must meet the minimum scores.
Those who have taken either the Accuplacer or the TABE test should just submit their scores.
The next step is attending New Student Orientation and it happens before classes begin.
Fees: You will not need to make any tuition payments.
Courses Offered:
- T. PROGRAM / SERVICE DESK TECHNICIAN
- CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM / PRE-APPRENTICE CARPENTRY
- CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM / ELECTRICIAN TRAINING
- GED
- COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER
- MEDICAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
- VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMS
Contact Information:
- Summit Academy OIC
- Address:
- Phone: +1 612-377-0150
- Web: https://www.saoic.org
Hennepin Technical College
Hennepin Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
This is one of Minnesota’s most affordable academic institutions with excellent academic programs that prepare students for high-paying employment possibilities.
Enrollment: If you are interested in enrolling, you should apply for admission.
New students are required to submit their high school transcript or GED certificate to Enrollment Services.
The application process consists of logging in to the online application with your StarID and password to begin a new application.
Depending on the major you choose, you may also be required to acknowledge a Gainful Employment Disclosure.
Once your application is accepted, you should receive an email notification with your HTC student Tech ID number.
Fees: You will be charged a $20 application fee.
Approximately, tuition per credit is $180.16.
Certain courses have different tuition rates.
Courses Offered:
- Building & Landscape
- Business & Information Technology
- Emergency & Public Service
- General Education & Individualized Studies
- Health
- Manufacturing & Engineering Technology
- Media Communications
- Service & Education
- Transportation
- Workforce Education
Contact Information:
- Hennepin Technical College
- Address:
- Phone: +1 952-995-1300
- Web: https://www.hennepintech.edu
Trade Schools in Minnesota by City
Final Thoughts
Our aim was to ensure you get the quality information related to best trade schools in Minnesota.
Among so many vocational schools it is up to you to decide which school best suits your needs.