Colleges & Trade Schools in Illinois
By Publisher
| Last Updated
Every year, colleges and trade schools in Illinois prepare thousands of students for growing careers in a wide range of established and emerging industries. These educational institutions provide an impressive variety of academic and vocational programs, ensuring that whether students are aiming for a degree, diploma, certificate, or other credentials, they're well-prepared to pursue well-paying jobs. With such a breadth of post-secondary training options, learners have the flexibility to tailor their education to the most in-demand and financially rewarding fields.
Illinois Trade Schools
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Lincoln Tech
- Melrose Park
- Automotive Technology
- Electrical/Electronics
- Medical Assistant
- Welding Technology
Rockford Career College
- Rockford
- Dental Assisting
- Electrical Technician
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
- Medical Assistant
- Practical Nursing
- Surgical Technology
- Veterinary Technician
- Welding
Universal Technical Institute
- Lisle
- Automotive Technology
- Diesel & Industrial Technology
- Robotics and Automation Technology
- Welding Technology
- Wind Power Technician
Key Benefits for Illinois Trade School and College Students
- • Access to big-city opportunities: Illinois students live close to thousands of good employers, many of whom may offer valuable internship possibilities. Illinois offers a rich industrial landscape, giving college and trade school students a competitive edge through diverse internships and job prospects, particularly in finance, tech, manufacturing, and healthcare. Its central location, especially around Chicago, allows students unique access to top companies and startups for hands-on experience and networking in their chosen fields.
- • Ways to make school affordable: Low-income residents of Illinois can take advantage of the Monetary Award Program (MAP), which provides money to students for approved degree or certificate programs. Plus, military veterans in Illinois can qualify for special educational grants.
- • Rich Educational and Research Opportunities: Illinois boasts top-tier educational and trade schools known for pioneering research and advanced technology. With opportunities to join cutting-edge projects and train with industry-grade equipment, students graduate ready to meet the demands of their professions.
- • Supportive Environment for Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Illinois' educational system promotes entrepreneurship by offering strong support networks like incubators and venture capital, enabling students to transform ideas into viable businesses. Collaborative efforts across schools, industries, and government enhance these opportunities, contributing to the state's economic progress.
Education Costs in Illinois
Educational expenses vary depending on the type of school you attend, what you study, where you live, and many other factors. But here are the average undergraduate tuition and fees at four-year Illinois post-secondary schools that award degrees, according to 2020-21 data from the National Center for Education Statistics:
- Public schools: $14,994 (in-state); $29,350 (out-of-state)
- Private schools: $36,637
Keep in mind that you may qualify for financial aid such as grants, scholarships, or low-interest student loans. For example, in addition to federal aid, MAP grants, or veterans' grants, some students in this state are eligible for the Illinois Commitment. Under that program, low-income residents can receive scholarships and grants that cover tuition and fees for up to four years at the University of Illinois. To qualify, your family income must be $67,100 or less, and your total family assets can't exceed $50,000.