Trade Schools in Chicago, IL

Chicago, IL has 22 schools with trade and career programs in this directory: 6 public and 16 private. Together they graduated 3,012 students from these programs in the latest federal count.

Published program tuition runs from $13,184 to $36,850, with a median of $17,285 across the 18 programs that report a program price.

Graduates earned a median of $38,004 one year after finishing, where the Department of Education reports earnings for the program.

The largest programs by graduates are at City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College, City Colleges of Chicago-Richard J Daley College and City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College.

22
Schools
3,012
Graduates last year
$17,285
Median program tuition
$38,004
Median earnings, 1 yr after

All 22 schools in Chicago, IL

Sorted by size. Tap a name for details.

HVAC Technical Institute

Chicago, IL

Programs
Electrician and HVAC
Average net price
$22,735
Completion rate
91%
Type
Private for-profit

Midwestern Career College

Chicago, IL

Programs
Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy and Surgical Technologist
Average net price
$17,110
Completion rate
54%
Type
Private for-profit

Larry's Barber College

Chicago, IL

Programs
Barber
Average net price
$13,701
Completion rate
72%
Type
Private for-profit

Stellar Career College

Chicago, IL

Programs
Medical Assistant and Surgical Technologist
Average net price
$32,357
Completion rate
84%
Type
Private for-profit

Larry's Barber College

Chicago, IL

Programs
Barber
Average net price
$14,699
Completion rate
83%
Type
Private for-profit

Roosevelt University

Chicago, IL

Programs
Medical Assistant and Surgical Technologist
Average net price
$21,512
Completion rate
34%
Type
Private nonprofit

Also within 30 miles of Chicago

Morton College

Cicero, IL

Programs
Auto Mechanic, CNA, EMT and Paramedic and HVAC and 3 more
Average net price
$6,075
Completion rate
28%
Type
Public

Triton College

River Grove, IL

Programs
Auto Mechanic, Carpentry, CNA and EMT and Paramedic and 5 more
Average net price
$3,243
Completion rate
43%
Type
Public

Cameo Beauty Academy

Oak Lawn, IL

Programs
Cosmetology and Esthetician
Average net price
$10,977
Completion rate
57%
Type
Private for-profit

Hair Professionals Career College

Palos Hills, IL

Programs
Cosmetology, Esthetician and Nail Technician
Average net price
$18,186
Completion rate
81%
Type
Private for-profit

Estelle Medical Academy

Skokie, IL

Programs
Massage Therapy
Average net price
$8,650
Completion rate
94%
Type
Private for-profit

Common questions

How much does trade school training cost in Chicago, IL?

The median published tuition is $17,285 (range $13,184 to $36,850, 18 programs reporting). The lowest listed prices are at Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Chicago NW ($13,184), Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Chicago NE ($13,184) and University of Aesthetics & Cosmetology ($14,325). Public community and technical colleges often charge less but report tuition per year rather than per program, so check each school's net price calculator.

How long does trade school school take?

Programs that report a length take a median of 12 months to finish (6 to 20 months). Certificates are shorter; associate degrees usually take about two years.

How much do trade school graduates earn?

Across 42 programs with reported outcomes, the median graduate earned $38,004 one year after finishing (U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard). Earnings vary by program and local labor market.

Are there public trade school programs in Chicago, IL?

Yes. 6 public schools offer it, including City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College, City Colleges of Chicago-Richard J Daley College, City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College, City Colleges of Chicago-Harry S Truman College and City Colleges of Chicago-Olive-Harvey College.

Data: U.S. Department of Education: IPEDS 2024-25 and College Scorecard (October 2026 release). Listings change; confirm details with the school before you go. How this directory is built.