Trade Schools in Wilmington, NC

Wilmington, NC has 3 schools with trade and career programs in this directory: 1 public and 2 private. Together they graduated 553 students from these programs in the latest federal count.

Published program tuition runs from $10,591 to $25,240, with a median of $17,641 across the 5 programs that report a program price.

Graduates earned a median of $31,002 one year after finishing, where the Department of Education reports earnings for the program.

The largest programs by graduates are at Cape Fear Community College, College of Wilmington and Miller-Motte College-Wilmington.

3
Schools
553
Graduates last year
$17,641
Median program tuition
$31,002
Median earnings, 1 yr after

All 3 schools in Wilmington, NC

Sorted by size. Tap a name for details.

Cape Fear Community College

Wilmington, NC

Programs
Auto Mechanic, Carpentry, CNA and Cosmetology and 13 more
Average net price
$6,156
Completion rate
41%
Type
Public

College of Wilmington

Wilmington, NC

Programs
Cosmetology, Esthetician and Massage Therapy
Average net price
$16,961
Completion rate
50%
Type
Private for-profit

Also within 30 miles of Wilmington

Brunswick Community College

Bolivia, NC

Programs
Cosmetology, EMT and Paramedic, LPN and Medical Assistant and 1 more
Average net price
$9,193
Completion rate
40%
Type
Public

Common questions

How much does trade school training cost in Wilmington, NC?

The median published tuition is $17,641 (range $10,591 to $25,240, 5 programs reporting). The lowest listed prices are at College of Wilmington ($10,591) and Miller-Motte College-Wilmington ($25,240). 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 11 months to finish (5 to 15 months). Certificates are shorter; associate degrees usually take about two years.

How much do trade school graduates earn?

Across 16 programs with reported outcomes, the median graduate earned $31,002 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 Wilmington, NC?

Yes. 1 public school offer it, including Cape Fear Community 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.