Best Trade Schools in Indiana for 2025

The Hoosier State is well-known for its automotive racing, but auto mechanics aren't the only trades available in the state. A variety of trade careers thrive in Indiana.

For students interested in the trades, keep reading to discover the best trade schools in Indiana for 2024 and the programs they offer.

Featured Trade Schools in Indiana

There are a number of trade schools in Indiana, some offering a variety of programs and some focusing on programs within a specific field.

Below, we've featured ten of the best trade schools in Indiana for 2024 and explored the programs they offer.

1. Denmark College

Denmark College is a private, for-profit vocational school in Merrillville, Indiana. It offers training and certificate programs in barbering, cosmetology, and medical assisting.

The barbering and cosmetology programs can be completed within 11 months. Both focus on hair, but the cosmetology program also covers makeup, eyebrows, lashes, and nails.

The medical assistant program takes 10 months to complete and covers topics like anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, patient care, office administration, medical ethics, and surgical assisting.

2. Don Roberts School of Hair Design

Don Roberts School of Hair Design is a private, for-profit beauty school in Schererville, Indiana. It offers cosmetology, barber, esthetics, and manicure programs.

Both the barber and cosmetology programs require 1500 hours of study. The cosmetology program covers hair as well as nails, waxing, and airbrush makeup.

The esthetics program requires 900 hours and focuses on skincare, massage, hair removal, and makeup application, while the manicure program requires 600 hours and focuses specifically on nails.

3. Fortis College

Fortis College is a private for-profit college with multiple campuses throughout the United States, including one in Indianapolis. It offers career training in several fields.

Students can learn trades in the following fields:

• commercial driving
• cosmetology and esthetics
• electrical and electrical systems
• heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration
• massage therapy
• welding

Additionally, Fortis College offers several healthcare and medical programs, including programs in nursing, medical technology, medical assisting, medical billing and coding, and medical office administration.

4. Indiana Wellness College

Indiana Wellness College is a private, for-profit wellness and massage school in Indianapolis, Indiana. It offers a massage therapy program and an esthetics program.

The massage therapy program requires 900 hours over 50 weeks, with students attending class online one and half days a week and learning online for six and a half hours a week. It covers a range of massage techniques.

The esthetics program is 700 hours over 37 weeks, requiring students to attend class two days per week. The curriculum trains students in areas like chemical exfoliants, microdermabrasion, and corrective makeup techniques.

5. International Business College

International Business College is a private, for-profit college in Indianapolis, Indiana. Despite the name, it doesn't really offer business programs but offers programs in medical assisting and veterinary technology.

The medical assistant program takes 16 months to complete and includes an 8-week externship. Students learn anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, clinical procedures, laboratory procedures, and more.

The veterinary technology program also includes an 8-week externship. It covers topics like animal anatomy and physiology, anesthesia, large animal theory, radiography, and surgical nursing.

6. Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech is a system of public community colleges throughout Indiana. It offers associate degrees and certificates on campus and online.

Trade programs are available in areas like:

• automotive
• aviation
• construction
• culinary arts
• engineering
• health care

The college partners with several businesses to offer apprenticeships for a variety of careers, including boilermakers, carpenters, electricians, iron workers, plumbers and pipefitters, and telecommunications technicians.

7. Lincoln College of Technology

Lincoln College of Technology is a private, for-profit career school with locations across the country, including one in Indianapolis. It offers training programs in several fields.

Students at the Indianapolis campus can study:

• automotive service technology
• collision repair and refinishing technology
• computer numerical control machining and manufacturing technology
• diesel and truck service technology
• electrical and electronic systems technology
• medical assistant and medical assistant technology
• welding technology

The campus also offers specialized training partnerships with local businesses for students in the automotive service technology and electrical and electronic systems technology programs.

8. MyComputerCareer

MyComputerCareer is a private, for-profit IT training school with multiple locations around the U.S., including Indianapolis, and online programs.

Programs are available in areas like:

• cyber security specialist
• cyber security engineer
• information technology security and administration

The college also offers a three-month Cyber Warrior bootcamp program as well as an Associate of Applied Science in network administration and cyber security

9. Ross Medical Education Center

Ross Medical Education Center is a private for-profit college with several locations across the country, including seven locations throughout Indiana. It offers programs on campus and online.

The college specializes in healthcare programs such as:

• dental assistant
• medical assistant
• medical office administration
• nursing
• pharmacy technician
• veterinary technology

Not every program is available at every campus, so be sure to check which campuses offer the programs you want to pursue.

10. Vincennes University

Vincennes University is a public college with its main campus in Vincennes, Indiana. It offers bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, and certificate programs on campus and online.

Students can study trades in fields like:

• automotive
• aviation
• cosmetology
• culinary arts
• electronics technology
• industrial technology
• metalworking technology
• mining technology
• welding technology

In addition, students can pursue multiple healthcare programs through Vincennes University, including nursing, healthcare services administration, and emergency medical technician training.

Common Trade Jobs in Indiana

Many trade workers can find employment in Indiana. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some of the most common trade jobs in Indiana are in:

• production
• transportation and material moving
• healthcare practice and technology
• installation, maintenance, and repair
• construction and extraction
• healthcare support
• assemblers and fabricators
• heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers

How Much Does Trade School Cost in Indiana?

The cost of trade school in Indiana depends on whether you're attending a public or private institution and what program you're taking.

Public two-year schools cost an average of $4,637 per year for in-state students and $8,927 for out-of-state students, not including things like supplies and room and board.

Private institutions can charge much more. Of the schools listed above, most offered tuition that ranged between $12,000-$20,000 per program, but some charged over $35,000 per program.

Are There Online Trade Schools in Indiana?

Some of the colleges listed above offer online programs, but many trade programs can't be done fully online, as they require hands-on training.

You may still be able to take a portion of your courses online. Check with your admissions counselor or advisor to determine your options.

Explore Trade Schools Today

Indiana has several trade schools that cover a variety of trade careers. Check out the trade schools in Indiana listed above to find the right fit for you today!