Best Trade Schools in Nebraska for 2025

If you live in Nebraska and are planning to attend a trade school, you may be wondering which ones are available in your state. Are there any close to where you live, and which schools are the best?

Keep reading as we discuss the ten best trade schools in Nebraska and answer some related questions you may have about attending a trade school.

Featured Trade Schools in Nebraska

Most students who learn a trade in Nebraska do so at one of the state's public community colleges. Below, we've compiled ten of the best community colleges and other top trade schools for you to explore.

1. Northeast Community College

Northeast Community College is a system of four campuses located in O'Neill, Norfolk, West Point, and South Sioux City. It was established in 1973.

A wide array of trade-related degree programs, certificates, and diplomas are available, including:

• auto body repair technology
• basic nurse aide
• criminal justice - law enforcement
• dairy technician
• machining and manufacturing automation

While a few of the available trade programs can be completed online, most are taken in person or a hybrid format.

2. Southeast Community College

Southeast Community College is a system consisting of three campuses and several learning centers in Lincoln, Milford, and Beatrice. It enrolls around 9,000 students.

Some of the trade programs available at this school include:

• computer information technology
• culinary/hospitality
• surgical technology
• respiratory care
• professional truck driver training

Many of these programs can be completed online, though some may require an in-person component that can be completed at an approved location near you.

3. Metropolitan Community College

Metropolitan Community College is located in Omaha. It consists of several campuses found throughout the Omaha-Council Bluffs area.

Some of the many vocational programs this school offers include:

• web development
• real estate specialist
• architectural design technology
• plumbing
• heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration

Degrees, certificates, diplomas, and apprenticeships are available. Some programs can be completed online, though most require hands-on participation through campus-based learning.

4. Central Community College

Central Community College has three campuses located in Grand Island, Hastings, and Columbus, with additional learning centers throughout the region.

You can pursue a variety of trade programs at this school, including:

• medical coding
• accounting
• construction technology
• dental assisting
• heavy equipment operator technician

Several of the programs can be completed online or in a hybrid format, while others must be completed in person.

5. Mid-Plains Community College

Mid-Plains Community College has seven campuses throughout the southwestern region, and its system is considered one of the best online community colleges in Nebraska. Campuses are located in McCook, North Platte, Imperial, Ogallala, Valentine, and Broken Bow.

Lots of trade programs are available at these campuses, including:

• emergency medical technician
• nursing
• diesel technology
• electrical technology
• welding technology

Though the school offers online degree programs, all trade programs must be completed in person or a hybrid format.

6. Western Nebraska Community College

Western Nebraska Community College is headquartered in Scottsbluff but has additional community college campuses in Alliance and Sidney. It has been around since 1926.

Trade programs available include:

• aviation maintenance
• agriculture science
• powerline construction and maintenance technology
• Class A and B CDL
• medication aide

Most of these programs are completed in person at one of the school's campuses.

7. Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture

Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture is a part of the University of Nebraska System. It is a technical school located in Curtis.

A unique array of agriculture-related degrees and certificates are available, such as:

• equine health
• animal husbandry
• beef production
• crop production
• dairy production

Though several individual courses are available online, most of these programs must be completed in person.

8. University of Nebraska Medical Center

The University of Nebraska Medical Center is another part of the University of Nebraska System. It is an academic health center located in Omaha.

This school provides training in various health-related fields. Most programs lead to advanced degrees, but short-term programs include:

• pharmacy technician
• cardiovascular interventional technology
• applied health informatics

Some of these programs are available online, but most have extensive hands-on training segments that require in-person attendance.

9. Joseph's College Cosmetology

Joseph's College Cosmetology is a specialized trade school with locations in Kearney, Lincoln, Grand Island, and Norfolk. It has been around since 1965.

As the name implies, the school provides training programs in cosmetology. Some of the topics covered include hair care and coloring, spa treatments, and nail services.

All students must complete their training programs in person.

10. Universal College of Healing Arts

Universal College of Healing Arts is located in Omaha. It was founded in 1995.

This school provides a diploma and an associate degree in massage therapy, as well as a Hellerwork structural integration practitioner program.

Each of these programs includes both online and in-person coursework. Part of the in-person training includes spending time with local practitioners to learn about their jobs firsthand.

Common Trade Jobs in Nebraska

There are a wide variety of trades you can choose from. But perhaps you'd like to enter one of Nebraska's high-demand fields. Some of the most common trade jobs in your state include:

• manufacturing
• agriculture and livestock
• construction
• healthcare
• information technology

How Much Does Trade School Cost in Nebraska?

The cost of attending a trade school will vary depending on the school in question, as well as the trade program you choose.

Longer programs will cost more than short-term programs but may also lead to higher-paying careers. And, regardless of the program, some schools charge lower tuition rates than others and many offer financial aid options.

Among the schools outlined above, tuition rates range from around $4,800 up to $12,500 for trade programs.

Are There Online Trade Schools in Nebraska?

Many trade programs cannot be entirely completed online due to hands-on training components. However, others can be completed fully or at least partially online. Some of the schools discussed in this article that have online trade programs include:

• Southeast Community College
• Central Community College
• Metropolitan Community College

Explore Trade Schools Today

Ready to start a new career in a high-demand trade at a top Nebraska trade school? Check out the schools in this article to find one that best suits your professional goals and interests.