Best Trade Schools in Oregon for 2025

Trade schools, often referred to as vocational schools or technical schools, are a popular form of higher education across the country.

There are many different kinds of trade schools that offer training in all manner of professions.

The best trade schools in Oregon focus on practical training and real-world experience to prepare students for a career, and they tend to be less costly than other colleges or universities.

Featured Trade Schools in Oregon

Here we will explore some of the best Oregon trade schools.

1. Northwest College of Construction

The Northwest College of Construction is a trade school located in Portland, OR. The school is focused on providing high-quality education to produce skilled graduates for the construction workforce.

This trade school offers programs in areas like leadership development, safety training, technical training, equipment training, and more. It also offers online courses, apprenticeship programs

With the huge amount of options at Northwest College of Construction, costs vary widely; prospective students should consult the school's webpage for pricing information.

2. The Tech Academy

The Tech Academy is based in Portland, OR. It is an award-winning trade school that has been in operation since 2014. The academy offers classes covering various aspects of technology, both in-person and online.

Both instructor-led and self-paced programs are offered at the Tech Academy. Additionally, the academy offers corporate training, free online classes, and free educational videos.

Some of this trade school's self-paced or instructor-led programs include:

• JavaScript
• game development
• Python
• software development

Prices vary widely at the Tech Academy, from around $5,000 to over $14,000 depending on the program. The school offers payment plans, as well as scholarship and discount opportunities.

3. Central Oregon Community College

Located in Bend, OR, Central Oregon Community College is a public school that offers a variety of different programs. The school has over 10,000 students and offers a variety of different programs.

The programs offered at Central Oregon Community College include things like:

• associate degrees
• transfer degrees
• technical education degrees
• certificate programs
• industry-specific training programs

General in-state tuition at the Central Oregon Community College is $167 per credit hour.

4. Institute of Technology

The Institute of Technology is a career-focused college with locations in Oregon and California. The school has various programs for specific career paths and also offers job placement assistance.

The Institute of Technology offers hands-on experience in its programs, many of which are accelerated programs that can be completed in just 40 weeks. The school offers programs in areas like:

• culinary programs
• cosmetology
• technical programs
• medical programs

This is another institution with highly variable pricing depending on location, program, and more. Total program cost ranges from around $15,000 to over $30,000.

5. PCC Swan Island Trades School

The Swan Island Trades Center is a trade school that is part of Portland Community College. The school offers apprenticeship and trades programs.

The programs offered at the PCC Swan Island Trades School include:

• facilities maintenance technology degrees
• HVAC installer certificate
• electrician and engineer apprenticeships
• electrician training programs

Resident tuition at Portland Community College is $128 per credit hour.

6. Clackamas Community College

Clackamas Community College is located in Oregon City, OR, and is one of the largest community colleges in the state.

The school offers associate degrees as well as certification programs and more. Students can study industrial technology, automotive technology, creative arts, health professions, education, and more.

Resident tuition at Clackamas Community College is $121 per credit hour.

7. Carrington College

Carrington College is an institution geared toward healthcare career training with several campuses across the western United States, including a campus in Portland, OR.

At the Portland campus of Carrington College, students have access to two fields of study: medical and dental programs and veterinary programs.

Tuition costs at Carrington College depend upon location, program, year of enrollment, and more. A comprehensive guide to tuition costs can be found in the school's academic catalog.

8. Lane Community College

Lane Community College has multiple campuses across the state of Oregon, and its main campus is located in Eugene, OR.

This community offers career-focused programs like certificates, associate degrees, and transfer pathways. Some of their areas of study include:

• culinary
• industrial trades
• social sciences
• business & office professions

The school also has apprenticeship programs.

Resident tuition at Lane Community College is $139 per credit hour.

9. Aveda Institute Portland

The Aveda Institute is a trade school of cosmetology, esthiology, and massage therapy. It has multiple locations, and one of them is the Aveda Institute Portland.

At Aveda Institute Portland, students can study cosmetology, hair design, and esthiology.

Students should consult the institution's website and request additional information for costs and scholarship and financial aid opportunities.

10. Southwestern Oregon Community College

The second oldest community college in the state, Southwestern Oregon Community College is located in Coos Bay, OR. It was founded in 1961.

There are many different kinds of programs available at this career-focused school. This community college offers pathways in fields of study like:

• business & culinary
• STEM
• health & public safety
• education

How Much Does Trade School Cost in Oregon?

Trade school costs in Oregon can vary widely, depending on the institution and the program in which a student is enrolled.

Students should expect the total cost of their program to be at least around $5,000, with some programs costing less or significantly more.

Prospective students should always carefully consult each institution's official pricing information before making the decision to attend.

Are There Online Trade Schools in Oregon?

Yes, there are many trade schools in Oregon that offer online programs. For example, the Tech Academy has a large selection of online programs in computer science-based subjects.

Several of Oregon's community colleges also offer online trade programs.

Explore Trade Schools Today

Now that you know more about vocational schools in Oregon, find the right one for you today.