Trade School Rankings
12,699 programs scored and ranked · Updated 2026
Top 10 Programs by TradeSchoolOutlook Score
The highest-scoring trade programs in America, combining earnings, AI resilience, job market demand, and ROI.
| # | Program | Score | Earnings | AI-Proof | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ground Transportation Johnson County Community College · KS | 95 | $74,114/yr | AI-Proof | 326.6x |
| 2 | Criminal Justice San Diego Miramar College · CA | 93 | $91,647/yr | Resilient | 795.9x |
| 3 | Criminal Justice Santa Rosa Junior College · CA | 93 | $111,649/yr | Resilient | 707.7x |
| 4 | Criminal Justice San Bernardino Valley College · CA | 93 | $94,285/yr | Resilient | 382.6x |
| 5 | Ground Transportation Fox Valley Technical College · WI | 92 | $67,999/yr | AI-Proof | 111.6x |
| 6 | Business Administration University of Georgia · GA | 92 | $77,610/yr | Moderate | 100.2x |
| 7 | Health Administration Durham Technical Community College · NC | 92 | $70,267/yr | Moderate | 347.7x |
| 8 | Ground Transportation Central Lakes College-Brainerd · MN | 90 | $64,164/yr | AI-Proof | 108.0x |
| 9 | Construction Management Technology North Hennepin Community College · MN | 90 | $66,902/yr | AI-Proof | 131.5x |
| 10 | Nursing Glendale Community College · AZ | 90 | $75,418/yr | Moderate | 177.5x |
Featured Rankings
Top-level rankings across all schools and trades.
Highest TSW Scores
The best trade school programs in America, ranked by TradeSchoolOutlook Score — combining earnings, AI resilience, job market demand, and tuition ROI.
#1: Ground Transportation at Johnson County Community College (Score 95)
Highest ROI Trades
Trade programs that pay back the most relative to what you spend on tuition.
#1: Nursing at Cabrillo College (1067.5x ROI)
Highest-Earning Trades
Trade programs where graduates earn the most in Year 1 after graduation.
#1: Dentistry at University of Pennsylvania ($220,594/yr)
Most AI-Proof Trades
Trade careers with the lowest exposure to AI automation — hands-on work that machines can't replace.
#1: Heavy Equipment Technology at Gadsden State Community College (86% AI-proof)
Most AI-Exposed Trades
Trade programs whose career paths face the most disruption from AI tools and automation.
#1: Computer Networking at Herzing University-Birmingham (41% AI-proof)
Worst ROI Trades
Trade programs that pay back the least relative to tuition cost. Know before you enroll.
#1: Parks & Recreation Management at Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale (6.0x ROI)
Cheap + High-Earning
Trade programs under $20K tuition where graduates still earn $35K+ in Year 1. Maximum value.
#1: Electrical Installation at Community College of Allegheny County ($151,803/yr)
Best Skilled Trades
Top skilled trades programs — construction, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, welding — ranked by overall value.
#1: Ground Transportation at Johnson County Community College (Score 95)
Best Healthcare Programs
Top healthcare trade programs — nursing, dental hygiene, medical assisting — ranked by earnings, AI resilience, and ROI.
#1: Health Administration at Durham Technical Community College (Score 92)
Best Tech Programs
Top technology trade programs — IT, networking, cybersecurity, engineering tech — ranked by overall value.
#1: Computer Science at Wake Technical Community College (Score 87)
Best Criminal Justice
Top criminal justice and public safety trade programs ranked by earnings, AI resilience, and return on investment.
#1: Criminal Justice at San Diego Miramar College (Score 93)
High Earnings, Low Debt
Trade programs where graduates earn well but leave with under $15K in debt.
#1: Allied Health Professions at Foothill College ($107,048/yr)
Fastest Growing Trades
Trade programs tied to the fastest-growing occupations, based on BLS 2024–2034 projections.
#1: Nursing at Gadsden State Community College (Score 83)
Largest Job Markets
Trade programs leading to careers with the most annual job openings nationwide.
#1: Business Administration at GateWay Community College (Score 88)
Rankings by State (52)
Best trade programs in each state, ranked by TSW Score.
Rankings by Trade (113)
Best schools for each trade, ranked by TSW Score.