10 Best Trade Schools inMinnesota

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Trade schools are a great alternative for those who want to get a better job but can’t afford to spend 4 years in college.

The right trade school can help you start a rewarding career in a matter of months.

In order to help you choose the right school, we compiled a list of 10 of the best trade schools in Minnesota.

The list also includes general information about each institution (tuition costs, enrollment requirements, contact details, etc.)

The institutions in this list offer high-quality training in various educational departments, such as cosmetology, real estate, technology, truck driving and more.

Let’s have a look at some of the best trade schools in Minnesota:


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1Summit Academy OIC

Summit Academy OIC is an accredited vocational school located in North Minneapolis.

Summit Academy is providing real-world career preparation and the hands-on experience employers demand.

The school also offers vocational training with no out-of-pocket cost.

Completion of the financial aid process is required of all students.

Students will have no out-of-pocket tuition expenses and there are no textbooks to purchase.

The school’s financial aid office is committed to ensuring that your Summit Academy OIC tuition is covered.

The institution does not participate in the Federal and State Student Loan programs, so there are no loans to pay back.

Enrollment. In order to enroll in a program, applicants must attend an info session and turn in an Application. Prospective students also have to take an assessment exam, complete the FAFSA and meet with the financial aid advisor.

In order to be eligible for financial aid, applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens. Applicants must have a valid Social Security number (with the exception of students from the Republic of the Marshal Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau). Men must be registered with Selective Service. Prospective students must be enrolled in one of the healthcare or construction certificate programs offered by Summit Academy. Applicants must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Courses offered:

  • Service Desk Technician
  • Electrician
  • Pre- Apprentice Carpentry
  • G.E.D.
  • Medical Administrative Assistant
  • Community Health Worker

Contact information:

  • The school is located at 935 Olson Memorial Hwy, Minneapolis, MN 55405
  • Phone: 612-377-0150
  • Website: https://www.saoic.org

2The Salon Professional Academy

The Salon Professional Academy is an Esthetics and Cosmetology School in Maplewood.

The school’s educational philosophy includes hands-on training and smaller class-sizes that enable more interaction and one-on-one time with educators.

At The Salon Professional Academy, students get to practice and perfect their skills in a premium salon environment using professional products.

In addition to technical skills, students also learn how to grow clientele and bookings, increase retail sales and build lasting relationships with their clients.

Enrollment. Applicants must have a high-school and post-high-school transcripts sent to the Academy. Then they are asked to complete a form on the school’s website.

Fees. Tuition fees vary depending on the program.

A variety of scholarships and grants are available for students who qualify: TSPA Tuition Scholarships, TSPA Military Scholarships, Summit Salon Referral Scholarship, TSPA Redken Scholarship, Second Chance Scholarship, Summer Scholarship.

Courses offered:

  • Cosmetology (1550 hours)
  • Esthetics (600 hours)
  • Eyelash Extensions (38 hours)

Contact information:


3Minnesota school of Cosmetology

Minnesota School of Cosmetology offers training classes for future cosmetologists, estheticians, and massage therapists.

The school provides student training and services from two locations in Woodbury and Plymouth.

Students learn in a comfortable, upbeat, caring atmosphere, from experienced instructors, in small class sizes and using hands-on training.

Minnesota School of Cosmetology’s program is designed to prepare students for a career immediately after graduation.

The Minnesota School of Cosmetology (MSC) campuses in Woodbury and Plymouth are accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences, Inc.

Enrollment. A high school diploma or GED is required to start at Minnesota School of Cosmetology but prospective students can submit their application before they graduate.

Fees. The total cost of the Cosmetology program is $23,050. The esthiology program costs $9,600 and the Massage Therapy program is $11,225. The total cost includes tuition and kit cost.

Financial aid and scholarships are also available to students who qualify.

Courses offered:

  • Cosmetology
  • Massage Therapy
  • Esthiology

Contact information:

  • The Plymouth school is located at 1425 County Road 101 North, Plymouth, MN 55447
  • The Woodbury school is located at 1750 Weir Drive, Suite 3, Woodbury, MN 55125
  • Phone: 651-432-4624
  • Website: https://www.msccollege.edu

4Continuing Ed Express

Continuing EdExpress is offering online pre-license and continuing education classes in the real estate industry.

Classes are taught by instructors with decades of real estate experience.

The school offers a money-back no-hassle guarantee.

You may cancel your registration and ask for a refund for pre-license and continuing education courses for any reason up to 60 calendar days from the date of purchase.

In order to get your real estate license in Minnesota, you have to be at least 18 years of age, complete 90 hours of approved pre-license education (three 30-hour courses) and pass the license exam at the designated testing center.

After completing your pre-license courses and passing the license exam, you apply for your real estate license.

Fees. The price for the real-estate courses offered at Continuing EdExpress varies depending on the course.

The price for the Complete Minnesota Salesperson Pre-License Package is $579 while the continuing education programs cost between $29.95 and $34.95.

Courses offered:

Some of the courses offered are:

  • Complete Minnesota Salesperson Pre-license Package
  • Minnesota Broker Pre-License Course with Exam Prep
  • 7/1/18-6/30/19 Salesperson & Broker Required Module: Risk Management
  • Realtor Code of Ethics Case Studies
  • Real Estate Photography for Listing Agents
  • Business and Communications Technology
  • Seller Counselling: From Listing to Closing
  • Protecting Clients and Their Property
  • Resolving Transaction Disputes

Contact information:


5Inflight Pilot Training

Inflight Pilot Training is a flight school in the Twin Cities Metro Area.

The Inflight team has over 18,000 hours of combined flight hours and numerous master-level certifications.

In order to become a Private Pilot, you must be at least 16 years of age to solo and at least 17 years of age for a Private Pilot License.

Applicants must pass the FAA 3rd Class Medical and attend a Ground School or Self-Study.

A minimum of 40 hours of flight is also required.

Then future pilots have to pass FAA Private Pilot Written exam and the Checkride.

Enrollment. As a first step, applicants need to pass a medical exam. Then they have to take a ground school. Afterward prospective students are invited to schedule an Introductory Flight to see what aviation is all about. Then they can start flight training.

Fees vary depending on the course. The price for the FAA minimum of 40 hours is $8,263.50. This cost includes instructor fee, airplane (Cessna 152), Airplane Solo and Ground Instruction.

Courses offered:

  • Private Pilot
  • Instrument Rating
  • Commercial Pilot
  • Flight Instructor
  • Airline Career Pilot
  • Accelerated Flight Training

Contact information:


6Nova Academy of Cosmetology

Nova Academy of Cosmetology is providing licensing preparation for future beauty professionals in Rochester and Mankato.

Nova Academy of Cosmetology was founded in 2005 in Rochester, Minnesota. Since then, over 600 beauty professionals have graduated and started a career in the beauty industry.

The Academy offers full both beauty and business training.

School instructors and staff strive to provide a positive and consistent learning environment for all future professionals.

The Academy has a completion rate of 90%.

Fees. The Cosmetology program costs $19,750 if completed within normal time (51 weeks). The cost of the Esthiology program is $11,900. The cost of the Nail Technology program is $5,200.

Financial aid is available to qualifying students. Nova Academy of Cosmetology has been federally funded since July 2010.

Courses offered:

  • Cosmetology
  • Esthiology
  • Nail Technician
  • Advanced Practice Esthetics- Combined – only at Rochester campus.
  • Advanced Practice Esthetics- only at Rochester campus.

Contact information:

  • Rochester Campus: 5979 Bandel Rd NW, Rochester, MN 55901
  • Phone: (507) 280-6910
  • Mankato Campus: 1701 Adams Street, Mankato, MN 56001
  • Phone: (507) 345-4033
  • Website: https://nova-academy.com

7The Hubbs Center

Adult Basic Education is a program offered by the Saint Paul Public Schools’ Community Education Department.

Classes are available to adults who want to improve their basic skills, earn a GED, prepare for employment or post-secondary education, or learn English.

The Hubbs Center is a dynamic adult education facility located in the heart of Saint Paul’s Frogtown-Midway communities.

The Ronald M. Hubbs Scholarship Fund was created in 1997 by family and friends in his loving memory.

To be eligible for the fund, applicants must:

  • be adult learners who have recently completed or will complete an Adult Basic Education by July 1st of the year in which the award is made
  • be enrolled or planning to enroll in an on-site undergraduate degree-granting post-secondary education program in the year in which the award is made
  • be students enrolled in programs offered by the Ronald M. Hubbs Center for Lifelong Learning in St. Paul during the current school year

Enrollment. Walk-in registration is available at two locations, the Hubbs Center and the Hub@Harding. Application requirements vary by program.

Courses offered:

The job training courses offered at the Saint Paul Public Schools’ Community Education Department are:

  • Boiler Class
  • Commercial Drivers License
  • Introduction to Child Development
  • Healthcare Careers
  • Medical Office Preparation
  • Introduction to Nursing Assistance
  • Advance Retail Customer Service
  • Introduction to Retail/Customer Service
  • ServSafe
  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Contact information:

  • Hubbs Centre for Lifelong  Learning is located at 1030 University Avenue, Saint Paul, MN
  • East Side Learning Hub @ Harding is located at 1526 East 6th Street, Saint Paul, MN
  • Phone:  651-290-4822
  • Website: https://www.spps.org

8Heavy Metal Truck Driver Training

Located in the Minneapolis/Saint Paul area, Heavy Metal Truck Training offers a variety of state-licensed Class A CDL training programs to help you start a new career as a professional truck driver.

The school doesn’t use simulators, all of the ‘behind-the-wheel’ training will be in an actual truck.

The school is a member of the Minnesota Trucking Association, The Women in Trucking organization and Heavy Metal Truck Training.

The school offers job placement assistance to students who are in good standing with the school.

The Pre-Hire program is also available to students.

The school’s main CDL training campus is located in Newport, MN.

The newest CDL training campus is located in St. Cloud, MN.

Fees. Tuition and registration fees vary by program. Grant programs, student loans, and state & federal loans are also available to qualifying students.

Classes offered:

  • 160 Hour State-licensed Class A CDL Certificate Program
  • 460 Hour State-licensed Class A CDL Certificate Program
  • Just a CDL Training (20 hours)
  • FREE Online CDL Practice Tests
  • 3 Day CDL Refresher Class
  • 10-Hour CDL Refresher Class
  • 20-Hour CDL Refresher Class

Contact information:

  • The Administrative & Admissions Office is located at 3140 Neil Armstrong Blvd, Suite 308, Eagan, MN 55121
  • Phone: 651-528-8994
  • Website: https://hmtt.net

9Prime Academy

Prime Academy is preparing future software developers for a successful and rewarding.

The school’s programs are designed to ensure that even if you have no previous experience, you’re ready for your first job after graduation.

The school has a 97% completion rate and is working hand-in-hand with industry employers to produce excellent outcomes for students.

Enrollment. Prime’s admission process starts with an online application. Applicants answer short essay questions, logic puzzles and they’ll be presented with a challenge to show they are comfortable picking up technical skills.

If the application looks good the applicant will be contacted by Prime to schedule an interview where they’ll have the chance to come to the school’s campus, get a tour and sit down with someone from the admissions team.

Fees. Tuition is $16,000. Students paying upfront receive a $500 discount. Eligible students may receive grants to cover up to 100% of tuition. Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Courses offered:

  • Full-Stack Engineering (20 weeks)
  • User Experience Design (18 weeks)

Contact information:

  • The school campus is located at 301 4th Ave S., Suite 577
    Minneapolis, MN 55415
  • Phone: (952) 222-8108
  • Website: https://primeacademy.io

10Hastings Beauty School

Hastings Beauty School is another great option if you want to study cosmetology in Minnesota.

The school offers the state-required 1550 hour program in Cosmetology which leads to a Certificate of Completion.

Classes are scheduled over a 48-week period from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, and from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

The school is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences.

The program includes:

  • 240 hours of basic instruction and pre-clinical training skills in related science, business and salon management, safety and sanitation, and other elected subjects.
  • 298 hours of additional instruction in related theory and sciences.
  • 1012 hours (10 months) of applied science and clinical skills in shampooing, scalp and hair conditioning, hair design and shaping, chemical hair control, hair coloring, hair styling, facials, and makeup and manicures.

Fees. The total cost of the Cosmetology program is $17,860. This includes tuition, a student kit and a $200 registration fee. Payment plans and financial aid are also available to those who qualify.

Contact information:


Salary Information for Popular Trade Careers

CareerEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Paralegals and Legal Assistants6,140$63,450$30.51$94,910$39,790
Medical Records Specialists3,190$57,320$27.56$79,450$40,400
Nursing Assistants24,860$42,480$20.42$49,480$32,400
Dental Assistants5,890$58,890$28.31$73,630$46,850
Medical Assistants12,120$47,330$22.76$55,890$37,380
Phlebotomists1,250$40,920$19.67$48,930$33,660
Electricians11,850$73,320$35.25$104,100$46,150
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters9,430$76,690$36.87$109,050$46,250
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics11,610$52,210$25.10$76,240$33,660
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers4,490$70,080$33.69$100,500$40,970
* Salary information based on the May 2022 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Minnesota, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Final Thoughts

Minnesota trade schools offer high-quality training in many educational fields.

From technology and cosmetology to carpentry and truck driving, there are many trades you can learn and many career paths you can pursue.

Choosing the right school can be hard.

You have to take into consideration many factors, such as cost, duration, completion rate, job placement rate and accreditation.

Don’t forget to do your own research before deciding to enroll in a specific educational program.