List of Top Trade Schools in Arkansas
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AECC Career School
AECC Career School offers short, job-focused certificate programs designed for adults who need a practical path into the workforce, including veterans, justice-involved individuals, and people returning to school or work. Programs range from healthcare roles like CNA, CCMA, and CPhT to job readiness, customer service, business software, and cybersecurity, with course lengths from about 24 to 180 hours. Tuition generally runs from about $699 to $2,900 for career programs and $299 to $499 for business software courses.- Little Rock Location 300 S. Spring Street, Suite 300 Little Rock,, AR 72202
- Pine Bluff Location 3131 West 28th Street Pine Bluff, AR 71601
- Healthcare and Nursing, Technology
Ark Beauty Academy
Ark Beauty Academy is a small, privately owned beauty school in Arkansas that opened in 2022 and focuses on hands-on, practical training in cosmetology, aesthetics, nail technology, and instructor programs. Students train in a clinic-style classroom where they work with real clients under supervision instead of doing outside externships. Tuition ranges from about $6,300 for the Instructor Program to $18,600 for Cosmetology.- 1400 SE Walton BLVD, Suite 42 Bentonville, AR 72712
- Professional Services
Arkansas Tech University
Arkansas Tech University is a mid-sized public university with campuses in Russellville and Ozark, enrolling about 9,090 students in Fall 2025. The school offers a wide range of trade-focused programs such as automotive service technology, welding technology, computer information technology, electrical apprentice training, and health information management. With strong online, evening, and weekend options plus hands-on practicums and externships, it is designed to serve both traditional and working students.- 215 West O Street Russellville, AR 72801
- Business, Criminal Justice and Law, Education, Healthcare and Nursing, Skilled Trades, Technology, Professional Services
Diesel Driving Academy
Diesel Driving Academy, established in 1972, offers Class A CDL training programs at campuses in Little Rock, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport. Students can complete training in as little as three weeks, with day and night class options available. Tuition ranges from $10,000 to $14,000 per year, and the academy provides job placement assistance to help graduates secure trucking careers.- 11001 I-430 Little Rock, AR 72209
- Skilled Trades
Fayetteville Dental Assistant School
Fayetteville Dental Assistant School offers a 12-week hybrid dental assisting program that combines online coursework with in-person training inside real dental offices. Founded through Zollege’s practical, low-cost model, the school focuses on hands-on skills and includes a 40-hour externship to prepare students for entry-level roles. Tuition is $3,250, with payment plans available.- 2538 E Joyce Blvd Fayetteville, AR 72703
- Healthcare and Nursing
Hot Springs Beauty College
Hot Springs Beauty College is a small, locally owned beauty school in Hot Springs that has trained cosmetology professionals since 1984. It offers hands-on certificate programs in cosmetology, esthetics, manicuring, and instructor training, all taught in a close-knit, supportive environment. Tuition is all-inclusive and varies by program, ranging from $4,800 for instructor training to $21,100 for cosmetology.- 100 Cones Rd. Hot Springs, AR 71901
- Professional Services
Metropolitan Career Tech Center
Metropolitan Career Tech Center is a free, in-person career center for 10th–12th grade students in Pulaski County, offering hands-on training in high-demand fields like automotive services, construction, criminal justice, culinary arts, LPN practical nursing, networking/cybersecurity, and welding. Students attend either a morning or afternoon block on an A/B schedule, with some programs (like LPN) meeting daily and including required clinical hours or internships. While here, you can earn college credits, industry certifications, and real work experience before graduation.- 7701 Scott Hamilton Drive Little Rock, AR 72209
- Criminal Justice and Law, Healthcare and Nursing, Skilled Trades, Technology, Professional Services
Northark Technical Center
Northark Technical Center provides high school students from several Arkansas counties the opportunity to gain college credits and technical skills before graduating. The center offers a variety of programs, including Robotics & Manufacturing, Health Professions, and Welding, focusing on hands-on learning. Class schedules are flexible, including morning, afternoon, and evening options, with online courses available through partnerships. The school’s open admission policy ensures that any qualified student can attend, and local districts cover tuition and fees, making it a cost-free education for high school participants. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Northark Technical Center is a legitimate institution dedicated to preparing students for future careers.- 1320 N Spring Rd, Harrison, AR 72601
- Business, Healthcare and Nursing, Skilled Trades
Northern Technical College
Northern Technical College is a small, private for-profit barber and cosmetology school with campuses in Pine Bluff and Hot Springs, both with roots dating back to mid-20th century training programs. The school enrolls about 30 undergraduate students a year, offering certificates and diplomas in Barber Stylist (1,500 hours), Teacher/Manager/Instructor (600 hours), and Cosmetology Crossover (1,500 hours) in a full-time, in-person format. Estimated total program costs typically range from $15,000 to $19,000 and include tools and supplies.- 22215 E. Harding Suite 8 & 9 Pine Bluff, AR 71601
- Professional Services
NorthWest Arkansas Community College
NorthWest Arkansas Community College is the largest community college in Arkansas, serving over 8,000 students across campuses in Bentonville and Springdale. The college offers more than 100 degrees and certificates, flexible day and evening schedules, and multiple learning formats, including online and hybrid options. Tuition is charged per credit hour, starting at $103 for in-district students, with higher rates for out-of-district, out-of-state, and international students.- One College Drive Bentonville, AR 72712
- Business, Criminal Justice and Law, Education, Healthcare and Nursing, Skilled Trades, Technology, Professional Services
Northwest Arkansas Real Estate School
Northwest Arkansas Real Estate School offers a 60-hour pre-licensing course focused on practical real estate exam preparation rather than college degrees. Students receive all required materials, including the application, testing handbook, and test-taking tips from experienced instructors. Classes are offered both in-person and online with flexible weekend and evening schedules.- 3593 N. College Avenue Fayetteville, AR 72703
- 809 S 52nd St Rogers, AR 72758
- 3113 N. Walton Blvd. Bentonville, AR 72712
Northwest Technical Institute
Founded in 1975, Northwest Technical Institute (NWTI) serves around 1,527 students annually, offering short-term programs under two years. With nearly 40 programs, students can pursue degrees, diplomas, and certificates in sectors such as automotive, healthcare, and industrial maintenance. Classes are offered in flexible schedules, including morning, afternoon, and evening options, and can be taken on campus, online, or through hybrid formats. Certain programs, like those in healthcare, provide internships and mentorship opportunities, ensuring hands-on experience. NWTI is fully accredited and has a 100% acceptance rate, with tuition costs estimated between $17,784 and $29,304, depending on residency status.- 709 S Old Missouri Road, Springdale, AR 72764
- Skilled Trades
Paul Mitchell Schools
Arkansas has two Paul Mitchell schools, in Fayetteville and North Little Rock, each owned by a different company. Both teach cosmetology and aesthetics. Fayetteville adds manicuring; North Little Rock (1,500-hour cosmetology, 600-hour aesthetics) adds a 600-hour master instructor program. North Little Rock's operator, PMHS-LR, LLC, also runs the Norman, Oklahoma school. Fayetteville lists an instructor program but says it is not offered at this time.- 4156 N Steele Blvd Fayetteville, AR 72703
- 4201 East McCain Boulevard North Little Rock, AR 72117
- Cosmetology and Barbering
Professional Cosmetology Education Center
The Professional Cosmetology Education Center, now part of the University of Aesthetics & Cosmetology, offers accredited training in cosmetology, aesthetics, and instructor programs. Tuition varies by program, with costs ranging from $7,900 for the instructor program to $18,325 for cosmetology. Flexible class schedules include daytime and evening options, with no mention of online learning. The school enrolls about 27 students annually, ensuring small class sizes and personalized instruction. Accredited by The Middle States Association, it has a 100% acceptance rate, making it an accessible option for aspiring beauty professionals.- 460 N. Washington Ave. El Dorado, AR 71730
- Professional Services
Pulaski Tech
Pulaski Technical College, part of the University of Arkansas System, offers over 80 accredited programs, including hands-on training in fields such as welding, automotive, HVACR, and advanced manufacturing. With flexible schedules and opportunities for online, evening, and day classes, Pulaski Tech provides accessible education tailored to meet the needs of students in the Central Arkansas region.- 3000 West Scenic Drive North Little Rock, AR 72118
- Business, Education, Healthcare and Nursing, Skilled Trades
Ultimate Technical Academy
Ultimate Technical Academy is a hands-on trade school run by Mark and Pat Hardwick that offers short, five-day courses in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and related service skills. Training is split between classroom instruction and extensive lab time on real equipment, with classes running Monday through Friday. Each course costs about $1,594 including tuition and materials, and prepares students for relevant industry certifications.- 6108 Getty Drive North Little Rock, AR 72117
- Skilled Trades
University of Arkansas Pine Bluff
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is a historic land-grant institution founded in the 1870s that originally prepared African American teachers and awarded Arkansas’s first Black college degree in 1882. Today it enrolls about 2,100 students per year and offers trade-focused options such as cosmetology, practical nursing, CDL, CNC operator, industrial technology, and emergency medical technology. Tuition for undergraduates starts at about $219.93 per credit hour for on-campus residents and is higher for non-residents, North Little Rock students, and online/graduate programs.- 1200 North University Drive Pine Bluff, AR 71601
- Business, Criminal Justice and Law, Healthcare and Nursing, Technology, Professional Services
Average Cost of Trade Schools in Arkansas
The cost of trade schools in Arkansas varies depending on the institution and program.
For example, Northark Technical Center offers tuition-free programs for high school students, with local school districts covering expenses, including books and fees.
In contrast, Northwest Technical Institute (NWTI) estimates tuition between $17,784 and $29,304, depending on residency.
Pulaski Tech’s base tuition for the 2024-25 academic year is $3,480, with additional costs such as course fees and housing potentially bringing the total to $30,368.
Accreditation of Trade Schools in Arkansas
Accreditation ensures that students receive a high-quality education, recognized by employers and other institutions.
Northark Technical Center is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and Northwest Technical Institute (NWTI) is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE).
Pulaski Tech, part of the University of Arkansas System, is also accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Accreditation is crucial for ensuring programs meet industry standards and prepare students for the workforce.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Trade schools in Arkansas offer various financial aid options to help students afford their education. For instance, Pulaski Tech accepts federal aid, including loans and grants, and offers personalized financial planning tools like a net price calculator.
NWTI provides guidance on financial aid through their catalog and student handbook.
At Northark Technical Center, high school students benefit from a tuition-free education, funded by local school districts and the Arkansas Department of Career Education, easing financial burdens for students.
Top 5 Most Common Trade Programs in Arkansas
- Healthcare – Programs such as nursing assistant, EMT, and phlebotomy are widely available at schools like Northark Technical Center and NWTI.
- Automotive Technology – Offered at institutions like Pulaski Tech and NWTI, automotive service and diesel technology programs are popular among students.
- Welding – Welding programs are commonly found at schools such as Northark Technical Center and Pulaski Tech, preparing students for careers in skilled trades.
- HVAC – Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning programs are in demand and offered at multiple schools, including Northark and NWTI.
- Construction – Programs in construction technology and facilities maintenance are available at Northark Technical Center and Pulaski Tech, preparing students for the growing construction industry.
Average Duration or Timeframe of Trade Schools
Trade school programs in Arkansas range in duration from 9 to 12 months. Programs at Northark Technical Center can be completed while still in high school, offering a head start on college credits.
NWTI offers short-term programs that can be completed in less than a year, with flexible class schedules.
Pulaski Tech offers programs that vary in length, with some taking around a year to complete, while more advanced programs, like advanced manufacturing, may require longer periods, depending on the complexity of the training.