Little Rock Trade Schools

Diesel Driving Academy

Rating: 3.9 of 5

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

Metropolitan Career Tech Center

Rating: 4.4 of 5

Metropolitan Career Tech Center serves over 700 high school students from across Pulaski County, giving 10th–12th graders access to workforce-focused pathways such as automotive services, construction trades, criminal justice, culinary arts, LPN practical nursing, networking and cybersecurity, and welding. Classes run in two daily blocks—8:30–11:30 a.m. and 12:50–3:50 p.m.—with most programs following an A/B schedule and the LPN program meeting daily in the afternoon to cover clinical requirements.

Many pathways include internships or clinical hours, and students can earn college credits and industry-recognized certifications that help them move straight into jobs or into further education after high school. Metro is part of the Little Rock School District and works closely with the CAPS Network, local colleges, and employers to connect classroom learning with real opportunities. There is no tuition cost because the Arkansas Office of Skills Development and other sources fund the center, so there is no net price calculator.

  • 7701 Scott Hamilton Drive Little Rock, AR 72209

Pulaski Tech

Rating: 3.8 of 5

Pulaski Technical College, founded in 1945 and now part of the University of Arkansas System, offers a variety of career-focused, hands-on programs such as welding, HVACR, automotive, and advanced manufacturing. The college provides flexible class schedules with options for day, evening, or online courses to fit diverse student needs. Programs may also include externships for practical experience. With a 100% acceptance rate and affordable tuition starting at $3,480, Pulaski Tech is a widely accessible option for students in Central Arkansas. Additional costs for housing, meals, and supplies may bring the total annual expenses to around $30,368.

  • 3000 West Scenic Drive North Little Rock, AR 72118

Strayer University

Rating: 3.6 of 5

Strayer University’s Little Rock campus provides students with personalized support from local advisors to help navigate program selection, admissions, and financial aid options. The campus offers select in-person courses, with priority given to international students. Walk-in visits are welcome, and appointments can be scheduled to receive one-on-one guidance. Students can access resources for admissions, financial assistance, and degree planning, making this campus a valuable asset for those pursuing higher education in the Little Rock area.

  • 10825 Financial Centre Parkway, Suite 400 Little Rock, AR 72211