San Jose Trade Schools

Aveda Institutes

Rating: 4.5 of 5

The Cinta Aveda Institute in San Jose, CA, offers comprehensive beauty programs designed to prepare students for careers in cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, advanced esthetics, and makeup artistry. The curriculum combines classroom learning with hands-on training in a professional salon and spa environment, building students’ confidence and skills. Programs include instruction in cutting-edge techniques, customer service, personal development, and state safety requirements.

Students are trained to excel in their certification exams, including the California State Board Exam for licensure, equipping them for a variety of beauty careers. Located in downtown San Jose, the campus emphasizes sustainability and uses Aveda’s naturally derived products. Financial aid and $1,000 scholarships are available for students starting classes in January.

• 111 West St. John Street San Jose, CA 95113

Aviation Institute of Maintenance

Rating: 3.6 of 5

Since 1969, the Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) has been providing top-tier, hands-on training in aviation maintenance, starting in Norfolk, Virginia, and growing into a nationwide network of campuses. AIM is renowned for preparing students with the practical skills required for successful careers in the aviation industry and beyond. Over time, the institute expanded its offerings to meet industry demands in other technical fields, equipping graduates for roles in a range of trades. AIM maintains strong partnerships with major airlines like Southwest, United, and Delta, giving students excellent job placement opportunities after graduation. Through its commitment to hands-on education, AIM continues to produce skilled professionals ready for the fast-paced challenges of today’s workforce.

• 420 Whitney Place Fremont, CA 94539

Bay Area Medical Academy

Rating: 4.1 of 5

Bay Area Medical Academy (BAMA), founded in 2004, offers hands-on healthcare training through programs like medical assisting with phlebotomy, pharmacy technician, and CPR. With campuses in San Francisco and San Jose, the school uses a hybrid format of daily online lectures and weekly in-person labs, plus externships at local medical facilities. Tuition ranges from $88 for CPR to $16,850 for full medical assistant training.

• 31 N. 2nd St. Suite 100 San Jose, CA 95113

Carrington College

Rating: 4.4 of 5

At Carrington College, students receive training to prepare for careers in the medical, veterinary, dental, or criminal justice fields. The school offers associate’s degree programs and certificates, and specializes in hands-on healthcare education. Students who live a distance from the school have the option to take online courses.

• 5883 Rue Ferrari, Ste 125 San Jose, CA 95138

Center for Employment Training

Rating: 4.0 of 5

The Center for Employment Training (CET), founded in 1967, specializes in workforce development, offering practical, hands-on training to prepare students for immediate employment. Programs include certifications and diplomas in areas like business, childcare, technical trades, and truck driving, with externship opportunities for real-world experience. CET provides flexible class schedules, including day, evening, and some weekend options, with hybrid learning available for select programs. Accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE) and approved by the BPPE, CET meets rigorous quality standards for vocational education. Tuition ranges from $4,000 to $16,000, with financial aid options available for eligible students.

• 701 Vine Street San Jose, CA 95110

DeVry University

Rating: 2.8 of 5

DeVry University, a for-profit institution focused on technology and innovation, offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in Technology, Healthcare, Business, and Accounting. The San Jose Center, located in North San Jose between highways 880 and 680, provides easy access to public transportation and major freeways. Situated in a region with the highest concentration of IT and biotech companies and a vibrant professional services industry, the campus offers programs such as a Bachelor’s in Computer Information Systems with specializations in software, cyber security, and game programming. DeVry San Jose also serves veterans and military members stationed at bases throughout California, offering specific benefits and flexible learning options. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, DeVry supports diverse student needs with both hybrid and online education formats.

• 2160 Lundy Ave, Ste 250. San Jose, CA 95131

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts

Rating: 3.7 of 5

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts (founded 2004) is an ABHES-accredited healthcare school offering 20+ allied health, imaging, and nursing programs across multiple California campuses and online, serving about 2,861 students annually. Programs feature flexible schedules for working adults and required clinical rotations to build real-world skills, with tuition ranging roughly from $4,000 to $52,000 per academic year.

• 1641 North First Street San Jose, CA 95112

Institute for Business & Technology

Rating: 3.3 of 5

The Institute for Business & Technology (IBT), based in Santa Clara, California, has been delivering vocational education since 1965, focusing on healthcare and technical training. The school offers associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates in fields like Cardiovascular Sonography, Electrician Training, and Cloud Computing & Cybersecurity. Flexible schedules include day, evening, and hybrid classes, with many programs featuring clinical practicums or externships for real-world experience. Accredited by the ACCSC and ACCET, IBT is a recognized institution with strong local and government connections. Tuition ranges from $14,040 for Medical Assisting to $58,050 for Cardiovascular Sonography, with financial aid options available to support students.

• 91 East Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134

National Holistic Institute

Rating: 4.6 of 5

Based in Emeryville, CA, the National Holistic Institute has ten campuses located throughout the state. The school offers programs in massage therapy with a focus on overall wellness.

• 3031 Tisch Way Suite 1 Plaza South San Jose, CA 95128 San Jose, CA 95128

Pipe Trades Training Center

Rating: 4.8 of 5

The Pipe Trades Training Center in San Jose, established in 1961 by UA Local 393, is a premier institution for trade apprenticeships in plumbing, steamfitting, HVAC/R, and residential plumbing. Students benefit from a unique model that combines paid on-the-job training during the day with evening classes focused on trade theory and practical applications. The center is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education and is a registered apprenticeship program recognized by both the State of California and the U.S. Department of Labor. Tuition is completely free, with all expenses, including books and laptops, covered by the program. This hands-on education connects students to a broader network of over 350,000 piping professionals through UA Local 393 membership.

• 780 Commercial Street, San Jose, CA 95112

San Jose City College

Rating: 4.2 of 5

San Jose City College (SJCC), established in 1921, is a two-year community college located in the San Francisco Bay Area, serving over 16,000 students annually. It offers 51 fields of study, including popular programs like Liberal Arts, Business, Health Sciences, and Computer Science. The college provides flexible class schedules with options for online, hybrid, morning, afternoon, and evening classes to suit diverse student needs. Healthcare students benefit from externship placements, offering real-world experience to boost job prospects. Fully accredited by the ACCJC, SJCC maintains an open admissions policy, making quality education accessible to all, with in-state tuition starting at $1,366 per academic year.

• 2100 Moorpark Avenue, San Jose, CA 95128

Silicon Valley Career Technical Education

Rating: 4.4 of 5

Silicon Valley Career Technical Education (SVCTE), part of the MetroED Foundation, specializes in hands-on training for careers in fields such as health sciences, automotive technology, and information technology. Established in 1917, it now serves students from across Santa Clara County, offering programs that align with industry certifications. Classes are scheduled in the morning, afternoon, and sometimes evenings, with options for hybrid learning and externships to provide real-world experience. Accredited by WASC, SVCTE ensures high educational standards and prepares students for careers in high-demand technical fields. Tuition averages $5,000 per semester, with additional costs for materials and certifications.

• 760 Hillsdale Ave San Jose, CA 95136

Unitek College

Rating: 3.7 of 5

Since 2002, Unitek College has offered a variety of medical certificate and degree programs. Unitek College provides students with hands-on training to prepare them for careers in the healthcare field. Learners can earn credentials as vocational nurses, medical office administrators and medical or dental assistants. They can also choose to enroll in a 3-year program to obtain a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing.

• 4670 Auto Mall Pkwy. Fremont, CA 94538
• 6800 Santa Teresa Blvd., Ste #200 San Jose, CA 95119

University of Silicon Valley

Rating: 3.4 of 5

USV offers degrees, diplomas, certificates, and master’s programs in software development, business, game design, digital art and animation, and digital audio, delivered on campus, online, or hybrid. Programs run in varied lengths, and classes follow studio-style, team-based projects that build strong portfolios.

Tuition is $895 per credit for on-campus undergraduate courses, $674 per credit for online undergraduate courses, and $499 per credit for graduate courses. The university is accredited by WSCUC and approved by the California BPPE, with a 2022 U.S. News ranking among the Top 25 Regional Universities in the West.

The Silicon Valley location places students near 6,600+ companies, supporting internships and entry-level opportunities.

• 191 Baypointe Pkwy, San Jose, CA 95134