Colorado Springs offers focused vocational training through established institutions serving the Pikes Peak region. These schools provide career-oriented education with industry partnerships and hands-on learning opportunities.
Best Schools by Specialty
Healthcare Programs
Top Choice: Pima Medical Institute – Comprehensive healthcare training with clinical externships and partnerships with over 15,000 employers. Offers medical assisting, nursing, radiography, surgical technology, and dental programs.
Alternative: IntelliTec College – Provides medical assistant, dental assistant, nursing assistant, and medical billing programs with flexible scheduling options.
Technology & Business
Leading Option: Colorado Technical University – Accredited university offering business, technology, criminal justice, and nursing programs. Features 24/7 campus access and extensive online options.
Practical Focus: IntelliTec College – Computer systems technician and networking programs with industry veteran instructors and job placement support.
Skilled Trades
Comprehensive Training: IntelliTec College – Automotive technology, electrical technician, and HVAC programs with day and evening class options.
Beauty & Cosmetology
Brand Recognition: Paul Mitchell Schools – Connected to global professional hair care brand with access to over 100,000 affiliated salons worldwide. Offers cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, and nail programs.
Colorado Technical University
CTU’s Colorado Springs campus on Garden of the Gods Road is its main campus. Since 24 October 2022 only students with a Colorado address can enroll in its programs. It is the only place to take the ABET-accredited BS in Electrical Engineering and the Forensic Investigation concentration of the BS in Criminal Justice. Other programs here include accounting, business administration and management, computer engineering, computer science, criminal justice, healthcare management, information technology and the MBA. The catalog warns that some or all coursework may be online, so confirm which classes meet in person.
- 1575 Garden of the Gods Road, Ste 100 Colorado Springs, CO 80907
IntelliTec College
Colorado Springs is IntelliTec’s original campus, opened in 1965 as Technical Trades Institute. It teaches Automotive Technician (certificate and degree), Computer Systems Technician and the Computer Network Systems degree, Electrical Technician, Refrigeration & HVAC, Medical Assistant and Medical Billing & Coding. Automotive classes meet in shops at 2202 and 2206 E Pikes Peak Ave, and the medical programs at 2504 E Pikes Peak Ave. In April 2026 Colorado’s Private Occupational School Board put the campus’s certificate of approval on probation because graduate job placement, 58% in May 2025, was below the 70% benchmark (KRDO, 26 Aug 2026).
- 2315 E Pikes Peak Ave Colorado Springs, CO 80909
Paul Mitchell Schools
Paul Mitchell The School Colorado Springs, on West Colorado Avenue, teaches cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, nail technology and a separate hairstylist program. It is operated by The DSKM Group, LLC, and is one of two Paul Mitchell schools in Colorado.
- 118 West Colorado Ave Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Pima Medical Institute
PMI’s Colorado Springs campus, open since 2002, is the only PMI campus with the Medical Laboratory Technician associate degree. It also offers dental assistant (plus Expanded Duties), medical assistant, pharmacy technician and veterinary assistant certificates and the vet tech degree. PMI says the campus serves many military families. Night classes run 5:40 to 10:00 pm Monday to Thursday. On Niche it averages 3.47 out of 5 from 55 reviews, the lowest of PMI’s campus pages with 25 or more reviews.
- 5725 Mark Dabling Blvd, Suite 150 Colorado Springs, CO 80919
Trinidad State College
Pinello Ranch, south of central Colorado Springs, is the college’s lineworker training site. It teaches the 26-credit Rocky Mountain Line Technician certificate, the 17-credit Electrical Technology Fundamentals certificate and the Power Construction Supervision AAS, in person and only here. The Higher Learning Commission approved moving the college’s Colorado Springs location here from South Academy Boulevard in May 2025.
- 4940 S Hwy 85/87 Colorado Springs, CO 80911
Cost Analysis
Average Program Costs
- Certificate Programs: $2,000 – $25,549
- Associate Degrees: $15,810 – $31,620 annually
- Bachelor’s Degrees: $15,625 – $62,500 total program
- Master’s Degrees: $8,880 – $18,360 annually
- Beauty Programs: $14,200 + $3,165 for supplies
Most Affordable Options
- IntelliTec College – $2,000 starting cost for some programs
- Paul Mitchell Schools – $14,200 base tuition
- Colorado Technical University – $3,120 annually for RN-BSN programs
Program Duration
- Certificate Programs: 6 months to 2 years
- Associate Degrees: 2 years
- Bachelor’s Degrees: 3-4 years
- Beauty Programs: Varies by program and schedule
Most Popular Programs
- Medical Assistant – High demand across healthcare institutions
- Cosmetology – Strong job market in beauty services
- Computer Systems Technology – Growing IT sector opportunities
- Automotive Technology – Consistent industry demand
- Business Administration – Versatile career applications
Quick Entry Programs for Career Launch
IntelliTec College emphasizes rapid workforce entry with flexible day and evening classes. The school’s open admissions policy and no application fee streamline enrollment. Programs focus on practical knowledge with industry veteran instructors.
Paul Mitchell Schools prepares students for state board exams with hands-on training using real clients. The school’s connection to over 100,000 salons worldwide provides immediate job opportunities upon graduation.
Pima Medical Institute offers expedited degree pathways allowing students to enter healthcare careers faster. Clinical externships provide real-world experience before graduation.
Flexible Learning Options for Working Adults
Evening Classes
IntelliTec College specifically caters to working adults with day and evening class options across all programs.
Paul Mitchell Schools offers morning, afternoon, and select evening sessions to accommodate busy schedules.
Online and Hybrid Options
Colorado Technical University provides extensive online programming with 24/7 technical support and campus access.
Pima Medical Institute combines distance learning with required clinical experiences for healthcare programs.
Paul Mitchell Schools blends classroom instruction with online learning through virtual classes and online portals.
Self-Paced Learning
Programs allow students to progress at their own speed while maintaining structured learning environments and instructor support.
Financial Aid and Support
Federal Aid Acceptance
All schools accept federal financial aid including Pell Grants, student loans, and work-study programs. Dedicated financial aid offices provide application guidance and payment plan options.
Institutional Support
Pima Medical Institute offers nearly $1 million in institutional aid with 90-96% of students receiving financial assistance.
Colorado Technical University provides tuition reimbursement programs and various scholarship opportunities.
IntelliTec College offers grants, loans, work-study programs, and scholarships for qualified students.
Military Benefits
All institutions accept VA benefits, GI Bill funding, and provide specialized veteran support services including reduced tuition rates and credit transfers.
Industry Partnerships and Career Services
Strong Employer Networks
Pima Medical Institute maintains partnerships with over 15,000 healthcare employers for externship and job placement.
Paul Mitchell Schools connects students to over 100,000 affiliated salons globally.
IntelliTec College provides robust job placement support and employer connections across multiple industries.
Career Support Services
Schools offer comprehensive career services including resume preparation, interview coaching, job placement assistance, and ongoing alumni support. Many provide externship coordination and professional networking opportunities.
Accreditation and Quality Standards
Colorado Springs schools maintain proper accreditation from recognized agencies:
- ACCSC (Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges)
- HLC (Higher Learning Commission)
- NACCAS (National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences)
- ABHES (Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools)
- ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology)
Student Services and Support
Academic Support
- Tutoring and academic planning assistance
- Online portals for class scheduling and resources
- Counseling and mental health services
- ADA compliance and accommodations
Practical Support
- Food assistance programs and campus pantries
- Housing guidance and resources
- Employee and Student Assistance Plans
- 24/7 technical support for online learners
Making Your Decision
Key Factors to Consider
- Career Goals: Match program offerings to target profession
- Schedule Needs: Evaluate class timing and format flexibility
- Budget: Compare total costs including supplies and fees
- Timeline: Determine acceptable program duration
- Support Services: Consider available student resources
Research Steps
- Contact schools for current tuition and program information
- Visit campuses to evaluate facilities and equipment
- Review job placement rates and graduate outcomes
- Investigate financial aid options and payment plans
- Speak with admissions counselors about career prospects
Notable Advantages
- Multiple schools with 100% acceptance rates
- Strong healthcare training presence
- Established beauty education programs
- Technology-focused options with online flexibility
- Comprehensive student support services
Colorado Springs’ trade schools provide direct pathways to stable careers in growing industries. The city’s schools emphasize practical training, industry connections, and flexible learning options designed for working adults and career changers seeking professional advancement.