Atlanta Trade Schools

Ashworth College

Rating: 2.7 of 5

Founded in 1987 and based in Norcross, Georgia, Ashworth College is a nationally recognized online institution that prioritizes flexibility and affordability in education. They are accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.

Their diverse array of career-focused programs includes diplomas, certificates, and degrees spanning healthcare, business, technology, education, and more. Ashworth College caters to students at various educational levels, offering programs ranging from high school diplomas to career certifications and even bachelor’s degrees.

Academic advisors are provided to assist students throughout their educational journey. Ashworth also maintains an active alumni network, allowing graduates to stay connected and access additional resources as they progress in their careers.

• 6625 The Corners Parkway, Suite 500 Norcross, GA 30092

Aveda Institutes

Rating: 4.5 of 5

Aveda Arts Atlanta offers a comprehensive cosmetology program designed to build both technical expertise and creative confidence through hands-on training and modern instruction. Located in the heart of Atlanta on Peachtree Street, the campus provides students with real-world experience by serving clients under educator supervision using Aveda’s plant-based products.

The curriculum combines hair cutting, coloring, texture services, makeup, and nail care with training in business development and professional ergonomics. Classes and client services are available throughout the week, with service hours ranging from midday on Mondays and Tuesdays to extended evening hours on Thursdays and Fridays, and full-day availability on Saturdays. This schedule offers flexibility for students while immersing them in a professional salon environment.

• 1745 Peachtree Street NE, Ste. A Atlanta, GA 30309

Aviation Institute of Maintenance

Rating: 3.6 of 5

The Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) in Atlanta provides specialized training in aviation maintenance and related trades, offering programs like Aviation Maintenance Technology and Combination Welding. Founded in 1969, AIM offers flexible class schedules, including morning, afternoon, and evening options, with hybrid learning formats to accommodate various needs. Students receive hands-on training for careers as aviation technicians, supported by the Career Services Department for job placement assistance. Accredited by the ACCSC and licensed by the FAA, AIM ensures its programs meet industry standards, with tuition ranging from $20,000 to $30,000. Located in the vibrant city of Atlanta, home to the world’s busiest airport, AIM offers students access to a thriving aviation industry and a lifestyle enriched by the city’s booming economy, diverse neighborhoods, and proximity to both mountains and the ocean.

• 2025 Satellite Pointe Duluth, GA 30096

Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology

Rating: 3.9 of 5

Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology is an accredited private school with campuses in Florida and Georgia, offering career-focused programs in healthcare and technology. Students can choose from associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, as well as certificate and diploma programs in fields like nursing, health information technology, and radiologic technology. Tuition varies by program, with costs ranging from $11,136 to $18,168, and students benefit from flexible learning options, including online courses, hybrid formats, and evening classes. Many programs include clinical externships, providing hands-on experience to prepare graduates for healthcare careers. With a 100% acceptance rate and small class sizes, Cambridge College offers accessible, skills-based education tailored to meet industry demands.

• 5669 Peachtree Dunwoody Road Suite 100 Atlanta, GA 30342

Empire Beauty Schools

Rating: 4.5 of 5

With two locations in Atlanta, GA, the Empire Beauty School gives Georgians the chance to get an education in cosmetology. Programs include cosmetology and cosmetology education. Interested students can talk to a career planning specialist from one of the branch locations to learn about their new and exciting career choice.

• 2190 Henderson Mill Rd. NE Atlanta, GA 30345
• 4719 Ashford Dunwoody Rd., Ste 205 Atlanta, GA 30338

FORTIS College

Rating: 4.3 of 5

The Smyrna, Georgia branch of the Fortis College network, formerly known as Medix College, is dedicated to providing career education and training programs tailored to the needs of Atlanta’s workforce. With a focus on healthcare, dental, and skilled trades fields, the institution offers diverse opportunities for students seeking to embark on meaningful career paths.

In the HVAC/R program, students delve into the intricacies of modern heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. Equipped with hands-on training, they learn to install, service, and troubleshoot these essential systems in commercial, residential, and industrial settings, ensuring they remain in optimal working order year-round. The Welding Technician program emphasizes mathematics and welding print reading to enhance students’ job understanding. Through both destructive and non-destructive testing, students thoroughly understand quality welding practices, preparing them for success in the field.

For those interested in the medical field, the Medical Assisting program empowers students with hands-on training in both administrative and clinical tasks, preparing them for vital roles in medical offices and clinics. Similarly, the Dental Assisting program equips students with the skills to promote healthy dental hygiene and work effectively alongside dentists.

The Dental Hygiene program also prepares students for licensure exams to work as entry-level hygienists, teaching them essential skills such as oral hygiene education, teeth and gum examination, and dental x-ray development. The Medical Office Administration program covers various administrative skills necessary for working in medical facilities. In contrast, the Radiologic Technology program provides comprehensive training for entry-level positions in the imaging and radiological profession, ensuring students are well-prepared for the evolving nature of the healthcare field.

• 2140 South Cobb Dr. Smyrna, GA 30080

Genesis Career College

Rating: 3.6 of 5

Genesis Career College is renowned for its hands-on training programs in Health & Medicine and Beauty & Wellness, offering nine accredited programs across five campuses in Tennessee and Georgia. Students gain real-world experience through externships, preparing them for state licensure and professional certifications, with strong support for career placement and financial aid counseling.

• 4960 Plant Atkinson Road Smyrna, GA 30080

Georgia Plumbing Institute

Rating: 5.0 of 5

Georgia Plumbing Institute (GPI), founded in the mid-1980s, specializes in intensive exam preparation for the State of Georgia Journeyman and Master Plumber licensing exams rather than degree or diploma programs. The school says that about half of those who passed a Georgia plumber license exam over the past four decades took a class through GPI, and it reports an approximately 90% pass rate. Classes run in person on weekends only, meeting Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with Master-level students staying until 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Each course runs for five weekends in Marietta, and there are no online, hybrid, or externship components. Tuition is $1,000 for the review course plus about $230 for required code books, and the school does not offer a net price calculator.

• Hyatt Place 2876 Spring Hill Parkway SE Smyrna, GA 30080

Gwinnet College

Rating: 4.0 of 5

Gwinnett College offers diploma, certificate, and associate degree programs across six campuses in fields like nursing, massage therapy, paralegal studies, and medical billing. Programs range from 9 to 24 months in length and are designed with practical training such as clinicals, externships, and practicums. Students can choose day classes (9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.) or evening classes (5:30 p.m.–10:30 p.m.), with many programs also available in hybrid or online formats. Tuition costs range from $13,000 to $25,125, varying by campus and program, with additional service fees for some schedules. The school maintains a 100% acceptance rate and holds campus-specific accreditations from COE, ACCET, or ACCSC.

• 1130 Northchase Parkway Suite 100 Marietta, GA 30067

Interactive College of Technology

Rating: 4.2 of 5

Situated in the heart of Chamblee, Georgia, the Atlanta-Chamblee Main Campus of Interactive College of Technology thrives as a hub for technical trade and business education. Accredited by the Council on Occupational Education, the institution provides valuable learning experiences under small class sizes, personal instruction, and hands-on technical training opportunities.

The school offers students the opportunity to earn Associate of Science Degrees and Diploma programs in diverse fields. For example, the HVACR Technology Program at the ICT Atlanta-Chamblee Campus presents a well-rounded curriculum focused primarily on technical, mechanical, and troubleshooting skills. Over 96 weeks, students master the principles of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration from knowledgeable instructors.

ICT explains the ever-changing world of Information Technology through its 96-week comprehensive IT program. This course covers vital insights into computer hardware, software, systems integration, network management, and cybersecurity fundamentals. For individuals interested in diversifying their linguistic skills, the college also provides one of the United States’ most comprehensive Vocational English as a Second Language programs.

This vocational college’s flexible schedules support learners’ individual paces, making it an excellent place for individuals striving for a prosperous future.

• 5303 New Peachtree Rd Chamblee, GA 30341

Lincoln Tech

Rating: 3.9 of 5

Lincoln Tech’s Marietta, Georgia campus has served Greater Atlanta since 2001, providing hands-on training in healthcare and skilled trades. Accredited as a training sponsor for electrical systems technicians, the campus offers certificate and associate degree programs catering to diverse career aspirations. Occupying 30,000 square feet of training space, the campus features state-of-the-art facilities such as an intelligent house for electrical and electronic systems technician programs, a medical assisting lab, and an energy audit structure for HVAC students. This environment ensures that students receive practical training aligned with industry standards. Programs like HVAC/R, Electrical and Electronic Systems Technology, and Medical Assistant Technology prepare students for in-demand careers. With a focus on industry relevance, students learn about industry-standard tools and machines, gaining the skills hiring managers seek.

Additionally, the campus’s specialized training partnerships with Johnson Controls, Hussman, and FPSA/FIT Advanced Technician for the Food Industry enhance students’ learning experiences, providing them unique opportunities to gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology. With grants, scholarships, and financial aid options available, Lincoln Tech’s Marietta campus ensures students have access to the resources they need to succeed. By providing industry-experienced professionals as instructors and opportunities for real-world experience, the campus equips students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in their chosen fields.

• 2359 Windy Hill Rd. Marietta, GA 30067

Mechanical Trades Institute

Rating: 4.7 of 5

Mechanical Trades Institute – Local 72 Training Center (MTI-72) runs a five-year registered apprenticeship that trains students in Plumbing, Pipefitting, Pipe Welding, and HVACR. The program follows an earn-while-you-learn structure, so apprentices work for Mechanical Industries Council contractors during the day while they complete training. Total training exceeds 10,000 hours, including more than 1,100 classroom hours and about 8,500 on-the-job hours. Instruction uses a hybrid mix of online lessons, classroom sessions, shop training, and field-based learning, and hands-on jobsite work continues throughout the full apprenticeship instead of a short externship. Tuition costs $0 because Local Union No. 72 and the Mechanical Contractors Association of Georgia sponsor the program, and MTI operates as a U.S. Department of Labor registered apprenticeship.

• 6120 Purdue Drive SW Atlanta, GA 30336

Ogle School

Rating: 4.7 of 5

The Ogle School Atlanta campus, the first Georgia location, is situated in the vibrant Lee + White development and features a modern, 15,839-square-foot facility. The school offers both Cosmetology and Esthetics programs, which include comprehensive, salon-modeled, hands-on training.

Flexible scheduling is a key feature, with full-time and part-time options available, and classes are held Monday through Friday in either the morning or evening to ensure students have their weekends free. Although specific program durations are not explicitly stated for this campus, graduates receive valuable business training through Prosper U and lifetime career support via Ogle Talent, preparing them to excel as licensed beauty professionals.

• 929 Lee Street SW, Suite B240 Atlanta, GA 30310

Paul Mitchell Schools

Rating: 4.5 of 5

Paul Mitchell School in Atlanta is just a few minutes from downtown Atlanta. As a result, students have ample opportunities to practice their hair stylist, nail technician, makeup artist, and esthetician skills on walk-in clients. Those hoping to teach the next generation of cosmetologists or open up salons one day can enroll in this location’s beauty school instructor program to earn the necessary credentials.

• 887 West Marietta Street NW Atlanta, GA 30318

Plumb Works Inc

Rating: 4.8 of 5

Plumb Works Academy, started in 2021, operates as an education extension of Plumb Works Inc, a plumbing company founded in 1989 that has long served the Atlanta Metro area. The academy offers free DIY video courses for homeowners that cover common repairs, fixture selection, and emergency steps, and it also offers an Advanced Placement track aimed at professional plumber licensure. Apprentices receive classroom instruction plus real job experience alongside service professionals, so training schedules depend on work assignments. DIY video content is available 24/7, and apprentices do not need externships because they already train on the job. The academy does not publish tuition prices for career training, but it states that the videos are free and apprentices earn wages, so students should contact the company for current pricing and entry details.

• 3116 Chestnut Drive Suite 101 Atlanta, GA 30340

SAE Institute

Rating: 4.0 of 5

Want a career in audio, digital film, or entertainment business? Then the SAE Institute in Atlanta, GA, may be right for you. Located in the Cornerstone Building in downtown Atlanta, students get a hands-on, project-based approach to learning from dedicated faculty. Students also have access to a learning center, five studios, four production suites and industry standard hardware and software.

• 215 Peachtree Street, Suite 300 Atlanta, GA 30303

Saint Leo University

Rating: 4.3 of 5

Saint Leo University is a liberal arts college offering many undergraduate and graduate degrees. Located north of Tampa, FL, the main campus has an enrollment of over 2,200 students. Total registration in online courses and at centers in other states is nearly 15,000. The school is the oldest Catholic institution of higher education in Florida.

• 3555 Koger Blvd., Clarkston Building, Suite 105 Duluth, GA 30096
• 1395 South Marietta Parkway, Building 300, Suite 104 Marietta, GA 30067

South College

Rating: 3.5 of 5

South College’s Atlanta Campus is a beacon for students seeking career-focused education, providing a modern and renovated facility since 2018. Offering certificate, associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs, particularly in allied healthcare, nursing, pharmaceutical studies, and physical therapy, the campus ensures convenience for educational growth in one centralized location. With a commitment to helping students achieve their career goals, South College’s Atlanta campus facilitates a transformative learning experience, allowing students to turn their dreams into reality.

• 2600 Century Pkwy. NE Atlanta, GA 30345

Southern Crescent Technical College

Rating: 3.9 of 5

Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC) is recognized for its broad spectrum of educational offerings, encompassing over 200 programs in fields such as healthcare, business, technology, and skilled trades. The college, part of the Technical College System of Georgia, provides flexible class schedules with morning, afternoon, and evening options, alongside varied instructional modalities including in-person, online, and hybrid formats. SCTC emphasizes practical learning through externships and clinical experiences integrated into many programs, fostering real-world skills essential for career success. Accredited by SACSCOC and respected accrediting bodies like ACEN and CAAHEP, SCTC ensures its programs meet rigorous standards, enhancing student credibility and employability. With multiple campuses including Griffin, Flint River, and various centers across Georgia, SCTC offers accessible education tailored to meet both local workforce demands and individual career goals.

• 250 Peachtree Parkway South Peachtree City, GA 30269

Strayer University

Rating: 3.6 of 5

Strayer University is a private college that offers online and in-person programs from associate's to master's levels. The school has locations in over 15 different states. Degree options include business and criminal justice. SU has a mission to teach students the skills they need to grow and thrive.

• 3355 Northeast Expressway, Suite 100 Atlanta, GA 30341
• 3101 Towercreek Parkway SE, Suite 700 Atlanta, GA 30339

The Art Institutes

Rating: 2.9 of 5

At the Art Institute of Atlanta, aspiring artists, chefs, bakers, fashionistas, and digital content creators can take specialized courses and obtain a one-year certificate or a two- or four-year degree. Culinary arts, fashion, photography, and media arts programs are available at this campus, but most students at the Atlanta campus take courses in music, recording arts, cinematography, and video production.

• 6600 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd. N.E., 100 Embassy Row Atlanta, GA 30328