Aveda Institutes
Aveda Institute Idaho offers hands-on beauty education through its Boise campus, preparing students for licensure and careers in cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, and nail technology. The esthetics and nail programs can be completed in as little as four months, while the cosmetology and barbering tracks emphasize extensive salon-floor practice with real clients using premium Aveda products.
Students benefit from a curriculum that blends technical skills with business training, helping them build both service expertise and entrepreneurial knowledge. Flexible class schedules allow learners to balance life and school while receiving personalized guidance from industry-experienced instructors. Graduates join a global Aveda professional network, gaining opportunities for continued education and career advancement in a sustainability-focused brand.
- 10222 W Fairview Ave Boise, ID 83704
Eagle Gate College
Eagle Gate College is an ABHES-accredited healthcare school with campuses in Boise and Idaho Falls (ID) and Layton and Murray (UT), each serving roughly 200–500 students. It offers hands-on training in nursing and allied health through simulation labs, clinical rotations, and select online options (including a fully online MSN).
- 9300 West Overland Road Suite #200 Boise, ID 83709
Idaho Workers Opportunity Network
The Idaho Workers Opportunity Network bridges the gap between workers and Registered Apprenticeships in skilled trades, including carpentry, electrical work, masonry, and boilermaking. A collaboration between the Idaho AFL-CIO and the Idaho Workforce Development Council, it focuses on providing paid apprenticeships that combine classroom instruction, online self-study, and practical job-site training. Each program features unique schedules and requirements tailored to specific trades, making it essential for participants to contact the organization for details. Unlike traditional education, apprentices earn while they learn, avoiding tuition costs while gaining valuable skills. This effort supports Idaho’s workforce development by connecting individuals with well-paying, hands-on career opportunities.
- 802 W Bannock St., Suite 500 Boise, ID 83702
Milan Institute
For over 30 years, Milan Institute has been providing career education and training in a variety of fields. Milan Institute is a family-owned institution with national accreditation. There are 11 locations throughout the western United States. The Milan Institute of Cosmetology also has six separate campuses. Programs offered include barbering, dental and medical assisting, massage therapy, and more.
- 9050 West Overland Road, Suite 200 Boise, ID 83709
Paul Mitchell Schools
Students at the Paul Mitchell School in Boise can take courses to qualify for a wide range of beauty industry careers. Programs at the Boise campus include cosmetology, barbering, nail technician, makeup, and esthetics. Teacher Training courses are also available for those who plan on becoming beauty school instructors or salon owners in the future.
- 1270 S Vinnell Way Boise, ID 83709
Stevens-Henager College
Stevens-Henager College offers associates, bachelors, and masters degrees in Business, Healthcare, Technology, and Graphic Arts.
- 1444 South Entertainment Ave. Boise, ID 83709
College of Western Idaho
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) in Nampa is an independently operated, fully accredited community college serving approximately 10,000 students each year. Known for its affordability and accessibility, CWI offers academic transfer degrees like Business and Engineering, career-focused programs such as Automotive Technology and Cybersecurity, and workforce certifications in areas like AWS Cloud Foundations and Emergency Medical Technician training. Flexible class schedules include in-person, online, hybrid, and remote options, with courses available in 16-week or accelerated 8-week formats. Hands-on learning opportunities, such as clinical training and externships, are emphasized in healthcare and skilled trades programs. Tuition is cost-effective, particularly for Idaho residents, with additional financial aid options available.
- 5500 E. Opportunity Dr. Nampa, ID 83687
Paul Mitchell Schools
Paul Mitchell The School Nampa offers accredited programs in cosmetology, barbering, makeup artistry, nail technology, and instructor training in a 6,000-square-foot facility conveniently located off I-84 in a thriving retail district. The cosmetology program ranges from 1600 to 1700 hours and includes hands-on experience in haircutting, makeup, skincare, and nail services, while the barbering and nail tech programs vary from 400 to 1500 hours.
Students can choose from flexible full-time and part-time schedules to fit their lifestyle. The campus emphasizes professional development with digital tools, community outreach, and student-run clubs. Financial aid, scholarships, and career preparation resources are available to support students throughout their journey.
- 16803 N Marketplace Boulevard Nampa, ID 83687
Pro Weld
Pro-Weld Welding School, founded in 2005, specializes in hands-on welding training, offering courses such as Welder Fabrication, Pipe Welding, and GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding). Classes are conducted in-person with morning and afternoon schedules, providing students with practical experience using professional welding equipment. The school adheres to American Welding Society (AWS) standards, ensuring up-to-date, industry-relevant education. Tuition costs vary, with courses ranging from $2,800 to $4,700, and certification testing is also available under a certified Welding Inspector. For details on admission requirements or alternative schedules, prospective students are encouraged to contact the school directly.
- 918 South Impressions Ct Nampa, ID 83686
Trade schools in Boise offer career-focused programs that help students quickly enter the workforce. Many of these programs include hands-on training, apprenticeships, and externships, ensuring students gain real-world experience.
Schools such as Aveda Institutes and Paul Mitchell Schools offer practical training in beauty and wellness, preparing students for careers in cosmetology, esthetics, and massage therapy.
For those looking for flexible learning options, schools like Carrington College and Stevens-Henager College provide online and hybrid programs, allowing working adults to complete coursework while balancing job and family responsibilities.
Average Cost of Trade Schools in Boise
Tuition varies depending on the program and institution, but students can generally expect to pay:
- Cosmetology programs: ~$14,000 – $16,000
- Healthcare-related programs: $11,000 – $20,000 per year
- Skilled trades programs: $3,700 – $5,000 for welding courses
- Business & IT programs: $10,000 – $16,600 per year
Top 10 Most Common Trade Programs in Boise
Based on the available schools, the most popular vocational and technical programs in Boise include:
- Cosmetology & Barbering (Aveda Institutes, Paul Mitchell Schools)
- Medical Assisting (Carrington College, Milan Institute)
- Nursing (RN & LPN) (Carrington College, College of Western Idaho)
- Welding Technology (Pro-Weld, Idaho Workers Opportunity Network)
- HVAC & Electrical Training (Carrington College, Idaho Workers Opportunity Network)
- Massage Therapy (Milan Institute, Aveda Institutes)
- Pharmacy Technician (Carrington College, Milan Institute)
- Automotive & Diesel Technology (College of Western Idaho)
- Medical Billing & Coding (Carrington College)
- Business & Accounting (Stevens-Henager College, College of Western Idaho)
Average Duration of Trade School Programs
Most trade school programs in Boise can be completed in 6 months to 2 years:
- Certificate programs: 6 to 12 months (e.g., welding, HVAC, medical billing)
- Diploma programs: 12 to 18 months (e.g., massage therapy, esthetics)
- Associate degree programs: 2 years (e.g., nursing, business administration)