Chicago Trade Schools

Americare Technical School

Rating: 4.2 of 5

Americare Technical School (ATS) offers flexible nursing education programs including Basic Nursing Assistant certificate and Practical Nursing diploma. The Practical Nursing program at ATS provides a balanced approach with classroom instruction and clinical experience, covering key areas like Medical-Surgical Nursing, Pediatrics, Obstetrics, Geriatrics, and Pharmacology. Graduates are eligible for LPN State Board licensure and can pursue entry-level nursing positions in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. ATS prioritizes a supportive learning environment, led by experienced faculty, to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel as compassionate nursing professionals.

  • 505 Busse Highway Chicago, IL 60068

Aveda Institutes

Rating: 4.5 of 5

The Aveda Institute in Chicago offers a comprehensive 1,500-hour cosmetology program designed to prepare students for rewarding careers in the beauty industry. The curriculum covers hair styling, cutting, coloring, skincare, waxing, makeup application, anatomy, and marketing, with a strong emphasis on practical training through over 1,000 hours of hands-on experience in the clinic lab or externships.

With an impressive 95.71% licensure rate and an 85.19% job placement rate (based on 2022 graduates), the program equips students with the skills and confidence to excel in their careers. Tuition for the cosmetology program is $16,716, excluding additional costs for books and supplies. The program goes beyond state requirements, offering expert-led instruction, innovative facilities, and a focus on marketing and branding to help students succeed in a competitive industry.

  • 2828 N. Clark Street Chicago, IL 60657

Aviation Institute of Maintenance

Rating: 3.6 of 5

The Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) in Chicago provides specialized training in aviation maintenance and related trades, offering programs such as Aviation Maintenance Technology and Combination Welding. Founded in 1969, AIM offers flexible scheduling options, including morning, afternoon, and evening classes, as well as hybrid learning formats to accommodate different student needs. The Chicago campus is equipped with modern classrooms, a computer lab, and a Learning Resource Center to support students’ educational experience, with WiFi available throughout the facility. AIM ensures hands-on training to prepare students for careers as aviation technicians, with job placement assistance provided by the Career Services Department.

  • 3711 South Ashland Avenue Chicago, IL 60609

City College of Chicago

Rating: 4.4 of 5

City Colleges of Chicago, founded in 1911, is a system of seven community colleges that serves around 70,000 students each year in the Chicago area. The colleges offer associate degrees in fields like business, health sciences, and liberal arts, as well as certificates for specialized skills. Programs are designed with flexibility in mind, featuring morning, afternoon, evening, and hybrid or online options. Healthcare and other hands-on programs include externships or clinical experiences to prepare students for real-world careers. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), City Colleges of Chicago is an accessible and affordable option for education, with in-district tuition starting at $153 per credit hour and financial aid available.

  • 180 N. Wabash, Chicago, IL 60601
  • 1145 West Wilson Ave Chicago, IL 60640
  • 6301 South Halsted St Chicago, IL 60621

Cortiva Institute

Rating: 3.1 of 5

With over 30 locations in 13 states, Cortiva Institute serves many people looking for careers in massage therapy or skin care. Students can complete accelerated programs in less than a year. All tracks are nationally accredited. During schooling, attendees are able to grow as professionals to prepare for their futures.

  • 17 N. State St., #500 Chicago, IL 60602

Dental Academy of Chicago

Rating: 4.0 of 5

Dental Assisting of Chicago (DAOC), founded in 2015, specializes in hands-on training for dental and dermatology clinical assistants. The school offers two main programs: a 12-week chairside dental assistant course and a 14-week dermatology assistant program, both with flexible class schedules. With small class sizes of up to 24 students, DAOC provides personalized instruction in a full dental facility. While the school has received approval from the Illinois Board of Higher Education, it is not accredited by the U.S. Department of Education. Tuition costs range from $6,000 to $6,800 depending on the program.

 

  • Address 25 E Washington St #510 Chicago, IL 60602

DeVry University

Rating: 2.8 of 5

DeVry University, a for-profit institution renowned for its emphasis on technology and innovation, offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in Technology, Healthcare, Business, and Accounting. Located in the Ravenswood neighborhood of Chicago, the DeVry and Keller Graduate School of Management campus provides easy access to public transportation, including the CTA Brown Line, Metra’s Ravenswood Station, and CTA #81 bus route. The Chicago campus offers degree and certificate programs in some of today’s fastest-growing fields, including Website Design and Website Development. Military students benefit from flexible learning options and various military and veteran benefits. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, DeVry offers new classes every 8 weeks, with scholarship and grant options available to make education more affordable.

  • 1900 W. Lawrence Ave, Ste. 100, Chicago, IL 60640

ETI School of Skilled Trades

Rating: 4.0 of 5

Located in Willowbrook, Illinois, just outside of Chicago, the ETI School of Skilled Trades boasts a 15,085-square-foot installation lab dedicated to hands-on HVAC/R and welding training designed to propel students into successful careers in the skilled trades. With programs designed to equip students with industry knowledge and technical skills, including welding, graduates are prepared for success in their chosen fields. Students at ETI School of Skilled Trades can complete programs in as little as 7 months, with both day and evening classes available to accommodate busy schedules. Financial aid is available for those who qualify, ensuring accessibility to quality education.

The HVAC/R program offers hands-on experience with current industry equipment, covering sheet metal fabrication, electrical work, refrigeration, and diagnostics under the guidance of expert instructors. Graduates are eligible to test for universal certifications and benefit from job placement assistance through the employer-graduate match process. Similarly, the Skilled Welding program provides comprehensive training in welding processes such as SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, and Oxy Fuel Cutting. With a 13,000-square-foot welding lab equipped with industry-standard equipment, students gain practical experience through job site simulations, leading them to success in the welding industry.

  • 500 Joliet Rd Suite #100 (Willowbrook) Chicago, IL 60527

First Institute

Rating: 4.0 of 5

Accredited provider of hands on career training for medical assisting and dental assisting  occupations. Offers day and evening classes. Students may receive financial aid and career placement assistance. Campus locations include Crystal Lake, Libertyville, and Aurora.

  • 405 N. Eola Road, Suite C (Aurora), IL Chicago, IL 60502

HVAC Technical Institute

Rating: 4.7 of 5

Gain technical skills through practical training. HVAC Technical Institute stands out as the premier destination for comprehensive HVAC certification courses.  State-of-the-art facilities encompass 7,500 square feet of classroom space and an expansive 10,000 square feet of hands-on workshop area.  The school is dedicated to working alongside you, providing guidance as you apply your knowledge to real-world, on-the-job scenarios.

The Electrical Technician course prepares students with the skills needed to begin working as a professional electrician. The program is nationally accredited through NCCER (The National Center for Construction Education and Research) and is designed to provide students with the education & training needed to qualify for entry level positions.

  • Address: 4532 S. Kolin Avenue Chicago, IL 60632

Illinois Media School

Rating: 4.0 of 5

Be On Air offers in-person programs in Audio Production, Digital Media Production, Film & Video Production, Hispanic Media Broadcasting, Media Sales & Marketing, Radio & TV Broadcasting, and Sports Broadcasting. All courses meet in fully equipped studios with day and evening schedules to fit work and life commitments. Instead of externships, students complete real industry projects and hands-on equipment training on campus. The school holds ACCSC accreditation and maintains a selective admissions process based on program requirements. Tuition spans $12,375–$18,875 depending on program and location, and dedicated net price calculators provide personalized cost and financial aid estimates.

  • 8501 W Higgins Rd, Suite 450 Chicago, IL 60631

Lincoln Tech

Rating: 3.9 of 5

Lincoln Tech’s Melrose Park, Illinois campus, located in the Chicago area suburb, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1902 as Greer College of Automotive Engineering. Joining the Lincoln Tech network in 1969, it has since become a beacon of technical education. The campus is a hub of hands-on learning and boasts 90,000 square feet of training space, including labs, classrooms, and auto shops equipped with industry-standard equipment. Notably, it features individual welding booths provided by Miller Electric and medical labs for medical assistant training.

The campus caters to diverse career aspirations with programs like Automotive Service Technology, Electrical and Electronic Systems Technology, Medical Assistant, and Welding Technology. Students in these programs receive comprehensive training, preparing them for rewarding careers in their chosen fields. Specialized training partnerships with industry leaders like Audi, Johnson Controls, and Mazda provide students unique opportunities to train on cutting-edge technology and gain invaluable hands-on experience. Lincoln Tech’s Melrose Park campus continues to shape the future of technical education in the Chicago area and beyond through its focus on excellence and commitment to student success.

  • 8317 W. North Ave, (Melrose Park) Chicago, IL 60160

Midwestern Career College

Rating: 4.2 of 5

Midwestern Career College is a private institution offering associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates across four main areas: health sciences, business, IT, and English as a Second Language. Established in 2004, MCC serves a diverse student body from Chicago and beyond through its five modern campuses. The college offers flexible day, evening, online, and hybrid classes to accommodate different schedules. Students also benefit from hands-on training through partnerships with nearly 150 externship sites. MCC is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education and has a 100% acceptance rate.

  • 203 N. LaSalle Street Chicago, IL 60601

Paul Mitchell Schools

Rating: 4.5 of 5

Paul Mitchell School Chicago is part of the University of Illinois campus. Students and staff from the university may book services at the beauty school, providing hands-on experience for those who enroll in the cosmetology or barbering program. Cosmetology and barber teacher training courses are also available at the Chicago campus.

  • 1225 S Halsted Street Chicago, IL 60607

SAE Institute

Rating: 4.0 of 5

The SAE Chicago, IL, location offers programs in audio and entertainment business for eager students. Campus facilities include eight professionally-equipped studios, industry standard hardware and software, as well as access to award-winning expert faculty. For those who want a win big with their education in the Windy City, the SAE Institute is the answer they’ve been looking for.

  • 820 North Orleans Street, Suite 125/135 Chicago, IL 60610

Tricoci University of Beauty Culture

Rating: 4.7 of 5

Founded by renowned hairstylist Mario Tricoci in 2004, Tricoci University of Beauty Culture trains students in cosmetology, esthetics, barbering, nail technology, and instructor training. The school operates 16 campuses and offers flexible schedules with morning, afternoon, and evening classes. Full-time students graduate in about six months, while part-time students take nine months to complete their programs. Tuition averages $13,105 annually after financial aid, but costs vary based on location and funding options. Accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences, the university emphasizes hands-on training in on-campus salons to prepare students for real-world careers.

  • 5321 N Harlem Ave Chicago, IL 60656
  • 6458 N Sheridan Rd Chicago, IL 60626

University of Aesthetics & Cosmetology

Rating: 4.1 of 5

The University of Aesthetics & Cosmetology, established in 1996, offers accredited programs in aesthetics, cosmetology, and instructor training at its Downers Grove and Chicago campuses. With tuition ranging from $5,133 to $20,425, the school provides flexible class schedules and hands-on learning to prepare students for careers in the beauty industry. Accredited by MSA-CESS and NACCAS, the school has a 100% acceptance rate.

  • 1357 N Milwaukee Ave Chicago, IL 60622


DeVry University

Rating: 2.8 of 5

DeVry University, founded in 1931, is renowned for its emphasis on technology and innovation, offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as Technology, Healthcare, Business, and Accounting. With campuses in over 25 states and options for online and hybrid learning, DeVry provides flexible education opportunities aligned with modern academic needs.

  • 4225 Naperville Rd., Suite 400, Lisle, IL 60532

Universal Technical Institute

Rating: 4.3 of 5

The Lisle, Illinois, campus of the Universal Technical Institute facilitates students to achieve lucrative careers in automotive, diesel, welding, wind turbine technology, robotics and automation, and industrial maintenance. With a curriculum designed to meet industry demands, students receive hands-on training in state-of-the-art labs under the guidance of experienced faculty members with extensive industry expertise.

The Automotive Mechanic Training program spans 51 weeks, covering everything from simple engine systems to complex electronic technology. Graduates earn diplomas and are equipped to excel in ASE examinations. Similarly, the 45-week Diesel Mechanic Training program prepares students to diagnose, repair, and maintain diesel engines, catering to the growing demand for skilled technicians in the transportation sector.

In less than 9 months, students in the Welding Training program master four kinds of arc welding techniques, learning from a curriculum developed in collaboration with Lincoln Electric. Additionally, specialized programs like Robotics and Automation and Wind Turbine Training allow students to delve into cutting-edge fields with high demand and growth projections.

UTI Lisle also offers specialty training options in partnership with industry giants like BMW, Ford, Toyota, and Daimler Trucks, providing students with exclusive manufacturer-paid programs. With housing assistance, career services, and financial aid available, UTI Lisle ensures students have the support they need to succeed in their chosen field.

  • 2611 Corporate West Dr. Lisle, IL 60532


CAAN Academy of Nursing

Rating: 4.5 of 5

Established in 2007, CAAN Academy of Nursing is known for its commitment to providing quality nursing education through personalized attention in small class sizes. The academy offers programs that prepare students to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs), equipping them with the skills needed for various healthcare settings. Classes are available online and in-person, with flexible morning, afternoon, and evening schedules to accommodate different needs. The school is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), ensuring a rigorous and legitimate education. Tuition ranges between $20,000 and $30,000, with financial planning tools available to prospective students.

  • 4747 Lincoln Mall Dr Suite 420 Matteson, IL 60443