Minneapolis Trade Schools

Rasmussen University

Rating: 4.5 of 5

Rasmussen University in Bloomington, MN, gives students the opportunity to get a degree in programs such as education, health sciences, justice studies, nursing, technology, and design. Helpful, friendly instructors offer expert training and guidance to help students prepare for their chosen career path.

  • 4400 W 78th St. 6 Bloomington, MN 55435

Hennepin Technical College

Rating: 4.1 of 5

Hennepin Technical College was established in 1972 by thirteen Twin Cities public school districts and currently serves approximately 3,891 students through more than 40 career training programs spanning architecture, HVAC, construction, healthcare, IT, transportation, and education fields.

The college provides flexible learning options including online, blended, web-enhanced, and traditional evening classes to accommodate working professionals, with many programs incorporating hands-on externships like the HVAC2170 course for real-world field experience. Tuition costs range from $200-$230 per credit hour for most students, with Minnesota residents and out-of-state students paying identical rates, while students aged 62 and older receive significantly reduced tuition at only $20 per credit hour.

The institution maintains a 100% acceptance rate through open admission policies and holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), ensuring educational quality standards. Students can utilize the school’s net price calculator to determine actual costs after financial aid, helping families understand their real financial obligations beyond the sticker price.

  • 9000 Brooklyn Boulevard Brooklyn Park, MN 55445

Rasmussen University

Rating: 4.5 of 5

Rasmussen College offers accelerated degrees in over 50 fields. Programs include Business, Design, Education, Health Sciences, Justice Studies, Nursing, and Technology. The school supports a credit policy that allows attendees to transfer past experience. There are locations in Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. In addition to 22 traditional campuses, online classes are an option.

  • 8301 93rd Ave. N Brooklyn Park, MN 55445

Aveda Institutes

Rating: 4.5 of 5

Aveda Arts Minneapolis offers cosmetology, esthiology, and massage therapy programs that combine technical training with a focus on creativity, wellness, and sustainability. Students receive hands-on experience in hair care, skincare, and massage while learning business and ergonomic skills through Aveda’s blended online and practical curriculum.

The campus fosters professional growth with mentorship from passionate instructors and a connection to Aveda’s global network. Classes and guest services are available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., offering a full weekday and weekend training schedule. All services are performed by students under close instructor supervision, providing real-world experience in a professional salon and spa setting.

  • 400 Central Avenue SE Minneapolis, MN 55414

Dunwoody College of Technology

Rating: 4.2 of 5

Dunwoody College of Technology is a private technical school in Minneapolis offering more than 40 programs leading to associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, or certificates. Areas of study include HVAC, welding, radiologic technology, business, and computer technology, with many programs lasting two years or less. Tuition averages $25,214 for the 2024–25 academic year, with tools available to estimate real costs after financial aid. Flexible schedules—such as online, hybrid, and evening classes—allow students to balance education with work or family. With small class sizes and partnerships with local employers and clinics, Dunwoody offers practical, career-focused education for students pursuing skilled trades and technical careers.

  • 818 Dunwoody Boulevard Minneapolis, MN 55403

Empire Beauty Schools

Rating: 4.5 of 5

Empire Beauty Schools offers hands-on experience in cosmetology, skincare, and cosmetology education at all of their locations. Attendees receive training for in-demand beauty jobs. Full and part-time programs are available to fit each student’s lifestyle. High-quality career tracks include cosmetology and hair styling.

  • 9749 Lyndale Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55420

Newgate School

Rating: 4.4 of 5

Newgate School, founded by Ron Severson in partnership with the University of Minnesota in the early 1970s, is a nonprofit technical school that provides completely tuition-free automotive training to underserved young adults in Minneapolis. The school offers professional certifications in Auto Body Repair and Auto Mechanics, with most students completing their training within 12 to 18 months through hands-on work with donated cars from the local community. Classes operate Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM plus Saturday mornings from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, maintaining small class sizes of up to 30 students for personalized attention. Students learn entirely in the shop working on real vehicles with experienced instructors, and the school partners with dealerships, national brands, and local shops to help graduates find employment opportunities. The completely free tuition removes financial barriers that typically prevent people from accessing quality career training in automotive repair.

  • 2900 East Hennepin Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55413

Pathways Careers Training Center

Rating: 4.9 of 5

Pathways Careers Training Center, established in 2015, specializes in healthcare career training through two intensive certification programs: Phlebotomy Technician ($1,800 tuition) and Certified Nursing Assistant ($1,000 tuition). Both programs are completed in just four weeks, making them fast-track options for entering the healthcare field. The school maintains small class sizes to provide personalized attention and combines classroom theory with hands-on laboratory work and clinical experience. While the center doesn’t hold institutional accreditation, both programs maintain important professional certifications through the National Healthcareer Association and the State of Minnesota Department of Health. Students interested in enrollment should contact the center directly for scheduling information, admission requirements, and details about clinical placement opportunities.

  • 2336 Central Ave NE Minneapolis, MN 55418

Summit Academy

Rating: 4.4 of 5

Summit Academy OIC was established in 1967 as part of the national Opportunities Industrialization Centers network created by Reverend Dr. Leon Howard Sullivan in 1964 during the civil rights era, continuing its mission to break down economic barriers through education while serving approximately 511 students annually. The institution offers certificate programs across multiple career fields including carpentry, electrician, financial services, IT specialist, dental assistant, and medical administrative assistant, all delivered through in-person instruction without online course options.

Class schedules accommodate different needs with daytime programs running from 8:30 AM to 2:50-3:00 PM for construction, financial services, and healthcare, while IT classes extend to 3:00 PM, and evening electrician training operates Monday through Thursday from 5:00-9:00 PM.

The school charges $274 per credit hour for tuition, with this comprehensive fee covering books, activities, and lab expenses to eliminate additional material costs, though total program costs vary based on credit requirements for each field of study.

Summit Academy maintains a 100% acceptance rate through open admission policies and holds accreditation from the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE), ensuring educational quality standards while providing a net price calculator to help students determine actual costs after financial aid.

  • 935 Olson Memorial Hwy Minneapolis, MN 55405

Walden University

Rating: 3.5 of 5

Headquartered in Columbia, MD, Walden University offers convenient online classes for students pursuing various undergraduate and graduate-level degrees. Programs at this school include business management, criminal justice, early childhood studies, health sciences, education, nursing, information technology, social work and human services, psychology, and more. The school seeks to inspire graduates to work towards solutions for issues around the world.

  • 100 Washington Avenue South Suite 900 Minneapolis, MN 55401

Anoka Technical College

Rating: 4.4 of 5

Anoka Technical College has served as the North Metro’s primary career-focused education provider since 1967, expanding from five original degree programs to more than 70 different career and technical programs that currently serve approximately 2,146 students.

The institution offers three main credential types—certificates, diplomas, and Associate in Applied Science degrees—across diverse fields including paramedic, mechanical CAD drafter, medical coding specialist, pipe welder, machine technology, practical nursing, and software development, with program lengths varying from months for certificates to typically two years for associate degrees.

Students benefit from flexible scheduling options including online degree programs, hybrid classes that blend traditional classroom instruction with digital coursework, and hands-on externship opportunities particularly valuable for Medical Assistant students seeking real-world training experience. Tuition rates are $209.16 per credit hour for regular students, while senior citizens receive significant discounts at just $20 per credit, with online courses and specialized programs like Practical Nursing carrying slightly higher rates.

The college maintains a 100% acceptance rate through open admission policies and holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, with many programs receiving additional specialized accreditation from industry organizations, while offering a net price calculator to help students determine actual costs after financial aid.

  • 1355 West Highway 10 Anoka, MN 55303