New York’s trade school landscape is among the most diverse and comprehensive in the nation, with institutions ranging from specialized technical schools in New York City to regional BOCES centers serving rural communities. The state’s economic diversity creates strong demand for skilled workers across healthcare, skilled trades, technology, and creative industries.
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List of Top Trade Schools in New York
Animation Mentor
Animation Mentor is an online animation school founded in 2005 by industry professionals Bobby Beck, Shawn Kelly, and Carlos Baena, built around one-on-one mentorship from working animators. The school serves a global student base with 6- and 12-week mentor-led courses in areas like 3D animation, Autodesk Maya, concept art, storyboarding, game animation, and 2D animation. Tuition ranges from about $699 to $2,499 depending on course length and format, and students earn a certificate of completion rather than a traditional degree.- 15 West 38th Street, 10th Floor New York, NY 10018
- Technology
Apex Technical School
Apex Technical School, founded in 1961 in New York City, specializes in hands-on training in the skilled trades, preparing students for entry-level positions in various industries. Apex is fully accredited and licensed, providing a focused curriculum in trades such as automotive repair, plumbing, and electrical work, which is enhanced by real-world shop environments. This specialized approach, combined with comprehensive support services including job placement assistance, positions Apex as a valuable alternative to community colleges for those seeking to quickly start careers in the trades.- 11-05 44th Drive Long Island City, NY 11101
- Automotive, Construction, HVAC and Building Services, Welding
Aveda Institutes
New York's only Aveda Institute, Aveda Arts New York, moved from SoHo to 21 Pearl Street in DUMBO, Brooklyn, by May 2025. It teaches 1,000-hour cosmetology ($22,600) and 600-hour esthiology ($12,200), totals for the 16 November 2026 start, on a 22.5-hour week (Monday to Wednesday or Thursday to Saturday). It reported 78.6% placement and 100% licensure for 2024.- 21 Pearl St Brooklyn, NY 11201
- Cosmetology and Barbering, Massage Therapy
Berkeley College
Berkeley College New York has one campus, in Midtown Manhattan; its Brooklyn and White Plains campuses closed in 2019 and 2021. It teaches business, fashion, marketing, criminal justice, graphic and interior design, 3D digital visualization and an MBA, but no clinical health or nursing programs on campus. In 2022 Berkeley settled a 2018 New York City consumer-agency lawsuit without admitting wrongdoing. Its Fall 2019 cohort graduation rate within 150% of normal time was 42%.- 3 East 43rd Street New York, NY 10017
- Business, Healthcare and Nursing, Healthcare Administration, Medical Assisting, Medical Billing and Coding, Sterile Processing Technician, Computer and Information Technology, Criminal Justice and Law, Graphics, Design, and Arts, Communications and Media
Bryant & Stratton College
Bryant & Stratton has eight New York campuses: Buffalo (the main campus), Amherst and Southtowns in the Buffalo area, Henrietta and Greece near Rochester, Syracuse and Syracuse North, and Albany. New York has its own nursing programs: a pre-licensure BS in Nursing at Albany, Southtowns and Syracuse North, the ADN at Greece only and a PN certificate at Henrietta. PTA is taught at Southtowns and Syracuse, OTA at Syracuse and graphic design at Amherst and Henrietta.- 110 Broadway Buffalo, NY 14203
- 3650 Millersport Hwy Getzville, NY 14068
- 180 Redtail Rd Orchard Park, NY 14127
- 1259 Central Ave Albany, NY 12205
- 1225 Jefferson Rd Rochester, NY 14623
- 854 Long Pond Rd Rochester, NY 14612
- 953 James St Syracuse, NY 13203
- 7805 Oswego Rd Liverpool, NY 13090
- Healthcare and Nursing, Medical Assisting, Medical Billing and Coding, Healthcare Administration, Business, Criminal Justice and Law, Computer and Information Technology, Education, Graphics, Design, and Arts
Champlain Valley BOCES
CV-TEC, the career and technical division of Champlain Valley Educational Services, a public New York BOCES, trains high-school students and adults. Adults can join its 1,080-hour daytime programs in trades such as welding, automotive repair, cosmetology and construction, or apply to its 1,160-hour Practical Nursing (LPN) program, the only one eligible for federal student aid. Evening courses cover CNA, phlebotomy, welding and CDL. A new Plattsburgh training center opened in August 2026.- 1445 Military Turnpike Plattsburgh, NY 12901
- 3092 Plank Road Mineville, NY 12956
- Healthcare and Nursing, Skilled Trades, Automotive, Construction, Electrical, Welding, Professional Services, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management
DeVry University
New York has one DeVry location, on Madison Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, which operates as DeVry College of New York. The Higher Learning Commission lists it as an additional location of DeVry University under the same accreditation, not as a separately accredited college. Onsite classes are typically held on weekday evenings; most DeVry programs are taken online.- 180 Madison Ave, 10th Floor New York, NY 10016
- Business, Computer and Information Technology, Healthcare Administration, Medical Billing and Coding
Electrical and HVAC/R Training Center
The Electrical and HVAC/R Training Center (founded 1998) is a leading Long Island trade school focused on hands-on electrical, HVAC, and green tech training. Students learn on real equipment—covering lighting/power, alarms, PV, burner wiring, motor controls, low voltage, and safety—with 236 learners enrolled in 2023.- 65 Elm Street Copiague, NY 11726
- Skilled Trades
Empire Beauty Schools
Empire has five New York campuses: Manhattan (West 34th Street), Queens (in Astoria), Peekskill, Rochester and Cheektowaga, which Empire calls Buffalo. All teach 1,000-hour cosmetology, from $15,841 at Cheektowaga to $18,344 at Manhattan (September 2026). Manhattan alone adds 600-hour esthetics and a hybrid cosmetology program taught partly online. Cheektowaga, Manhattan, Peekskill and Queens each reported 100% licensure in Empire's 2024 NACCAS disclosures.- 2190 Walden Ave Cheektowaga, NY 14225
- 22 W 34th St New York, NY 10001
- 19 Bank St Peekskill, NY 10566
- 38-15 Broadway Astoria, NY 11103
- 340 Elm Ridge Center Dr Rochester, NY 14626
- Cosmetology and Barbering
Hunter Business School
Hunter Business School offers Medical and Computer Technology vocational programs.- 3601 Hempstead Tpk., Unit 19 Levittown, NY 11756
- 3247 Route 112, Buidling 3, Suite 2 Medford, NY 11763
- Healthcare and Nursing, Communications and Media
Island Drafting and Technical Institute
Located on Long Island, NY, Island Drafting and Technical Institute offers degrees in AutoCAD, Computer-Aided Drafting & Architectural Design, and Electronics & Information Technology.- 128 Broadway Amityville, NY 11701
- Computer and Information Technology
Lincoln Tech
Lincoln Tech's New York campus is in Queens (Whitestone) and teaches automotive and electrical programs. Its Brooklyn location is an admissions office only; Brooklyn students train at the Union, NJ campus. A Long Island campus in Hicksville, for automotive, welding, HVAC and electrical, is due to open in late 2026. ACCSC accredited; federal aid and GI Bill accepted.- 15-30 Petracca Pl Whitestone, NY 11357
- Automotive, Computer and Information Technology, Dental, Electrical, HVAC and Building Services, Healthcare and Nursing, Machine Operation, Medical Assisting, Skilled Trades, Welding
Long Island Welding School
Long Island Welding School, established in 1976, offers hands-on welding education in small classes of 6-7 students, ensuring individualized attention. With courses ranging from basic to advanced welding, students train in a real welding facility under the guidance of an AWS Certified Welding Educator. Tuition is $2,750 per course, with additional costs for personal equipment and testing fees.- 59 Urban Avenue Westbury, NY 11590
- Skilled Trades
Michael Daniel Metal Design, Inc.
Michael Daniel Metal Design offers a five-week Introduction to Welding and Metal Sculpting Class for beginners, combining hands-on instruction with a flexible approach to project creation. With small class sizes and personalized attention, students learn essential welding techniques and create custom pieces like tables, lamps, or sculptures. Tuition is $675, including materials, and classes are held in-person at a well-equipped studio.- 22-14 40th Avenue, 3rd Floor Long Island City, NY 11101
- Skilled Trades
Mildred Elley
Mildred Elley is a private, for-profit career college, founded in 1917, that trains practical nurses, medical assistants, massage therapists and nurse aides on campus in New York State and teaches business management and paralegal degrees fully online. It is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. 2026-27 tuition is $553 per credit for most Albany and online programs and $620 in New York City.- 855 Central Ave Albany, NY 12206
- 25 Broadway, Floor 16 New York, NY 10004
- 27 Wall St Amsterdam, NY 12010
- Business, Criminal Justice and Law, Healthcare and Nursing, Massage Therapy, Medical Assisting
New York City College of Technology
New York City College of Technology, known as City Tech, is a public senior college of the City University of New York that teaches technical, design and health careers on a single campus. Its 58 associate and bachelor's programs run from nursing, dental hygiene and radiography to architecture, construction and electrical engineering technology. At current published rates, full-time New York residents pay $3,465 a semester in tuition and nonresidents $620 a credit.- 300 Jay Street Brooklyn, NY 11201
- Healthcare and Nursing, Dental, Radiology, Architecture, Construction, Electrical, Skilled Trades, Computer and Information Technology, Criminal Justice and Law, Business
Paul Mitchell Schools
New York has two Paul Mitchell schools. The NYC school on Staten Island teaches 1,000-hour cosmetology, 600-hour esthetics, a 250-hour nail program and short makeup and waxing courses; cosmetology cost $20,169 in total for starts from September 2026. Schenectady teaches 615-hour barbering and 1,000- or 1,175-hour cosmetology, and its page discloses NACCAS probation under Financial Reporting Requirements, with no date given.- 411 State Street Schenectady, NY 12305
- 187 New Dorp Lane Staten Island, NY 10306
- Cosmetology and Barbering
SAE Institute
SAE Institute of Technology New York teaches a 12-month audio diploma. In October 2026 its campus page said it is not accepting applications for enrollment, although its August 2026 catalog lists start dates through November 2026, so ask SAE before applying. The catalog total for the diploma is $26,360. The campus is a branch of SAE Nashville, accredited by ACCSC and authorized by the New York State Education Department's Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision.- 218 W. 18th St, 4th Floor New York, NY 10011
- Arts, Business, Communications and Media
St. Paul’s School of Nursing
St. Paul's School of Nursing, originally St. Vincent's Hospital School of Nursing, was founded over 130 years ago and underwent significant changes in 2009 when Educational Affiliates, Inc. acquired it. Now operating in Queens and Staten Island, this for-profit vocational school excels in nursing education, blending traditional excellence with modern teaching to prepare students for the healthcare field. St. Paul's is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools and approved by the New York State Education Department, ensuring that its programs meet high standards. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN.- Corporate Commons 2 Staten Island, NY 10311
- 97-77 Queens Blvd. Queens, NY 11374
- Healthcare and Nursing
St. Paul’s School of Nursing
St. Paul's School of Nursing, founded in 1889 by the Diocese of Brooklyn and acquired by Education Affiliates, Inc. in 2009, operates two New York campuses in Staten Island (658 students in 2022) and Queens (945 students in 2023). The school offers Associate Degree in Nursing and Medical Assisting programs through in-person classes with required externships in healthcare settings, with evening options available at the Queens campus for Medical Assistant students. Both campuses hold institutional accreditation from ABHES and nursing program accreditation from the New York State Board of Regents, maintaining a 100% acceptance rate with open admissions.- 97-77 Queens Blvd. Queens, NY 11374
- Corporate Commons 2 Staten Island, NY 10311
The School for Cooperative Technical Education
Co-op Tech is a free, half-day trade program run by the NYC Department of Education's District 79 for people aged 17 to 21: students in a NYC public high school or Pathways to Graduation program, and recent graduates still under the age limit. It is not open to adults over 21. Trades include automotive, construction, welding, electrical, health, IT, culinary arts and barbering.- 321 East 96th Street New York, NY 10128
- 965 Longwood Avenue Bronx, NY 10459
- 14-30 Broadway Long Island City, NY 11106
- 142-10 Linden Boulevard Jamaica, NY 11436
- 109 Rhine Avenue Staten Island, NY 10304
- 1600 Rockaway Parkway Brooklyn, NY 11236
- Automotive, Computer and Information Technology, Construction, Cosmetology and Barbering, Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management, Electrical, Graphics, Design, and Arts, Healthcare and Nursing, Medical Billing and Coding, Skilled Trades, Technology, Welding
The Welding Expert Inc
The Welding Expert Inc., established in 2012, specializes in welding education and certification in New York, offering personalized instruction tailored to industry needs. Approved by the NYC Department of Buildings, the school provides comprehensive training and certification for various welding techniques, including piping and structural steel. Flexible schedules accommodate students at all skill levels, with classes available six days a week.- The Welding Expert 101 Rome Street Farmingdale, NY 11735
- Skilled Trades
Utica University
Utica University is a private, nonprofit university in New York whose career degrees include a four-year BSN and a 16-month accelerated BSN for students with prior college study, both CCNE-accredited, plus an online RN-to-BSN, an ACCE-accredited construction management degree and cybersecurity. Full-time undergraduate tuition is $29,022 plus a $1,250 fee for 2026-27. Its SARA approval is provisional, and it cannot enroll out-of-state students in its online programs.- 1600 Burrstone Road Utica, NY 13502
- 23 British American Boulevard Latham, NY 12110
- Healthcare and Nursing, Construction, Computer and Information Technology
In Depth Guides to Specific Trades in NY
- How to Become a Dental Assistant in NY
- How to Become an Electrician in NY
- How to Become an EKG Tech in NY
- How to Become a Floral Designer in NY
- How to Become an HVAC Tech in NY
- How to Become an Interior Designer in NY
- How to Become a Medical Assistant in NY
- How to Become a Medical Billing & Coder Specialist in NY
- How to Become a Patient Care Technician in NY
- How to Become a Personal Trainer in NY
- How to Become a Phlebotomist in NY
- How to Become a Plumber in NY
- How to Become an Optician in NY
- How to Become a Medical Transcriptionist in New York
- Welding Schools in NY
Best Schools by Specialty
Skilled Trades Leadership
Apex Technical School leads New York’s skilled trades education with over 60 years of experience in Long Island City. Owned by the Fedcap Group, it offers focused programs in Automotive Technology, Construction, Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, and Welding with hands-on training and 100% acceptance rate.
Lincoln Tech operates three New York locations (Whitestone, Brooklyn) providing comprehensive vocational training across Healthcare, Automotive, Skilled Trades, and Cosmetology with strong corporate partnerships including BMW and Audi specialized training programs.
The School for Cooperative Technical Education serves 1,500 students across NYC’s five boroughs with tuition-free half-day programs in Automotive Services, Electrical, Construction, Health Services, and Culinary Arts since 1942.
Healthcare Programs
St. Paul’s School of Nursing provides specialized nursing education with 130 years of history across Queens and Staten Island locations, offering Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, and ADN programs with ABHES accreditation.
Berkeley College operates four New York locations offering comprehensive healthcare programs including Medical Assistant, Nursing, and Surgical Technologist alongside business and technology programs.
Hunter Business School serves Long Island with healthcare programs in Medical Assistant, Medical Billing and Coding, Nursing, and Radiology alongside technology and business training.
Creative Media and Arts
SAE Institute provides globally-recognized creative media education in New York City with programs in Audio, Digital Film, Game Design, and Entertainment Business, offering diplomas in 12 months and associate degrees in 16 months.
Beauty and Cosmetology
Paul Mitchell Schools operates two New York locations (Schenectady, Staten Island) providing comprehensive beauty education with access to over 50,000 Paul Mitchell salons worldwide for job placement opportunities.
Empire Beauty Schools maintains six New York locations offering Cosmetology, Esthetics, and Nail Technology programs with flexible scheduling and hands-on salon experience.
Regional Career Centers (BOCES)
Champlain Valley BOCES serves northern New York with programs in Programming, Practical Nursing, Welding, Construction Trades, and Environmental Conservation, featuring competitive nursing program admission (27% acceptance rate).
University-Level Programs
New York City College of Technology (CUNY system) enrolls 14,588 students with 58 degree options including Architecture, Cybersecurity, Nursing, and Mechanical Engineering Technology with an 81.8% acceptance rate.
Utica University offers specialized programs in cybersecurity, economic crime, and health studies with 100% acceptance rate and comprehensive financial aid covering 95% of students.
Cost of New York Trade Schools
Tuition Range Overview
New York trade schools demonstrate wide cost variation based on location and program complexity:
Most Affordable Options:
- BOCES programs: ~$10,000 out-of-pocket after aid
- Free programs: The School for Cooperative Technical Education (tuition-free)
- CUNY system: $5,601 average annual cost (NYC College of Technology)
Mid-Range Investment:
- Beauty programs: $9,966-$16,716 (Aveda Institutes)
- Skilled trades: $18,100 average (Apex Technical School)
- Specialized training: $15,000-$30,000 (various institutions)
Premium Programs:
- University programs: $23,500-$42,500 annually (Utica University)
- Creative media: $20,000-$25,000 annually (SAE Institute)
- Comprehensive healthcare: $26,900 annually (Berkeley College)
Average Cost Estimate
Based on available data, New York trade schools average $16,000-$22,000 for complete certification programs, with significant variation based on location (NYC premium) and program scope.
Quick Entry Programs in New York
Ultra-Fast Certifications
Creative Media Fast Track: SAE Institute offers diplomas in 12 months and associate degrees in 16 months with industry-standard facilities and global recognition.
Welding Specialization: Multiple specialized welding schools offer focused training, including The Welding Expert Inc. with NYC Department of Buildings approval for municipal welding certifications.
Beauty Industry Entry: Empire Beauty Schools and Paul Mitchell Schools provide comprehensive cosmetology training with extensive externship opportunities (80% job offer conversion rate at some locations).
Accelerated Programs
Lincoln Tech offers credit hour-based programs ranging from 40-65 credit hours with accelerated completion options, while Apex Technical School provides hands-on skilled trades training designed for rapid workforce entry.
Flexible Learning Options for New Yorkers
Multiple Delivery Formats
New York institutions accommodate working professionals through:
- Evening Programs: Available at most major institutions including Apex Technical School
- Half-Day Schedules: BOCES and cooperative education programs
- Online/Hybrid Options: Berkeley College, SAE Institute, and university programs
- Weekend Classes: Available at specialized training centers
NYC Advantage
New York City’s concentration of trade schools provides unparalleled flexibility with multiple locations, varied scheduling options, and proximity to major employers across all industries.