Washington, D.C. offers a wide range of accredited trade and technical schools that prepare students for careers in healthcare, business, technology, and skilled trades. Whether you want a quick certificate or flexible programs designed for working adults, these schools make it possible to gain practical skills that lead to employment fast.
Best Trade Schools by Specialty
Healthcare
LAYC Career Academy – Offers free Medical Assistant training with classroom and externship experience. Ideal for disconnected youth ages 16–30 seeking entry-level healthcare jobs.
Four Walls Career and Technical Education Center – Provides adult training in HVAC and Electrical Wiring while also supporting healthcare literacy and job-readiness.
Strayer University – Accredited university offering online and on-campus degrees in Healthcare Administration and Public Health.
Business & Management
Thunderbird School of Global Management – Internationally recognized for global business education and leadership training in partnership with Arizona State University.
Strayer University – Well-known for affordable business programs, including Accounting, Marketing, Finance, and Human Resources.
Skilled Trades
Four Walls Career and Technical Education Center – Focuses on hands-on trades such as HVAC, Electrical Wiring, and Steam Engineering. Tuition is fully covered by local grants.
Bennett Career Institute – Offers career certificates in Cosmetology, Barber Styling, Esthetics, and Make-Up Artistry with real salon experience.
Dudley Beauty College – Provides hybrid beauty programs using Pivot Point LAB with options for day, evening, and part-time schedules.
Technology
LAYC Career Academy – Includes IT training pathways leading to recognized industry certifications.
Strayer University – Features programs in Computer Programming, Cybersecurity, Networking, and Software Development for career-ready tech skills.
List of Top DC Trade Schools
Bennett Career Institute
Bennett Career Institute in Washington, DC offers hands-on training in beauty and barbering, with programs from 6 weeks (Make-up Artistry) to 18 months (Cosmetology, Barber Styling). Schedules include full-time, part-time, evenings, and some online options, and students train in a full-service salon and barbershop. Tuition ranges from $730 to $19,000, and the school is accredited by NACCAS.- 700 Monroe St NE Washington, DC 20017
- Professional Services
CAREER Technical Institute
Career Technical Institute (CTI) serves the Washington, D.C. area with career-focused training in office administration, healthcare, hospitality, and information technology. The school offers day and evening schedules, hybrid learning, and externships in select programs. The average annual cost for the Medical/Clinical Assistant program is about $19,920 after typical aid.- 1101 Vermont Ave NW Washington, DC 20005
- Business, Healthcare and Nursing, Technology
Dudley Beauty College
Dudley Beauty College in Washington, D.C. trains students for cosmetology, nail technology, and instructor roles with rolling admissions and average classes of about 25:1. Programs cost $17,000 (Cosmetology, 1,500 hrs), $3,500 (Nail Technology, 350 hrs), and $5,500 (Instructor Training, 1,000 hrs). Learning is hands-on with Pivot Point LAB support, flexible day/evening schedules, and no externships.- 2031 Rhode Island Ave NE Washington, DC 20018
- Professional Services
Four Walls Career And Technical Education Center
Four Walls Career and Technical Education Center in Washington, DC offers free, on-site and hybrid adult training that leads to trade certificates or a high school diploma. Programs include Electrical Wiring, Stationary Steam Engineering, and HVAC, with day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.) and evening (5–8 p.m.) classes Monday–Thursday. Tuition is covered by a DC OSSE grant; OSSE oversees the center and HELC approves it to operate.- 1125 Neal Street NE Washington, DC 20002
- Business, Skilled Trades
LAYC Career Academy
LAYC Career Academy in Columbia Heights, D.C. serves disconnected youth ages 16–30 with free, public charter education that blends a GED/high school diploma path with college credits and industry training. Programs include IT, Medical Assistant (with externship), ELL, and a College Pathway; classes run 8:55 a.m.–3 p.m. with a pilot part-time option. The school is MSA-accredited (2019) and maintains open enrollment with a 100% acceptance rate.- 3224 16th St NW Washington, DC 20010
- Healthcare and Nursing, Technology
Strayer University
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.
- 6830 Laurel St NW Washington, DC 20012
- Criminal Justice and Law, Architecture, Computer and Information Technology, Trucking and Transportation
The Salon Professional Academy (TSPA)
- 90 K St NE, Suite 103 Washington, DC 20002
- Professional Services
Thunderbird School of Global Management
Located in downtown Phoenix, AZ, Thunderbird School of Global Management is part of Arizona State University. The institution awards a range of degrees related to the international management field. In addition, students can earn certificates in business analytics, global finance, and similar disciplines.- 1800 I St NW Washington, DC 20006
- Business
Average Cost and Duration
| School | Average Cost | Duration | Tuition Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bennett Career Institute | $730 – $19,000 | 6 weeks to 18 months | Varies by program; salon-based training |
| Dudley Beauty College | $3,500 – $17,000 | 350 to 1,500 hours | Full-time, part-time, and evening options |
| Four Walls CTEC | Free tuition | Varies | Funded by D.C. OSSE grants |
| LAYC Career Academy | Free tuition | 1–3 years | For eligible ages 16–30 |
| The Salon Professional Academy | Varies (via net price calculator) | 350–1,500 hours | Exact pricing shared in admissions |
| Strayer University | $1,525 per undergraduate course | Flexible | Online and campus support; scholarships available |
| Thunderbird | ≈ $40,000+/year (varies by program) | Degree-level | AACSB-aligned global business education |
Students seeking the lowest cost often choose Four Walls CTEC or LAYC Career Academy, which are tuition-free for qualifying D.C. residents, while those prioritizing speed often pick short options like Make-Up Artistry at Bennett Career Institute or Nail Technology at Dudley Beauty College.
Most certificates and diplomas finish in six to eighteen months depending on schedule.
Quick Entry Programs for Immediate Career Launch
Several D.C. trade schools help students start working fast through short-term, hands-on programs:
Bennett Career Institute: Offers 6-week Make-Up Artistry and 12- to 18-month Cosmetology and Barbering programs.
Dudley Beauty College: Nail Technology certificate (350 hours) prepares graduates for immediate salon work.
Four Walls CTEC: Provides rapid entry into HVAC, electrical, and building maintenance roles.
LAYC Career Academy: Combines Medical Assistant certification with externship placement to move learners directly into healthcare jobs.
Flexible Learning Options for Working Adults
For students balancing work or family responsibilities, several schools offer hybrid, evening, or online formats:
Dudley Beauty College: Hybrid study through Pivot Point LAB, with evening sessions Monday–Thursday.
Bennett Career Institute: Part-time day and evening classes for barbering, esthetics, and cosmetology.
Strayer University: 100% online courses plus campus access; popular among working adults and military students.
Thunderbird School of Global Management: Offers self-paced online programs and global hybrid options through its 100 Million Learners initiative.
Most Popular Programs in Washington, D.C.
- Cosmetology and Barber Styling (Bennett Career Institute, Dudley Beauty College, The Salon Professional Academy)
- Medical Assistant (LAYC Career Academy)
- HVAC and Electrical Wiring (Four Walls CTEC)
- Business and Organizational Leadership (Strayer University, Thunderbird School of Global Management)
- Cybersecurity and Software Development (Strayer University)
Key Takeaways
- Average cost: $730–$19,000 (many free programs available).
- Typical program length: 6–18 months.
- Most affordable options: LAYC Career Academy and Four Walls CTEC (tuition-free).
- Fastest completion: Bennett Career Institute’s 6-week Make-Up Artistry certificate.
- Best online flexibility: Strayer University and Thunderbird School of Global Management.
- Strongest hands-on training: Bennett Career Institute, Dudley Beauty College, and The Salon Professional Academy.
States Nearby
For more options take a look at trade schools in Maryland and Virginia.