Graduates of engineering technology trade schools are prepared for technical entry-level positions in a range of sectors.
You can select a traditional school or online school, where you can study at a university halfway across the country.
You may find it difficult to decide which trade school program is appropriate for you with the variety of options available.
That’s why this article contains a well-researched list of the top best engineering technology trade schools in the U.S.
About Engineering Technology Trade Schools
A trade school is a specialized educational setting where you can study a technical education program relevant to a particularly skilled profession.
While trade schools may also offer subjects as diverse as culinary arts, music production, radio, graphic design, computer programming, cosmetology, and even nursing, and medical technologies, common subjects include mechanical, electrical, automotive, carpentry, and plumbing.
A program in engineering technology trade schools trains students to use fundamental engineering concepts and technical abilities in support of engineers working on a wide range of projects.
This includes training in a variety of engineering support roles for operations, production, and research, as well as applications to particular engineering specialties.
Engineering Technology Trade Schools Selection Criteria
Drafting, computer-aided design, land planning, and surveying, heating and cooling systems, computer engineering technology, and telecommunications technology are common specialties in engineering technology trade schools.
When searching for engineering technology trade schools, some things to consider include:
- Make sure the school has a concentration that aligns with the career you are interested in.
- Check the school’s lab facilities to make sure they will have access to modern, industry-recognized engineering tools and computer software.
- Students who need to juggle their studies with their family and work might wish to seek programs that are offered online or part-time.
- Check for institutions that provide certifications or instructions on how to pass certification tests.
Degree Programs Offered At Engineering Technology Trade Schools
1.Associate’s Degree Programs
Engineering associate’s degree programs offer an introduction to the fundamental scientific, mathematical, and computational ideas that support the discipline.
Students receive practical technical training in the setup, upkeep, and troubleshooting of electrical and computer systems.
The curriculum also includes general education courses which require two years of full-time study to complete, and the degree they award is commonly an Associate of Science (AS).
2. Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Programs leading to a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Engineering Technology are less frequent than associate’s degree programs, but certain universities do offer them.
Like AS programs, BS programs integrate fundamental engineering courses with general education courses and technical laboratory experience.
Students might also get the possibility to finish a field-based cooperative experience and they can declare a concentration in a certain area of interest, such as industrial, electrical, mechanical, or biomedical engineering technology.
Students are required to turn in a final design project before they graduate.
3. Undergraduate Certificate Programs
Students might enroll in an undergraduate certificate program if they are interested in a certain area of engineering technology.
The use of computer-aided design (CAD) by engineering technicians and electronics engineering technologies are among the topics covered.
Credits earned from these programs can be used in the future to earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
Undergraduate engineering technology programs offer essential career training for aspiring technicians.
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Top Best Engineering Technology Trade Schools
1.Stanford University
Stanford University is situated in California and charges about $125 for the application fee and $54,015 for full-time tuition.
With a current maximum enrollment of 3,524 engineering students, Stanford University is located extremely near the coveted Silicon Valley.
You might make the connection you need to land a position at a Fortune 500 business through a summer internship, either on or off school.
2. California Institute of Technology
One of the top engineering technology trade schools in the U.S. also includes the California Institute of Technology, located in Pasadena, California.
But you have to know that there is a $100 application fee and a 1 December deadline for applications.
They provide a master of science program that can be completed in a year and they also provide the more popular engineering specialties, such as civil, electrical, and mechanical. even own a degree in aviation engineering.
3. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is one of the top best engineering technology trade schools in the U.S.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private, non-profit institution with a sizable student body that is situated in Troy.
The most recent data year shows that RPI awarded this degree to about 90 engineering technologies students.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduates in engineering technologies earn $23,692 more than average engineering tech graduates.
4. Purdue University
One of the top engineering technology trade schools in the nation is Purdue University-Main Campus.
A public institution with a sizable student body, Purdue is situated in the tiny city of West Lafayette.
Earnings for those with an engineering technologies degree at Purdue University’s Main Campus are around $12,870 higher than they would be for a normal engineering technologies graduate.
5. George Washington University
George Washington University is one of the top engineering technology trade schools and a fantastic choice for students interested in engineering technology.
George Washington University is a private, non-profit institution with a sizable student body that is situated in the city of Washington.
In the most recent year, 147 students at GWU received this degree in engineering technology.
Graduates from George Washington University’s engineering technologies program earn $67,934 more than the average graduate in this discipline when they start their careers.
6. Duke University
In the city of Durham, there is a sizable private, non-profit university called Duke.
The most recent year data shows that roughly 135 Duke students graduated with degrees in engineering technology.
Earnings for those with an engineering technologies degree from Duke University are about $45,311 more than the average for engineering technologies majors.
7. Apollo Career Center
Lima, Ohio’s Apollo Career Center is a public, two-year institution and one of the best engineering technology trade schools.
The Council on Occupational Education has accredited Apollo Career Center.
19 career programs for 1-year certificates and 2 years certificates are available through Apollo Career Center.
8. Lincoln Technical Institute-Union
Union, New Jersey is home to the private, two-year Lincoln Technical Institute-Union.
The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges has granted Lincoln Technical Institute-Union accreditation.
Six career programs are offered by Lincoln Technical Institute-Union for 1 and 2-year certificates.
9. Hohokus School of Trade and Technical Sciences
One of the top engineering technology trade schools, Hohokus School of Trade and Technical Sciences is situated in Paterson, New Jersey.
The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges has granted Hohokus School of Trade and Technical Sciences accreditation.
Five career programs are available from the Hohokus School of Trade and Technical Sciences for certificates of one year and two years.
10. Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center
In Poplar Bluff, Missouri, there is a public, less than two-year institution called Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center.
The Council on Occupational Education has accredited Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center.
There are 11 professional options available at Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center for 1 and 2-year certificates.
11. Alaska Vocational Technical Center
There is a public, less than two-year school called Alaska Vocational Technical Center in Seward, Alaska which is one of the top engineering technology trade schools in the U.S.
The Council on Occupational Education has accredited Alaska Vocational Technical Center, which provides ten career programs for 1 and 2-year certificates.
12. Northwest Technical Institute
In Springdale, Arkansas, there is a public, less than two-year institution called Northwest Technical Institute.
The Council on Occupational Education has accredited Northwest Technical Institute.
Nine career programs are offered by Northwest Technical Institute for 1 year and 2-year certificates.
13. Brownson Technical School
Brownson Technical School situated in Anaheim, California is one of the top best engineering technology trade schools.
The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges has granted Brownson Technical School accreditation.
For a two-year certificate, Brownson Technical School offers two career paths.
14. Emily Griffith Technical College
The two-year Emily Griffith Technical College, an engineering technology trade school, is situated in Denver, Colorado.
The Council on Occupational Education has accredited Emily Griffith Technical College.
39 career options are available at Emily Griffith Technical College for 1-year and 2-year certificates.
15. Porter and Chester Institute of Hamden
Connecticut’s Porter and Chester Institute of Hamden is a private institution and one of the top engineering technology trade schools on this list.
The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges has granted the school accreditation.
8 professional career options for a two-year certificate are offered by Porter and Chester Institute in Hamden.
16. Lincoln Technical Institute-New Britain
New Britain, Connecticut is home to the private, less than two-year Lincoln Technical Institute-New Britain.
The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges has granted Lincoln Technical Institute-New Britain accreditation.
There are five career options available at Lincoln Technical Institute in New Britain offering 1 and 2-year certificates.
17. Traviss Technical College
Traviss Technical College is a two-year public engineering technology trade school in Lakeland, Florida.
The Council on Occupational Education has accredited Traviss Technical College.
28 career programs for 1-year certificates and 2 years certificates are available at Traviss Technical College.
18. Ridge Technical College
Winter Haven, Florida is home to the public, less than two-year Ridge Technical College.
The Council on Occupational Education has accredited Ridge Technical College, which offers 25 professional options for 1-year and 2-year certificates.
19. Big Bend Technical College
This public, less than two-year Big Bend Technical College is situated in Perry, Florida.
The Council on Occupational Education has accredited Big Bend Technical College.
13 career programs for 1-year certificates and 2 years certificates are available from Big Bend Technical College.
20. Washburn Institute of Technology
Washburn Institute of Technology is one of the top engineering technology trade schools in the nation located in Topeka, Kansas.
The Council on Occupational Education has accredited the Washburn Institute of Technology.
39 career options are available at Washburn Institute of Technology for 1 and 2-year certificates.
21. Ayers Career College
The private, less than two-year Ayers Career College is situated in Shreveport, Louisiana.
The Council on Occupational Education has accredited the institution which offers four professional options for a two-year certificate.
22. Grand River Technical School
In Chillicothe, Missouri, there is a public, less than two-year institution called Grand River Technical School.
The Council on Occupational Education has accredited the Grand River Technical School.
Nine career options for a 1-year certificate and 2 years certificate are available at Grand River Technical School.
23. Lake Career and Technical Center
One of the best engineering technology trade schools in Camdenton, Missouri, is a public two-year school called Lake Career and Technical Center.
The Council on Occupational Education has accredited the Lake Career and Technical Center.
Seven career options for a 1-year certificate and 2 years certificate are available at Lake Career and Technical Center.
24. Lex La-Ray Technical Center
In Lexington, Missouri, Lex La-Ray Technical Center is one of the popular engineering technology trade schools.
The Council on Occupational Education has accredited Lex La-Ray Technical Center, which offers 10 professional career options for 1 and 2-year certificates.
FAQ
Is engineering technology a good degree?
For those who wish to go into engineering and explore hands-on work, engineering technology can be a viable career choice. However, picking an ABET-accredited post-secondary university and program may be advantageous for students.
Are there technical schools in America?
As of 2022, there were 7,109 Trade & Technical Schools companies operating in the US, a 0.8% growth from 2021.
What is the number one trade school in America?
According to our rankings for 2023, Montana Tech’s Highlands College is the top institution in the country for anyone pursuing a degree from a trade school.
Which engineering is best for future?
Aerospace Engineering.
Chemical Engineering.
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
Petroleum Engineering.
Telecommunication Engineering.
Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence.
Robotics Engineering.
Biochemical Engineering.
Which engineering is best for girls?
Electronics and Communication Engineering.
Biotech or Bioengineering.
Electrical Engineering.
Chemical Engineering.
What is the best paying trade job?
Radiation Therapists.
Nuclear Medicine Technologists.
Dental Hygienists.
Electrical and Electronics. Engineering Technicians.
Aircraft and Avionics Equipment. Mechanics and Technicians.
Boilermakers.
Construction and Building Inspectors.
Electricians.
What is the difference between trade and vocational school?
Trade or technical schools can both be referred to as “vocational schools” under one general heading. Many schools refer to the end product of either program as a “vocational degree” or a specialized trade certification.
What is the difference between technical and vocational schools?
The U.S. Department of Education claims that although vocational schools take a more hands-on approach to teach the skills necessary to execute the work successfully, technical institutions educate the philosophy and science behind the occupation.
Is engineering technology difficult?
It is well known that engineering is a difficult academic field. More than just studying math and physics courses are required to earn an engineering degree.
Is engineering technology better than engineering?
Engineering technologists are more practical and applications-oriented, whereas engineers tend to be more theoretical, analytical, and design-focused.
Conclusion
Even if earning a two-year degree in engineering technology trade is less expensive than paying for a four-year degree, there will still be costs associated with it.
So if you want to enroll in a full-time or part-time approved program at any of these top engineering technology trade schools, you can apply for a scholarship.
Some scholarships that cater exclusively to aspiring HVAC, electricians, or other engineering technology trades may be found if you do your research.
