Do you ever dream of changing careers but feel time and money are holding you back? You don’t have to keep your passion on the shelf! Online technical colleges can be your launching pad to a bright new future.
These versatile higher education schools are a fast and reliable option to earn a degree or certificate. Besides that, the programs are both cost-effective and flexible to fit your needs. You can discover programs designed for all careers including fashion, carpentry, business, and criminal justice.
In this article, you will take a tour of different technical online colleges. We will discuss various factors to help you choose the best online tech schools for your career goals. This is your ultimate resource to make a more informed decision on what to study.
Keep reading to learn more.
What is a Technical College?
Before we delve further, you may be asking – what is a technical college? These are post-secondary institutions that provide training for specialized trades and skills. Programs can be wide-ranging, from graphic design, dental hygiene, automotive maintenance, to computer programming.
Both have substantial networking opportunities. You learn alongside motivated peers and have access to career services. Students for either school type will earn accredited coursework. However, online tech colleges have lower admission requirements than four-year schools. Students don’t have to take entrance exams or compete to enroll. In other words, there are fewer barriers to accessing education. Even current high school students can apply.
Four-year universities offer many different subjects like general education coursework. Usually, you won’t start taking classes for your major until your junior year. Even online community colleges have a general subject requirement. Technical schools online go an alternative route. From the first day of class, coursework is relevant to the skill or trade you wish to study. These institutions only provide classes that develop job-ready abilities. Programs are laser-focused and eliminate any unnecessary classes.
Online tech schools implement hands-on and applied learning methodologies. Therefore, students see their own immediate skill development throughout different courses. Also, faculty often come from respected backgrounds. They serve as mentors to equip you with the best tools necessary to land a job. Most programs finish in one or two years depending on the credential you receive. You graduate sooner, save money on education costs, and can start working in half the time it takes to complete a traditional degree.
Technical schools online are popular thanks to their abundance of program options. Your choices are boundless and programs for every industry are available. Many fully online programs have flexible study options for students with busy schedules or families.
7 Best Tech Schools Online
With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which school to choose. Here are seven of the best online tech schools. We included them for their price, online capabilities, and proven academic reputation.
West Georgia Technical College
Accreditation: NECHE
Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $5,040West Georgia Technical College can be your gateway to exciting new opportunities. WGTC welcomes learners from distinctive backgrounds. High school students, GED-seekers, and working professionals can. Out of 120 available pathways, eight programs are fully online. These include business management, accounting, cybersecurity, business healthcare technology, business technology, medical coding, marketing management, and fire science technology. Each focus area is versatile and offers multiple options. You can earn a diploma, associate’s degree, or a tech certificate to boost your career outlook. Students can take asynchronous and live-lecture (synchronous) courses during their studies.
WGTC strives to be student-focused. It has cost-effective programs across many focus areas. Not only can you study online, but you can enroll in accredited programs. Completing a program won’t break the bank since most courses aren’t more than $200 per credit. For example, business programs at WGTC have Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) accreditation. In addition, the Online Education Center helps students upskill with fully online standalone courses and training programs. Each selection has 14 skill areas to choose from. These range from languages to computer design.
Find Out More:
West Georgia Technical CollegePenn Foster
Accreditation: HLC
Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $6,300Receive top training for your next job at Penn Foster. It is a trailblazer in distance learning with an immense catalog. There are 104 fully online programs, giving you nearly limitless pathways. Diplomas, certificates, associate’s degrees, and bachelor’s degrees are available. Study options include business, skilled trades, veterinary medicine, and hospitality. All academic programs are fully online, affordable, and have minimal time obligations. Learners with all kinds of goals are welcome here. Penn has a college, career school, and high school programs. This gives it a diverse student population.
You can advance through your pathway in your own space since curriculums feature asynchronous courses. Penn Foster doesn’t limit how quickly you advance through its programs. For instance, students can fast-track through a bachelor’s degree in just two months. Penn Foster is one of the cheapest online technical colleges you can find. It offers a flexible monthly payment method so you only pay for the courses you take. In addition, you can start your journey at any time. Distance learners will feel supported thanks to academic coaches, student ambassadors, and career services. They will keep you on track and aligned with your study plan. Student quality of life is high thanks to a prominent learning community.
Find Out More:
Penn FosterFisher College
Accreditation: NECHE
Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $6,150Fisher College offers a pathway to many exciting futures. It is one of the best online tech schools on our list. Once enrolled, students have access to quality education at an affordable price. There are 30 unique programs ranging from bachelor’s, associate’s, and master’s degrees available. In addition, students have access to competitive certificates and professional studies courses. Fisher’s business school (IACBE), Health Information Technology program (CAHIIM), Health Information Management (CAHIIM) program, and RN to BSN (CCNE) program have specialized accreditation. Fisher is a National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA)-approved institution. Schools with this recognition meet higher standards for distance education quality and accessibility.
You can transfer up to 90 credits toward different online technical degrees at Fisher College. There is a fourteen-to-one teacher-student ratio. Intimate class settings boost interactions and thoughtful discussions. The school’s diverse faculty serves as guides to help you grow. Courses are eight to sixteen weeks long. Most programs have at least two start dates each year. All of these features cater to student’s busy schedules. Admission requirements vary per program. Official transcripts are required. Also, master’s programs typically require letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose.
Find Out More:
Fisher CollegeAmerican Public University System
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $8,784American Public University System (APUS) can bring you closer to achieving your goals. It is an attractive option if you are already employed or looking for an exciting career after military service. It’s a collection of two quality schools – American Military University (AMU) and American Public University (APU). Together, they form top online tech schools for military or public service-affiliated students. Nearly 60 percent are on active duty. In addition, 91 percent of the student population works alongside completing their studies. Faculty effectively curate each program to match your lifestyle.
APUS boasts over 200 online degrees and certificates. You can level up your expertise at all levels of postsecondary education. Join to be part of an innovative virtual learning experience. Dynamic classes and industry-relevant programs make it one of the cheapest online technical colleges in the country. Despite its affordability, APUS connects students to numerous renowned programs. For instance, many of its business, nursing, sport management, public health, and fire-related degree programs carry specialized accreditation. APUS has numerous professional partnerships with name-brand companies to get you hired. Classes start each month, so you can begin your educational journey on your terms.
Find Out More:
American Public University SystemBay Path University
Accreditation: NECHE
Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $5,940Bay Path University has prepared future women leaders since 1897. It aims to help each student seize their moment with high-value education. It’s a pioneer in online learning, inviting you to be part a collaborative learning environment. Students can access over 40 fully online undergrad and certificate programs through the American Women’s College (TAWC). You can enroll in certificate, associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. Earning a degree is faster than other online technical schools. Most courses are only six weeks long. There are multiple start dates per year. Learn from respected faculty with long track records of student success. Education, business, cybersecurity, and legal studies a few of the fields of study offered.
All undergrad programs incorporate a unique program called We Empower Learners and Leaders (WELL). In addition to coursework knowledge, students develop essential life skills to soar to new heights. At TAWC, each student pairs with their own success coach and academic advisor. This personalized support is part of the school’s unique Social Online Universal Learning (SOUL) framework. With a hand-picked team, you will discover new talents and bolster existing passions.In addition, Bay Path offers 29 competitive online graduate degrees from accounting to strategic fundraising and philanthropy.
Find Out More:
Bay Path UniversityGuilford Technical Community College
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $4,470Support, quality, and affordability are the pillars of Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC). As a result, it is an accessible online technical college for all kinds of students. Its affordable in-state and out-of-state tuition shows a commitment to education parity. The school provides job-ready skills in many industries. There are 21 fully online academic programs in its catalog. Medical office administration, information technology, business administration, and criminal justice technology are possible pathways.
Each academic program has many training programs, diplomas, certificates, and degrees available. For example, students interested in business administration can pursue an associate’s degree with various tracks like entrepreneurship or human resource management. Also, dynamic certificates in business processes and sales are available. This variety can bring you closer to job opportunities that match your future plans.
In addition, Guilford’s early childhood education program is NAEYC-accredited. This recognition makes GTCC one of the best online community colleges on our list for aspiring teachers of young learners.
You will absorb knowledge from experienced faculty in small class sizes. The average classroom has only twenty students. GTCC boasts excellent student services thanks to programs like Titan Link.
Find Out More:
Guilford Technical Community CollegeNorthwood Technical College
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $4,470Northwood Technical College can bridge the your skills gap with an inexpensive and quality education. It’s an NC-SARA member school. This endorsement means the institution offers high-value online learning programs. Students can choose from 37 immersive fully virtual programs. Their distance learning menu includes technical diplomas, certificates, and associate’s degrees. Fourteen of their offerings are career pathways programs to prepare you for specific roles like accounting assistant, health office professional, and medical coding specialist. Two of its associate’s degrees serve as launching pads to a future BS or BA degree. Classes are asynchronous, so you’re in control of your study schedule.
Students graduate ready for their next step in life. In fact, 95% of graduates find work within six months. Excellent teachers, programs geared for the 21st century, and ongoing support make for a welcoming learning environment. Also, you can boost marketability to employers with digital badges for in-demand skills. Students have a unique opportunity to earn badges while alongside their online program. Northwood Tech’s commitment to your development makes it one of the top technical schools online. Online apprenticeships for cosmetology and broadband service technician are available. There is also a hybrid apprenticeship in electrical construction.
Find Out More:
Northwood Technical College
Online Technical College vs Trade School
As you search for an online technical college, you will encounter numerous trade schools. You may be wondering which option is better. Both prepare students for entry-level jobs and feature coursework to master a specific craft. They are a cost-effective alternative to traditional four-year universities. Similarly, it is possible to graduate in only a year from either a trade school or technical college. However, this depends on the individual program. For instance, a bachelor’s degree from a technical college will take longer than a certificate.
The most notable difference between trade schools and tech colleges online is the type of programs they offer. Trade school programs include welding, automotive specialist, carpenter, or teacher assistant. Although various trade school programs are available online, usually they are in-person. Providing hands-on experiences is a fundamental element of a trade school.
Most trade schools specialize in skilled trades while its counterpart emphasizes tech jobs. Technical colleges often have more programs you can pursue. Students can study business, IT fields, healthcare, and education. In addition, more types of credentials can be offered at online technical colleges. Although each school varies, it is possible to earn anything between a certificate and a master’s degree at these institutions. Trade schools are limited in this aspect. Usually, graduates from a vocational program can earn a certificate or associate’s degree. The time commitment for a technical college is longer if your goal is to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
While trade schools often require at least a high school diploma or GED to apply, technical colleges online can be stricter. Although entry requirements are usually lower than four-year schools, you may have to submit recommendation letters, a resume, a letter of intent, or even an interview. The degree level you choose will determine the admission requirements.
Accreditation & Licensing Implications
Online technical colleges must be regionally accredited. Accreditation is proof a school has excellent resources, curriculums, and student outcomes. It validates your educational investment and can improve your marketability. Programmatic accreditation is a strong indicator of your education’s quality. Although it isn’t mandatory for a program to be accredited, it certainly increases your chances of being prepared for the working world.
There is an abundance of accrediting bodies to be aware of. The International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM), and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) are several of the prominent organizations.
It is important to research the education requirements of your desired job title for the state you wish to work. A degree or diploma might not be enough to get hired in certain states. A specialized certification or license might be necessary. Each state has its own set of standards for different professions. For example, states require licensure for many cosmetology professions. Licensure is part of the process to become a registered dental assistant. In addition, healthcare professionals like medical coders often must pass a comprehensive exam to become a Certified Coding Associate (CCA).
Are Online Technical Colleges Worth It?
Online technical schools are an excellent return on your investment. You can find many programs with low tuition and time commitment to meet your goals. Additionally, the credential you receive will give you confidence to enter the field. Graduates have a proper foundation for professional excellence. Better yet, you can transfer awarded credits to either complete a bachelor’s or start a master’s if desired.
We used 2022 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to highlight a few of the fulfilling career paths for you:
Medical records specialist: They earned a $47,180 median annual salary. The lowest ten percent earned $31,710 while the most experienced took home $75,460.
Their job outlook is above the national average with an eight percent growth over ten years. Certification is usually required to compliment your education.
California (21,590), Texas (19,750), Florida (14,980), Pennsylvania (9,600), and New York (9,130) were the role’s largest employers. Also, New Jersey ($68,500), California ($65,850), Washington DC ($63,740), Hawaii ($60,410), Connecticut ($60,410) had the top median annual salaries.
Event planner: These professionals had a respectable $52,560 median annual salary. There is an eight percent projected ten-year job growth. Entry-level planners earned $32,050, while the most experienced earned $92,880.
California (14,430), Texas (10,220), New York (9,650), Florida (6,870), and Illinois (5,030) hired the most event planners in 2022. Likewise, New York ($76,650), Washington DC ($72,930), Hawaii ($72,370), New Jersey ($72,210), and Massachusetts ($68,390) offered the best median annual salaries.
Marketing specialist: Their median annual wage was $68,230 and a 1.3 percent projected employment boost over ten years.
California (104,790), New York (83,000), Florida (53,290), Texas (49,790), and Illinois (36,300) had the biggest employment numbers. Washington DC ($103,430), Washington ($100,340), New York ($94,140), Delaware ($93,050), and New Jersey ($88,420) paid the best per year.
Enroll Today!
It doesn’t matter if you are an adult learner or still in high school. There’s a program out there which can tailor to your needs. You can open professional doors and finally get a degree or certificate of your dreams. In this article, we explained what is a technical college. Researching the best schools can be a challenge. We made it easy and highlighted some of the top options in the country. With countless programs and career choices at your fingertips, the sky is the limit. Technical online colleges can be your gateway to a satisfying career and financial stability. What are you waiting for? Enroll in an online technical school today.