At $18,022/yr net price, American Trade School graduates earn $47,161/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,161/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,022 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $72,088 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,161/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,161/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 63.8% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,793/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,913/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,394/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,752/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $33,687 | $15,040 |
| Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology. | Certificate | $29,685 |
The Risk Factor
63.8% of students at American Trade School graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 36% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
American Trade School delivers weak financial returns that struggle to justify its $18,022 annual cost. With median earnings of $47,161 ten years after graduation, you face a lengthy payback period that makes this investment questionable compared to other trade school options.
The HVAC program represents your best financial bet, generating $33,687 annually with relatively manageable debt of $15,040. However, even this top-performing program produces earnings that barely exceed the Missouri median household income. The electrical maintenance program performs worse at $29,685 annually, creating a concerning gap between program cost and earning potential.
Your biggest financial risk lies in the school's 64% graduation rate, meaning more than one in three students leave without completing their program while still carrying debt. The limited program variety also restricts your ability to pivot if your chosen field becomes oversaturated in the St. Louis metro area.
This school works best for you if you have strong financial support, can minimize borrowing, and commit fully to program completion. The 44% of students receiving aid suggests limited scholarship opportunities, so expect to pay most costs out of pocket or through loans.
You should look elsewhere if you need strong ROI or have limited financial resources. Community colleges in Missouri offer similar trade programs at significantly lower costs, while other private trade schools in the region provide better earning outcomes. The combination of high costs, modest earnings, and substantial dropout risk makes American Trade School a financially risky choice for most students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is American Trade School worth the cost?
American Trade School costs $18,022 per year and graduates earn $47,161 after 10 years, which provides a reasonable return for trade education. However, the 64% graduation rate means over one-third of students don't complete their programs.
What are the highest paying programs at American Trade School?
HVAC programs at American Trade School lead to the highest earnings at $33,687 annually, followed by electrical maintenance at $29,685. Both programs offer solid entry-level wages for skilled trades work.
How much debt do American Trade School graduates have?
With annual costs around $18,000, most American Trade School students graduate with manageable debt compared to four-year colleges. The trade-focused programs typically take 1-2 years to complete, limiting total borrowing.
Do American Trade School graduates get good jobs?
American Trade School graduates enter stable trades with average 10-year earnings of $47,161. HVAC and electrical programs show the strongest job market outcomes, though earnings vary significantly by location and experience.