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 gives you a mixed financial picture. You pay about $18,000 a year net and earn a median of $47,161 a decade out, which is a solid return for a two-year trade school. The 63.8% graduation rate means most of you finish, and finishing matters here because the earnings only show up if you complete a credential.
Both program-level earnings lines are certificates, not degrees. The HVAC certificate leads at $33,687 with about $15,000 in debt, and the electrical maintenance certificate trails at $29,685. Those certificate numbers sit well below the school-wide $47,161 median, so your outcome depends heavily on which credential you pick and whether you stack it with work experience. Neither certificate on its own gets you close to the median.
The specific risk here is the gap between what a certificate costs and what it pays early on. Roughly $15,000 in debt against a $33,687 starting wage is workable but tight, and the lower-paying electrical track leaves less room. If you borrow the full net price across the full program and don't finish, you carry debt with no credential to earn it back.
The net price tiers barely move with income. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay $17,793. over $110,000, you pay $21,752. There's no steep discount for lower-income families, so budget for close to the sticker price regardless of where you fall.
This school fits you if you want a fast route into the skilled trades, plan to finish, and are ready to enter St. Ann's regional HVAC and electrical job market. Look elsewhere if you need a degree, want strong need-based pricing, or can't commit to completing the program, because the return collapses without the credential.
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.