Colorado School of Trades: 77.8% Acceptance Rate

77.8%Acceptance

108Students

82%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$51,591Earnings

Private forprofit2-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindData: 2023-24

About Colorado School of Trades

Colorado School of Trades builds careers in the skilled trades through intensive hands-on training. The school specializes in construction, automotive technology, welding, and other technical programs that prepare students for immediate employment. With just 108 students enrolled, this suburban Denver-area institution maintains a tight-knit learning environment. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized instruction in workshop settings.

Students pay an average net price of $22,635 after financial aid, though only 28% receive any federal assistance. Graduates typically earn $40,452 in their first year after completion and see their income grow to $51,591 by the ten-year mark. Most students graduate with $20,000 in debt, resulting in monthly loan payments around $212. The investment pays off relatively quickly given the strong starting salaries in skilled trades.

The student body reflects the demographics of many trade schools, with men comprising 94% of enrollment. About 43% of students come from Colorado, while others travel from across the country for the specialized training. The school boasts an 82% six-year completion rate and an 89% employment rate, indicating strong job placement in fields facing worker shortages.

Academics & Faculty

Colorado School of Trades focuses exclusively on skilled trades training through hands-on programs in automotive technology, gunsmithing, and building construction. The school's 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures intensive mentorship in technical skills that require precise instruction. With an 82% graduation rate, most students complete their specialized programs successfully. The curriculum emphasizes practical application over theory, preparing graduates for immediate employment in high-demand trades. Students work directly with industry-standard equipment and tools throughout their training. The school's narrow focus means every course connects to real-world job requirements. This targeted approach explains why 89% of graduates find employment, often in fields facing significant skilled worker shortages across Colorado and beyond.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Graduation Rate (6-year): 81.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $51,591

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Precision Systems Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Associate	$28,895

View all 1 programs →

Campus Life

The campus sits in Lakewood's suburban sprawl, about 20 minutes west of downtown Denver when traffic cooperates. With only 108 students total, you'll know most faces within your first month. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means instructors work closely with each person in the shop. Colorado's 300+ days of sunshine make outdoor work comfortable most of the year, though you'll need layers for winter welding projects when temperatures drop below freezing.

The overwhelmingly male student body (93.52% men) creates a brotherhood atmosphere in the trade workshops. Most students commute from across the Front Range since there's no campus housing. Weekends often mean heading to Denver for Broncos games or hitting the nearby mountains for skiing and hiking. The 42.86% in-state rate shows the school draws students from across Colorado's rural communities seeking hands-on training. With an 89.3% employment rate after graduation, most students focus intensely on mastering their craft rather than traditional college social activities. The small size means everyone works together in the same shops and labs.

Setting: Suburb-Large

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 21°–44°F
July Avg: 59°–85°F
Annual Precipitation: 17.5"
Annual Snowfall: 58.0"

Student Demographics

Colorado School of Trades draws a predominantly male student body into its hands-on technical programs. Men make up 94% of the 108 students enrolled. The school serves a mix of local Colorado residents and students from across the country who seek specialized training in construction and automotive trades. About 28% receive Pell Grants, indicating the school attracts working-class students looking to enter skilled trades. The gender composition reflects the traditionally male-dominated fields the school prepares students for, from welding to automotive repair.

Men: 93.5%
Women: 6.5%
White: 85.2%
Black: 0.9%
Hispanic: 0.0%
Asian: 2.8%
In-State Students: 42.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 28.2%

Location

Colorado School of Trades sits in Lakewood, a suburb just west of Denver. The campus is only 10 miles from downtown Denver, giving students access to a major metropolitan area with over 2.9 million residents. Lakewood itself has around 155,000 people and offers the Rocky Mountain foothills as a backdrop. The school draws 42.86% of its students from Colorado, while the remaining 57% come from out of state. The Denver metro area is known for its strong construction and energy sectors, which align well with the school's technical programs. The region offers outdoor recreation opportunities year-round, from skiing in winter to hiking in summer. Students considering colleges in Colorado may also compare Colorado School of Trades with similar schools in the region.

Address: Lakewood, Colorado 80215-2996

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $51,591
Median Earnings (5 years): $46,633
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $34,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 64.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $212/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $20,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Colorado School of Trades?

Colorado School of Trades accepts 77.78% of applicants, making admission relatively accessible for students seeking hands-on technical training. The school focuses on preparing students for skilled trades careers rather than traditional academic metrics.

How much does Colorado School of Trades cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $22,635 annually, with only 28.21% of students receiving financial aid. Students typically graduate with $20,000 in median debt and monthly loan payments of $212.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Colorado School of Trades?

The school maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with just 108 total students enrolled. This small size allows for intensive hands-on instruction in specialized trades like welding, automotive repair, and construction.

Does Colorado School of Trades have good job placement rates?

Graduates achieve an 89.3% employment rate, with median earnings of $51,591 ten years after graduation. The school's focus on in-demand skilled trades helps students find work quickly in construction, automotive, and technical fields.

Where do most Colorado School of Trades students come from?

About 42.86% of students are from Colorado, while the rest come from other states seeking the school's specialized technical programs. The suburban Lakewood location provides access to Denver's growing construction and manufacturing industries.

Is Colorado School of Trades mainly for male students?

Men make up 93.52% of the student body, reflecting the traditionally male-dominated skilled trades industries. The school's programs in welding, automotive technology, and construction have historically attracted more male students than female students.