10 Best Trade Schools inRockford, IL

Page Navigation

Fun, developed, and full of opportunities, Rockford is a great place to be in Illinois.

The city has a very developed job market and the trade schools are the perfect place to start a career.

Trade schools offer short career programs that can help everyone quickly start a new career.



1Rx Tech Prep Pharmacy Tech School

Rx Tech Prep Pharmacy Tech School is one of the largest and most professional places to start a new career in the field of radiology and pharmacy. This small school is widely considered an amazing institution and it offers a comprehensive and contemporary approach to medical assisting.

The school has excellent professors and trainers and all the materials perfectly simulate the situations and requirements at the workplace. In addition, your trainers and educators are all active professionals in this field that are accustomed with the exam requirements and with the needed skills to succeed in this dynamic field.

The admission criteria include a high school diploma or an equivalent, ID/drivers license to prove that you are 18 years old or older, medical record and vaccination record.

The tuition fee is 1300 USD but it doesn’t include the application fee and all the additional materials needed for your studies.

Courses offered

  • Radiology technician
  • Pharmacy Technician

Contact information


2Tricoci University of Beauty Culture

The Tricoci University of Beauty Culture is an award-winning educational facility that is ready to teach everyone the secrets of beauty and care. The university has multiple branches that offer equal quality for all the students and some of the best materials and resources in the branch of beauty education.

In terms of curriculum, all the programs are adapted to the trendiest styles and currents, giving you the guarantee that you will learn skills and techniques that will be greatly appreciated by clients. In addition, at the end of your studies, you will also be assisted in finding the best job for your skill level.

The admission process is very simple and you can even enroll online. The documents needed differ based on the program and for some of them, you will need to provide not only your ID/driver’s license but also a medical record.

The tuition fee differs based on the program and the average price for a program at this school is around 14000 USD.

Courses offered

  • Cosmetology
  • Barber
  • Nail technician
  • Esthetics

Contact information


3160 Driving Academy

160 Driving Academy offers the students the perfect environment to start a fresh new career in the field of commercial driving or even refresh their skills. The trainers are active driving professionals that will teach you everything you need to start an amazing and very dynamic new career behind the wheel.

The school is recognized all over the state and beyond its borders as an excellent place to start your career as a professional truck driver. The school has many modern simulation areas and vehicles that will help you quickly build the skills and knowledge needed to pass the certification exam and start an amazing new career path.

The admission process is very simple and you can even enroll online. The documents needed differ based on the program and for some of them, you will need to provide not only your ID/driver’s license but also a basic background check and a medical record.

The tuition fee at 160 Driving Academy ranges between 3400 and 6000 USD, depending on the program of your choice and duration.

Courses offered

  • CDL Class A
  • CDL refresh course

Contact information


4Educators of Beauty

Educators of Beauty is the perfect place to take your love for beauty and esthetics to the next level and start a career in this field. The school has many renowned alumni that bring pride and joy to this school and constantly prove the high-quality education and training.

The trainers are extraordinary professionals that will make sure you follow all the sanitary and safety procedures when making your clients beautiful and they will also teach you the business principles behind the cosmetology career and not only. At the end of just a few short weeks of training, you will be ready to embrace a brand new career as a beauty expert.

The admission process is very simple and you can even enroll online. The documents needed differ based on the program and for some of them, you will need to provide not only your ID/driver’s license but also a medical record.

The tuition fee differs based on the program and one of the cheapest is around 11400 USD and it includes all the needed materials and costs. The programs are eligible for financial aid and the school also offers financial planning.

Courses offered

  • Cosmetology
  • Teacher training

Contact information


5Saint Anthony College of Nursing

With incredible educational quality and a 100% admission rate, Saint Anthony College of Nursing is the ultimate place to start a brand new career in the field of nursing. The college offers graduate and post-graduate programs as well as some of the best short nursing programs in the whole state.

The curriculum is designed with the input of some of the best medical education experts in the field and it offers a comprehensive and modern approach to all the needed nursing skills and knowledge. In addition, you will also be assisted during the exam and job placement period, making sure that you get the perfect job for your skills and knowledge.

The admission criteria include a high school diploma or an equivalent, ID/driver’s license to prove that you are 18 years old or older, medical record, and vaccination record.

The tuition fee is very different based on the program of your choice, the length of the program, and financial aid eligibility. To have a general idea regarding the costs, one of the most expensive programs is around 24000 USD.

Courses offered

  • Registered Nurse
  • Nursing assistant

Contact information


6Rock Valley College

Rock Valley College is one of the most dynamic and friendly places to start your studies and build skills for a lifetime in the whole state. The campus area is renowned for its amazing facilities and for the fact that it has many sports clubs and leisure areas. In addition, the dorms are recently renovated and very comfortable.

The program portfolio and curriculum were designed following the instructions of some of the best educators and experts and by also listening to the requests and feedback of alumni, making sure that you get the best possible education for the tuition money. More than that, the college has many partners that are interested in hiring the best graduates from this college each year.

The admission process involves paying the tuition and submitting the required documents like birth certificate, high school diploma or an equivalent, ID/driver’s license, medical background, and criminal record and for some specific financial aid programs, you will be asked to submit additional documents.

The tuition fee greatly depends on factors like financial aid eligibility, state residency, and other factors. To find out more about the exact cost for you, please contact the school admission office.

Courses offered

  • Accounting
  • Dental hygiene
  • Nursing

Contact information

  • Address 3301 N Mulford Rd, Rockford, IL 61114
  • Phone +1 815-921-7821
  • Website https://www.rockvalleycollege.edu/Courses/Programs/index.cfm

7Regency Beauty Institute

Regency Beauty Institute is one of the most professional and renowned places to start a new career as a beauty expert. The patron of this school is one of the most renowned and respected barbers and the whole curriculum follows the knowledge and skills of the amazing artist.

The programs are focused on both the base skills needed to become an amazing barber and also on the artistic elements of this amazing profession. The practice areas perfectly simulate the daily work environment and you will also have exclusive access to some of the best materials and resources to polish your skills, pass the state certification exam and become an amazing professional.

The admission process is very easy and you will need to be at least 18 years old. In addition, you will be requested to submit your ID/driver’s license, residency proof and for those applying for financial aid, you will also need additional documents.

The tuition fee differs based on the program of your choice and the financial aid eligibility. To learn more about the fees at this school, please contact the admission office.

Courses offered

  • Hair design
  • Cosmetology
  • Barbering

Contact information


8Lincoln College of Technology

Lincoln Tech first started its story more than 75 years ago and ever since it managed to train some of the most respected and sought-after technology professionals in the state. The school is recognized for its modern and contamporary educational approach and for having some of the best teachers and trainers in each of the delivered fields.

The campus area is amazing and it’s very close to many student-friendly locations that will make your stay and study pleasant and memorable. In addition, the students studying at this college will have full access to all the study and practice resources available. If you are going for a trade program you will also have the chance to get a new certificate in just a few months of training.

The admission criteria include a high school diploma or an equivalent, ID/driver’s license to prove that you are 18 years old or older, medical record, and vaccination record for medical studies and you may also be asked for additional documents.

The tuition fee depends on the program of your choice and your financial aid eligibility. Overall, the tuition for a certificate program at this college is around 11000 USD with all the materials and resources included.

Courses offered

  • Welding
  • Automotive technology
  • Medical assistant and many more

Contact information

  • Address 8317 W North Ave, Melrose Park, IL 60160
  • Phone +1 708-344-4700
  • Website

9Kishwaukee College

Kishwaukee College is an amazing place to study and prepare yourself for a bright future. The college has many programs and classes suitable for the needs and career dreams of every student. The curriculum is updated each year to make sure that the classes and labs offer the students valuable training and information.

The programs are carefully designed to help everyone, no matter the previous career or educational experience get a new and exciting career. The trade programs are the shortest and they are provided by active and respected professionals. If you are also looking for student life fun, the campus area has everything needed for an amazing and memorable stay.

The admission process is very easy and you can submit the documents online. Most of the programs require you to be at least 18 years old, submit your ID/driver’s license, medical record, and vaccination record for the medical programs.

The tuition fee greatly depends on the program of your choice and whether or not you are eligible for financial aid. The programs range between 9000 and 13000 USD and there are many scholarships and financial plans available.

Courses offered

  • Accounting
  • Agriculture technology
  • Nursing technology and many more

Contact information

  • Address 21193 Malta Rd, Malta, IL 60150
  • Phone +1 815-825-2086
  • Website https://kish.edu/

10College of Lake County

College of Lake County stands proud as one of the most respected and professional places to start a brand new career. The college offers degree and short programs suitable for everyone and you will quickly find the perfect program for your career dreams, with the help of friendly and welcoming educational experts.

The campus life is amazing and you will get the chance to make friends for a lifetime, study from the best experts in practical and theoretical education. The study groups are small to make sure that you get the best education for the tuition fee. At the end of your studies, you will be assisted during the job placement process and also during the state examination.

The admission process is very simple and most of it can be done online. The documents requested are your ID/driver’s license to prove that you are at least 18 years old, medical records for medical programs, and a high school diploma or an equivalent.

The tuition fee greatly depends based on the program of your choice and whether or not you have financial funding. On average, a student enrolled in trade programs pays around 12000 USD for tuition all the needed materials for studies.

Courses offered

  • CNC technician
  • Dental hygiene
  • Surgical technology and many more

Contact information


Salary Information for Popular Trade Careers

CareerEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Paralegals and Legal Assistants150$54,460$26.19$75,260$38,600
Medical Records Specialists160$51,230$24.63$62,780$34,730
Nursing Assistants1,810$39,390$18.94$46,950$34,490
Dental Assistants350$42,360$20.37$48,040$35,530
Medical Assistants890$41,490$19.95$46,470$36,810
Phlebotomists300$42,010$20.2$47,540$36,100
Electricians340$75,250$36.18$101,120$46,050
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters470$85,920$41.31$115,170$48,660
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics680$50,790$24.42$74,590$29,580
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers210$67,970$32.68$103,760$38,170
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Rockford, IL metropolitan statistical area, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Final Thoughts

With the help of these amazing schools and programs, you are one step closer to success.

Study hard and build a bright new future!


USA FlagTrade Schools by City in Illinois

See all schools in Illinois >