Best Trade Schools in Iowa
14 schools ranked by programs, certifications, equipment, and accreditations. Real data, no affiliate padding.
#23
National Rank
14
Schools
15
Program Types
4
Certifications
4.8
Avg Programs/School
15
Observed Program Tags
Critical Skills: WeldingHVACPlumbingMachine
How We Rank Schools
Schools are ranked using a transparent composite score (0-100 points) based on verifiable data:
- Program breadth 0-20 pts
- Certification depth 0-15 pts
- Equipment/facilities 0-8 pts
- Accreditation quality 0-12 pts
- Data completeness 0-18 pts
- Outcomes (placement, salary) 0-10 pts
- Financial aid (VA, Pell, WIOA) 0-7 pts
- Partnership readiness 0-10 pts
No school pays for placement. Rankings are updated as new data is verified.
Top 14 Trade Schools in Iowa
1
Western Iowa Tech Community College
Sioux City, IA
Automotive TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryCNC & MachiningCAD/CAM & DraftingHealthcare & MedicalIT & Networking
VA Approved
Certifications: NATE
Western Iowa Tech Community College Visit Apply Register MyWIT About Locations
Cherokee Denison Le Mars Mapleton Accreditation Board of Directors BoardWestern Iowa Tech Community College Visit Apply Register MyWIT About Locations
Cherokee Denison Le Mars Mapleton Accreditation Board of Directors BoardAccreditation Accreditation The Higher Learning CommissionAccreditation Commission
Contact: Dr. Terry Murrell —
terry.murrell@witcc.edu
2
Iowa Central Community College
Fort Dodge, IA
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyPlumbingConstruction & Carpentry
VA ApprovedPell EligibleTitle IV
FOUNDATION Foundation Home Alumni Registration Give Ways to Give Scholarships
Triton Pride Newsletter Triton Hall of Fame Foundation BoardDiscrimination Statement Board Agendas BoardFOUNDATION Foundation Home Alumni Registration Give Ways to Give Scholarships
Triton Pride Newsletter Triton Hall of Fame Foundation BoardDiscrimination Statement Board Agendas Board
Contact: Jesse Ulrich —
ulrich@iowacentral.edu
3
Kirkwood Community College
Cedar Rapids, IA
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyPlumbingConstruction & CarpentryCNC & Machining
Certifications: NATE
the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS)Leadership Boardkirkwood BoardLeadership Board
Contact: Kristie Fisher —
kristie.fisher@kirkwood.edu
4
Northeast Iowa Community College
Calmar, IA
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryCNC & Machining
Pell EligibleTitle IV
Certifications: NATE, CNA, Phlebotomy
the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon
the recommendation of the Committee of Accreditation of Education Programs for the
Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP)the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon
the recommendation of the Committee of Accreditation of Education Programs for the
Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP)the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management
Education (CAHIM)
Contact: Amy Gaffney — gaffneya@nicc.edu
5
Southeastern Community College
West Burlington, IA
Welding & FabricationAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyPlumbingConstruction & CarpentryCNC & Machining
VA ApprovedPell Eligible
Certifications: NATE
the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
to award associate’s degreesVision BoardVision BoardVision Board
Contact: General Phone — —
6
Marshalltown Community College
Marshalltown, IA
Welding & FabricationAutomotive TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryCNC & MachiningManufacturing TechnologyCAD/CAM & Drafting
VA ApprovedPell EligibleTitle IV
Certifications: NATE
and boardThe Iowa College Student Aid CommissionThe Iowa College Student Aid CommissionEducation and Training Voucher Programs The Iowa College Student Aid
Commission
Contact: Anne Howsare Boyens —
anne.boyens@iavalley.edu
7
Iowa Western Community College
Council Bluffs, IA
Automotive TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryCNC & MachiningManufacturing TechnologyCAD/CAM & DraftingHealthcare & Medical
VA Approved
Certifications: CNA
the Iowa Department of Educationthe Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) , 3753 SE Convenience Blvdthe Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) , a Uthe Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) , a U
Contact: Dan Kinney — kinney@iwcc.edu
8
Eastern Iowa Community College District
Davenport, IA
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryCNC & MachiningManufacturing Technology
Certifications: NATE, HVAC Excellence
the Higher Learning Commission, meaning they meet or exceed their standardsagencies within their fieldsthe Iowa Department of Education , which also approves all of its academic
programsthe National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP)
Contact: Bryan Renfro — brenfro@eicc.edu
9
Des Moines Area Community College
Ankeny, IA
Welding & FabricationConstruction & CarpentryCNC & MachiningManufacturing TechnologyRobotics & AutomationCAD/CAM & Drafting
1% graduation
Certifications: NATE, CNA, Phlebotomy
The cost for DMACC credit classes is set annually by the DMACC Boardbuilding and managing a boardSmall Business Consultant Schedule an Appointment Alicia Hoyos Small Business Coach
Schedule an Appointment Thank you to our partners The Directors Council
Contact: Rob J. Denson —
rjdenson@dmacc.edu
10
Ellsworth Community College
Iowa Falls, IA
Welding & FabricationCNC & MachiningCAD/CAM & DraftingHealthcare & MedicalIT & Networking
Pell EligibleTitle IV
Certifications: NATE
RN Boardand boardThe Iowa College Student Aid CommissionEducation and Training Voucher Programs The Iowa College Student Aid
Commission
Contact: Barb Klein —
Barb.Klein@iavalley.edu
11
North Iowa Area Community College
Mason City, IA
CNC & MachiningRobotics & AutomationCAD/CAM & DraftingHealthcare & MedicalIT & NetworkingCommercial Driving
VA Approved
The Higher Learning Commission 30 NYear Anniversary Accreditation BoardYear Anniversary Accreditation BoardYear Anniversary Accreditation Board
Contact: Joel C. Pedersen —
jpedersen@niacc.edu
12
Hawkeye Community College
Waterloo, IA
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryCNC & MachiningElectronics & Instrumentation
VA ApprovedPell EligibleTitle IV
Living Expenses Formerly known as room and boardVeterans Affairs Commission
Contact: Aaron Sauerbrei —
aaron.sauerbrei@hawkeyecollege.edu
13
Indian Hills Community College
Ottumwa, IA
General Trades
Contact: Matt Thompson —
Matt.Thompson@indianhills.edu
14
Iowa Lakes Community College
Estherville, IA
General Trades
Contact: Scott Stokes — scotts@ilec.coop
Best CAD/CAM & Drafting Schools in Iowa
2
Fort Dodge, IA
Best IT & Networking Schools in Iowa
2
Fort Dodge, IA
Best CNC & Machining Schools in Iowa
Best Healthcare & Medical Schools in Iowa
2
Fort Dodge, IA
Best Construction & Carpentry Schools in Iowa
2
Fort Dodge, IA
Best Automotive Technology Schools in Iowa
2
Fort Dodge, IA
Best Welding & Fabrication Schools in Iowa
1
Fort Dodge, IA
Best Manufacturing Technology Schools in Iowa
1
Fort Dodge, IA
Certifications Available
NATE8 schools
CNA3 schools
Phlebotomy2 schools
HVAC Excellence1 schools
Frequently Asked Questions
How many trade schools are in Iowa?
There are 14 trade schools in Iowa tracked by BOMAtlas, offering programs in 15
different fields.
What is the best trade school in Iowa?
Based on our composite ranking of programs, certifications, equipment, and
accreditations, Western Iowa Tech Community College ranks #1 in Iowa.
What are the most popular trade programs in Iowa?
The most common programs are CAD/CAM & Drafting, IT & Networking, CNC &
Machining. These reflect strong employer demand in the state.
What certifications can I earn at Iowa trade schools?
Schools in Iowa offer 4 different certifications including NATE, CNA, Phlebotomy, HVAC
Excellence.
How are trade schools in Iowa ranked?
BOMAtlas ranks schools using a transparent composite score (0-100) based on program
breadth, certifications, equipment, accreditations, outcomes (placement rate, salary),
financial aid availability, and data quality.
How does Iowa compare to other states for trade education?
Iowa ranks #23 nationally with 14 schools and 9 unique program types.
Explore More
Rankings by State
AlaskaAlabamaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMassachusettsMarylandMaineMichiganMinnesotaMissouriMississippiMontanaNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaNebraskaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNevadaNew YorkOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaSouth CarolinaTennesseeTexasUtahVirginiaWashingtonWisconsinWest VirginiaWyoming