Best Trade Schools in Minnesota
18 schools ranked by programs, certifications, equipment, and accreditations. Real data, no affiliate padding.
#20
National Rank
18
Schools
21
Program Types
8
Certifications
3.6
Avg Programs/School
21
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 15 Trade Schools in Minnesota
1
St Cloud Technical and Community College
Saint Cloud, MN
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyPlumbingConstruction & Carpentry
VA Approved
Certifications: NATE, Medical Coding
the Higher Learning Commission Career & Program FinderStthe Higher Learning Commission Cooking + Culinary Arts, Schools, Colleges, Courses,
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Contact: Lori Kloos —
president@sctcc.edu
2
Hennepin Technical College
Brooklyn Park, MN
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyPlumbingConstruction & Carpentry
VA Approved
Certifications: NATE
Harassment Student Life Clubs Phi Theta Kappa SAL Awards SkillsUSA Student
Experience Team Student Life Student Life BoardEnterprise Minnesota Operations Peer CouncilHarassment Student Life Clubs Phi Theta Kappa SAL Awards SkillsUSA Student
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Experience Team Student Life Student Life Board
Contact: Joy Bodin —
Joy.Bodin@HennepinTech.edu
3
Anoka Technical College
Anoka, MN
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyPlumbingConstruction & Carpentry
VA ApprovedPell EligibleTitle IV
$32 avg salary
Certifications: NATE, NATEF, Medical Coding
The Higher Learning CommissionThe Higher Learning CommissionThe Higher Learning CommissionThe Higher Learning Commission
Contact: Kent Hanson —
Kent.Hanson@anokaramsey.edu
4
Alexandria Technical & Community College
Alexandria, MN
Welding & FabricationAutomotive TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryRobotics & AutomationCAD/CAM & DraftingHealthcare & Medical
VA ApprovedPell Eligible
1% placement
Certifications: Phlebotomy, Medical Coding
Equipment: CNC Mill, MIG Welder
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NA ACLS), the
accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education and the
Commission on Recognition of Post-Secondary Accreditation (CORPA)the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN
CNEA), located at 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037the AED Foundation (AEDF)the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN
CNEA), located at 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037
5
Northland Community and Technical College
Thief River Falls, MN
Auto Body Collision TechnologyAutomotive Service TechnologyAviation Maintenance TechnologyUncrewed Aircraft SystemsWelding & FabricationAutomotive Technology
VA ApprovedPell EligibleTitle IV
Certifications: NATEF, OSHA 10
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Contact: Shari Olson —
shari.olson@northlandcollege.edu
6
Dunwoody College of Technology
Minneapolis, MN
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryElectronics & Instrumentation
Certifications: NATE
Construction Conference Handshake Financial Aid Office National AssociationPrivacy Notice Higher Learning CommissionDonors For All Time Alumni Associationmembership or activity in a local commission
Contact: Scott Stallman —
sstallman@dunwoody.edu
7
Ridgewater College
Willmar, MN
Welding & FabricationAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyPlumbingConstruction & CarpentryCNC & Machining
VA ApprovedPell Eligible
Certifications: CNA, Medical Coding
the Higher Learning Commission , a Commission of the North Central Association of
Colleges and Schoolsthe Higher Learning Commission , a Commission of the North Central Association of
Colleges and Schoolsthe Higher Learning Commission , a Commission of the North Central Association of
Colleges and Schoolsthe Higher Learning Commission , a Commission of the North Central Association of
Colleges and Schools
Contact: Craig Johnson —
president@ridgewater.edu
8
Minneapolis Community and Technical College
Minneapolis, MN
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RElectrical TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryCNC & MachiningManufacturing Technology
VA Approved
Certifications: NATE, HVAC Excellence
The Higher Learning Commission, one of 6 regional accrediting agencies in the
UStrategic Plan Our Brand Partner with Us Policies Service Quality Body Minneapolis
College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commissionvisit the Higher Learning CommissionHugo Morales Commission
Contact: Sharon Pierce —
sharon.pierce@minneapolis.edu
9
Lake Superior College
Duluth, MN
Welding & FabricationAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryCNC & MachiningElectronics & Instrumentation
Certifications: CCNA, CNA, Phlebotomy
The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) , the highest level of accreditation
availableMinnesota State BoardRespectful Workplace Minnesota State BoardDonate Mobile Menu Accreditation The Higher Learning Commission
Contact: General Info — info@lsc.edu
10
South Central College
North Mankato, MN
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryCNC & MachiningManufacturing Technology
Pell Eligible
Certifications: NATE, NATEF
the Higher Learning Commission SCC is an affirmative action equal opportunity
employer/educatorthe Higher Learning Commission SCC is an affirmative action equal opportunity
employer/educatorthe Higher Learning Commission SCC is an affirmative action equal opportunity
employer/educatorthe Higher Learning Commission SCC is an affirmative action equal opportunity
employer/educator
Contact: Dr. Ritu Raju —
ritu.raju@southcentral.edu
11
Northwest Technical College
Bemidji, MN
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyPlumbingConstruction & Carpentry
Certifications: NATE, Medical Coding
Equipment: Simulator
the Higher Learning Commissionthe Higher Learning Commission without interruption since 1995their respective commissionsthe National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
Contact: Dr. John L. Hoffman —
john.hoffman@bemidjistate.edu
12
North Hennepin Community College
Brooklyn Park, MN
Welding & FabricationConstruction & CarpentryCNC & MachiningManufacturing TechnologyCAD/CAM & DraftingHealthcare & Medical
VA ApprovedTitle IV
Certifications: Phlebotomy
the Higher Learning Commission ( hlcommissionor membership in a local commissionAccreditation is important for your degree to be recognized by employers and
professional associationNorth Hennepin Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning
Commission
Contact: Rolando Garcia —
rolando.garcia@nhcc.edu
13
Century College
White Bear Lake, MN
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RElectrical TechnologyPlumbingConstruction & CarpentryManufacturing Technology
Pell EligibleTitle IV
Certifications: NATE
Foundation BoardHoratio Alger AssociationBe a United States citizen Learn more about the Horatio Alger AssociationMinnesota State College Student Association
Contact: Angelia Millender —
angelia.millender@century.edu
14
Summit Academy Opportunities Industrialization Center
Minneapolis, MN
Welding & FabricationAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryElectronics & InstrumentationCAD/CAM & Drafting
Pell Eligible
Certifications: NATE
the Commission of the Council on Occupational Educationthe Commission of the Council on Occupational Educationthe Commission of the Council on Occupational Educationthe Commission of the Council on Occupational Education
Contact: General Info — info@saoic.org
15
Riverland Community College
Austin, MN
Welding & FabricationAutomotive TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryCNC & MachiningManufacturing TechnologyCAD/CAM & Drafting
Certifications: NATE
the Higher Learning Commission, a Commission of the North Central Association of
Colleges and Schools: 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2502,
312-263-0456 , wwwassociated professional organizationsthe Higher Learning Commission (HLC)the Higher Learning Commission, a Commission of the North Central Association of
Colleges and Schools: 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2502,
312-263-0456 , www
Contact: Kathleen Linaker —
kathleen.linaker@riverland.edu
All Other Schools
| # | School | City | Programs | Certs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 |
|
Brainerd | 9 | 0 |
| 17 |
 Minnesota North College
|
Hibbing | 13 | 1 |
| 18 |
|
Winona | 12 | 0 |
Best Welding & Fabrication Schools in Minnesota
Best Construction & Carpentry Schools in Minnesota
Best CAD/CAM & Drafting Schools in Minnesota
Best Healthcare & Medical Schools in Minnesota
Best IT & Networking Schools in Minnesota
Best Automotive Technology Schools in Minnesota
Best Manufacturing Technology Schools in Minnesota
Best Electrical Technology Schools in Minnesota
Certifications Available
NATE11 schools
Medical Coding5 schools
NATEF3 schools
Phlebotomy3 schools
CNA2 schools
OSHA 101 schools
HVAC Excellence1 schools
CCNA1 schools
Frequently Asked Questions
How many trade schools are in Minnesota?
There are 18 trade schools in Minnesota tracked by BOMAtlas, offering programs in 21
different fields.
What is the best trade school in Minnesota?
Based on our composite ranking of programs, certifications, equipment, and
accreditations, St Cloud Technical and Community College ranks #1 in Minnesota.
What are the most popular trade programs in Minnesota?
The most common programs are Welding & Fabrication, Construction & Carpentry,
CAD/CAM & Drafting. These reflect strong employer demand in the state.
What certifications can I earn at Minnesota trade schools?
Schools in Minnesota offer 8 different certifications including NATE, Medical Coding,
NATEF, Phlebotomy, OSHA 10.
How are trade schools in Minnesota 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 Minnesota compare to other states for trade education?
Minnesota ranks #20 nationally with 18 schools and 9 unique program types.
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