Trade Schools in Columbia, MO

3 schools · 11 programs · Avg earnings $46,400/yr

Columbia, MO, thrives on its healthcare and education sectors, serving as a regional hub. Major employers like Boone Health and MU Health Care drive consistent demand for skilled professionals. Trade school options here often align with these foundational industries, preparing graduates for immediate entry into vital roles.

Considering Columbia’s economic landscape, programs such as Registered Nursing are particularly relevant, reflecting the ongoing need for healthcare practitioners. Beyond medical fields, the city also supports a diverse range of service-based businesses, creating opportunities in areas like cosmetology and business administration within a stable local economy.

Schools
3
Programs
11
Avg Grad Earnings
$46,400/yr
Avg Score
57/100

Columbia Trade Schools Map

3 trade schools in Columbia, MO.

Columbia College University of Missouri-Columbia Paul Mitchell the School-Missouri Columbia

All Trade Schools in Columbia

3 trade schools ranked by number of programs offered.

School Programs Avg Earnings Avg Score
Columbia College 6 $47,544/yr 58
University of Missouri-Columbia 4 $50,719/yr 58
Paul Mitchell the School-Missouri Columbia 1 $22,267/yr 45

Top Programs in Columbia

Highest-earning trade programs by first-year graduate earnings in Columbia.

Program School Earnings Score
Nursing Columbia College $65,768/yr 67
Sales & Marketing University of Missouri-Columbia $64,382/yr 78
Insurance University of Missouri-Columbia $62,377/yr 61
Criminal Justice Columbia College $47,941/yr 64
Liberal Arts & Humanities Columbia College $47,598/yr 46
Computer Science Columbia College $47,167/yr 62
Business Columbia College $41,791/yr 65
Broadcasting & Digital Media University of Missouri-Columbia $38,728/yr 52
Ethnic & Cultural Studies University of Missouri-Columbia $37,389/yr 41
Human Services Columbia College $35,001/yr 43

Programs by Category

Healthcare (1) Engineering & Technology (1) Criminal Justice & Public Safety (1) Personal Services (1) Business & Office (3) Other Programs (4)

Healthcare (1 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Nursing Columbia College 67 $65,768/yr

Engineering & Technology (1 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Computer Science Columbia College 62 $47,167/yr

Criminal Justice & Public Safety (1 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Criminal Justice Columbia College 64 $47,941/yr

Personal Services (1 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Cosmetology Paul Mitchell the School-Missouri Columbia 45 $22,267/yr

Business & Office (3 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Sales & Marketing University of Missouri-Columbia 78 $64,382/yr
Business Columbia College 65 $41,791/yr
Insurance University of Missouri-Columbia 61 $62,377/yr

Other Programs (4 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Broadcasting & Digital Media University of Missouri-Columbia 52 $38,728/yr
Liberal Arts & Humanities Columbia College 46 $47,598/yr
Human Services Columbia College 43 $35,001/yr
Ethnic & Cultural Studies University of Missouri-Columbia 41 $37,389/yr

More Trade Schools in Missouri

Frequently Asked Questions

How many trade schools are in Columbia?
There are 3 accredited trade and vocational schools in Columbia, MO, offering a total of 11 certificate and associate degree programs.
What are the best trade programs in Columbia?
The highest-earning programs in Columbia include Nursing, Sales & Marketing, Insurance, with graduates earning $65,768 or more in their first year after graduation.
Are trade schools in Columbia worth it?
Trade school programs in Columbia average $46,400 in first-year graduate earnings, with many programs offering positive ROI within the first year. Most trade careers offer strong job security due to hands-on work requirements.

About This Data

This page analyzes 11 trade and vocational programs at 3 schools in Columbia, MO using earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and employment projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024–2034).

School locations shown on the map are based on official institutional addresses. Graduate earnings represent median first-year earnings for certificate and associate degree completers.

Data: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024–2034. Last updated 2026.