Trade Schools in Columbia, SC

Columbia, SC has 6 schools with trade and career programs in this directory: 0 public and 6 private. Together they graduated 422 students from these programs in the latest federal count.

Published program tuition runs from $8,470 to $18,300, with a median of $17,718 across the 4 programs that report a program price.

Graduates earned a median of $28,234 one year after finishing, where the Department of Education reports earnings for the program.

The largest programs by graduates are at Fortis College-Columbia, Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology-Columbia and Southeastern College-Columbia.

6
Schools
422
Graduates last year
$17,718
Median program tuition
$28,234
Median earnings, 1 yr after

All 6 schools in Columbia, SC

Sorted by size. Tap a name for details.

Fortis College-Columbia

Columbia, SC

Programs
Dental Assistant, HVAC and Medical Assistant
Average net price
$26,416
Completion rate
52%
Type
Private for-profit

Southeastern College-Columbia

Columbia, SC

Programs
Cosmetology, Massage Therapy, Medical Assistant and Surgical Technologist
Average net price
$34,183
Completion rate
85%
Type
Private for-profit

South University-Columbia

Columbia, SC

Programs
Medical Assistant
Average net price
$25,119
Completion rate
6%
Type
Private for-profit

Also within 30 miles of Columbia

Paul Mitchell the School-Columbia

West Columbia, SC

Programs
Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetician and Nail Technician
Average net price
$22,941
Completion rate
83%
Type
Private for-profit

Midlands Technical College

West Columbia, SC

Programs
Auto Mechanic, CNA, Dental Assistant and Electrician and 8 more
Average net price
$5,745
Completion rate
14%
Type
Public

Southeastern Esthetics Institute

Elgin, SC

Programs
Cosmetology, Esthetician, Massage Therapy and Medical Assistant and 1 more
Average net price
$16,051
Completion rate
86%
Type
Private for-profit

Common questions

How much does trade school training cost in Columbia, SC?

The median published tuition is $17,718 (range $8,470 to $18,300, 4 programs reporting). The lowest listed prices are at Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology-Columbia ($8,470), Barber Tech Academy-Columbia ($17,135) and Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology and Nails-Columbia ($18,300). Public community and technical colleges often charge less but report tuition per year rather than per program, so check each school's net price calculator.

How long does trade school school take?

Programs that report a length take a median of 13 months to finish (5 to 13 months). Certificates are shorter; associate degrees usually take about two years.

How much do trade school graduates earn?

Across 10 programs with reported outcomes, the median graduate earned $28,234 one year after finishing (U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard). Earnings vary by program and local labor market.

Data: U.S. Department of Education: IPEDS 2024-25 and College Scorecard (October 2026 release). Listings change; confirm details with the school before you go. How this directory is built.