AdvantageEDU

In the state of Alabama, you will find a population of more than 4 million people and a variety of educational and career opportunities. In the capital city of Montogomery and beyond, you’ll find major industries such as paper, chemicals, rubber, and plastics that offer jobs that are in demand for new graduates. However, in order to become qualified to work in one of Alabama’s industries, it’s often necessary to complete education or training in a specific skill set. Doing so will ensure that you are qualified to perform your job safely and successfully. Alabama offers a number of different educational opportunities that can help you achieve the skills and knowledge that you’ll need in order to be successful in your career. These include four year universities, community colleges, and career schools. Many students find that attending a trade school is the most cost efficient and convenient way to complete education for careers like cosmetology, culinary arts, graphic design, health care, and more.

Although vocational schools tend to be more affordable than others, Alabama students may find that the cost of trade school is too much to take on all at once. Of course, that doesn’t have to mean that education is out of reach for those who cannot immediately afford its cost. If this is the case for you, you can find help from the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, which offers information about a number of different programs such as the Alabama Student Assistance Program and the Alabama Student Grant Program. Through these programs, you can find the funds you need to make trade school more affordable, and make a great investment in your future.

You can expect to have a steady job outlook in Alabama. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports indicate that although some sectors of the market are having trouble, overall the state has seen steady growth, however small. The information and professional business services industries have seen the most growth lately, so you may want to consider a career in information technology or business administration.

There are a number of major community colleges in Alabama that offer trade school training. These schools include:

• Alabama Southern Community College
• Central Alabama Community College
• Chattahoochee Valley Community College
• Jefferson Davis Community College
• Gadsden State Community College
• Lurleen B. Wallace Community College
• Northeast Alabama Community College
• Northwest-Shoals Community College
• Southern Union State Community College

Top Online Universities

	University of Phoenix - Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, & Doctoral Degrees. As one of the most widely recognizable universities in the U.S., University of Phoenix offers a wide range of online and on-campus programs for students looking to pursue long-term careers. They strive on quality and regularly update their curriculum to reflect the latest practices used today.
	Kaplan University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Kaplan University offers unique programs for those wanting to change or advance in their career. Their programs present a quicker degree path with the same quality and superiority that other universities promise.
	Ashford University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Ashford University has been helping students attain the greatest learning opportunities since 1918. They offer various online and on-campus programs for those seeking a career in business, health, education, sociology and more.
	American Intercontinental University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. American Intercontinental University is a top accredited university that is affordable and convenient. They provide high-quality learning opportunities online and on-campus for students with diverse needs.
	Liberty University - Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's & Doctoral Degrees. Liberty University provides students with the most current knowledge and skills needed to succeed in today's fast-growing environment. The college is dedicated to empowering students in pursuing their individual career goals.
	Everest University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Everest University provides affordable, flexible, and convenient programs for full-time professionals and first time college students. They provide practical instruction for career-focused individuals to prepare them post-graduation.
	Rasmussen College - Associate's & Bachelor's Degrees. Preparing thousands of students every year for the real world, Rasmussen College is an accredited online university providing top-notch education for their diverse student body. They offer various courses for all degree programs.