Research
Original analysis computed from U.S. Department of Education data. Every report states its method, is dated, and is free to cite with a link.
The Career Training Path Trade School Outcomes Index (2026)
Which trades pay best a year out, where graduates owe least, how public, non-profit and for-profit schools compare, and all 50 states ranked. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2022-23 Completions survey; College Scorecard June 2026; Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP), September 2026.
The Trade School Accountability Report (2026)
Which campuses carry accreditor sanctions or federal financial oversight, by state and ownership — the record most school-finder sites never show.
Cost and Time-to-Earn by Trade and State (2026)
The career-changer's table: program length, cost, graduate debt, entry and mid-career pay, and months to clear the typical loan — nationally and for any state.
AI Exposure by Trade (2026)
Every program group scored on the AI Occupational Exposure index next to office jobs, with employment and pay.
Who Licenses Trade Schools in Each State (2026)
The agency that licenses private career schools in all 50 states and DC, with links, and how to verify a school before enrolling.
Compare trades
Every program group side by side: earnings, debt, ratio and completion.
Coming next
- Job openings by trade — BLS employment projections joined to the pay ladders.
- State-by-state beauty-school and nursing-assistant program rosters from state boards, adding the schools federal files miss.