The average cost of trade school is about $12,447 per year, according to NCES (National Center for Education Statistics), which looked at two-year programs. The cost varies by type of institution, from $3,970 (public) to $15,736 (private, for-profit) to $17,735 (private, nonprofit). Meanwhile, the average cost of a four-year institution is about $22,090 per year, but the range is much wider, from $9,678 (public institution) to $17,825 (private, for-profit) to $38,768 (private, nonprofit). Most schools spell out their costs clearly on their website. If not, you can call or, better yet, set up an appointment with a financial aid specialist at the school to walk through your specific scenario.