Many people think the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is just for four-year colleges, but it can also help you obtain federal student loans, grants, and other financial aid to pay for trade or tech school, and vocational training, too.
The catch? To qualify for federal financial aid using the FAFSA, the school you plan to attend must be accredited and have a federal school code. Here’s how to know if your school meets that requirement and how to get started with applying for federal aid for your education.
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Can you use FAFSA for trade school?
You can complete the FAFSA if you plan to attend a trade school that is accredited and has a federal school code.
Accreditation means that a school meets certain standards set by an independent agency, like the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). The purpose of accreditation is to ensure that the training or education you get meets employer standards in your field.
Examples of accredited trade school programs include:
- Carpentry
- Cosmetology
- Culinary arts
- Electrical technician
- HVAC
- Masonry
- Medical assisting
- Welding
In addition to the accreditation requirement, the school must also have a federal school code. This code signals that the school is eligible to participate in federal student aid programs.
Does the FAFSA cover tech and vocational schools?
The FAFSA also extends to postsecondary tech and vocational schools, and the same accreditation and federal school code requirements apply. “Vocational school” is an umbrella term that refers to schools that provide education and training for different vocations. The types of vocational schools you can choose from include:
- Technical schools. Technical schools help students learn the technical skills they need to succeed in certain career fields. For example, if you want to work in IT you might earn a coding program certificate or computer programming certificate through a technical school.
- Trade schools. Trade schools teach hands-on skills required for specific trades. For example, you might go to trade school to learn masonry, plumbing, or engine repair. Those skills could translate to a career as a bricklayer, plumber, or mechanic.
- Career schools. Career schools prepare students for entry into professional fields, like business administration or nursing. Career schools may help with interview coaching and preparation, job counseling, or job placement after graduation.
In short, the difference between trade, technical, and career schools lies in what you learn. FAFSA can help you secure financial aid to pay for all three, as long as you’re attending an accredited program.
How to find trade schools that accept FAFSA
There are a few ways you can find out if the school you plan to attend accepts the FAFSA or to research trade schools that do.
The first and most direct way is to contact the school’s financial aid office to find out if the school participates in federal student aid programs. The school should be able to tell you whether it’s eligible for FAFSA and what types of aid are offered.
The Department of Education also has an accreditation search tool you can use to check your school’s status, and a Federal School Code search tool to find your school’s code. Let’s cover how to use both of those tools below.
How to check a school’s accreditation status
To check if a trade school is accredited, use the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP). Visit the database and enter the school’s name in the search bar.
You can also filter results by state, accreditation agency, or institution type. If the school appears in the results, it has recognized accreditation.
Here’s an example of search results when typing in a technical school in Madison, WI.
You can then click on the school’s name to view details like accrediting agency and status.
How to find a federal school code
To find a school’s federal school code, use the Federal Student Aid School Search Tool. Enter the state, city, and name of the school in the search bar, then review the results. If the school is listed, it participates in federal financial aid programs, and its federal code will be shown.
Select the school and click “Continue,” you can then review details about the FAFSA-eligible school, including:
- Median debt of students upon completion
- In-state and out-of-state tuition rates
- Total cost of attendance
You can also search for schools with federal codes in your state if you don’t have a specific school in mind, and select up to 20 schools to view details.
The search tool is a wonderful way to research potential trade schools that accept the FAFSA in your state. However, it doesn’t tell you what kind of aid you might qualify for. You’ll need to complete the FAFSA to find out what you’re eligible to receive.
Is there financial aid for trade school?
The types of financial aid you can get for trade school are the same as any other school eligible to participate in federal aid programs. You can fill out the FAFSA to apply for:
- Federal student loans. Student loans help you pay for school, but they must be repaid over time with interest. Federal student loans offer unique benefits like low, fixed interest rates, income-driven repayment plans, and the potential for loan forgiveness.
- Federal work-study. Work-study programs allow you to earn money from an on-campus job while you’re enrolled to help pay for school. Federal work-study funding is often first-come, first-served, so getting your FAFSA in early is important if you hope to qualify.
- Federal grants. Grants help you pay for school without the expectation of repayment. Some grants do, however, require a work commitment after graduation. For example, someone using a TEACH Grant to pay for their bachelor’s degree would be expected to work in an underserved school or community for four years after graduation. Otherwise, their grant would require repayment.
If you plan to apply for state-based or school-based aid, you may need to complete the FAFSA even if you’re not interested in pursuing federal loans, work-study, or grants. Some scholarships may also expect you to complete the FAFSA to determine your need.
Can you get a Pell Grant for trade school?
Federal Pell Grants are need-based awards that you can use to pay for trade school. These grants are intended for undergraduates who have not earned their first degree. In most cases, Pell Grants don’t need to be repaid.
So, how much can you get from a Pell Grant to pay for trade school? The maximum grant for the 2024-25 award year was $7,395. The amount of funding you can get for trade school depends on your:
- Student Aid Index (from your FAFSA)
- Cost of attendance
- Enrollment status (full-time or part-time)
- Planned length of enrollment
Some eligible students can receive up to 150% of their scheduled Pell Grant award for an award year. You can get Pell Grants to pay for school for a maximum of six years.
Pell Grants can cover a significant chunk of your attendance costs, but they may not cover everything. If you need to make up the gap, you’ll have to consider whether it makes sense to use a federal student loan for trade school or explore other options, like work-study or scholarships.
How do you qualify for federal aid for trade, tech, or vocational school?
Completing the FAFSA is the first step to qualifying for federal aid for trade, tech, or vocational school. You can complete and submit the FAFSA online. Every borrower must meet basic eligibility requirements.
You’ll need to:
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
- Demonstrate financial need (for need-based programs)
- Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an eligible program
- Have a valid Social Security number (with some exceptions)
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress while in school
- Show that you’re qualified to obtain a college or career school education
You can’t be in default on any federal student loans or owe money for repayment of a federal grant. And you must agree that you’ll only use the aid you receive to pay for school.
If you need help with FAFSA for trade school or have questions about how it works, you can contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center. Assistance is available by phone, email, or live chat. You can also read our in-depth guide to the FAFSA to learn more.
How to apply for trade school financial aid via FAFSA
Applying for financial aid for trade, vocational, or technical school through FAFSA follows a structured process:
- Confirm your school accepts FAFSA: Not all trade schools participate in federal aid programs. If you haven’t already done so, check your school’s Federal School Code on the FAFSA website.
- Gather required documents: You’ll need your Social Security number (SSN) or Alien Registration Number (if applicable), tax returns, W-2s, records of untaxed income, and an FSA ID. If you’re a dependent, you’ll also need your parents’ financial information.
- Complete the FAFSA form: Visit FAFSA.gov and submit your application. Be sure to enter your school’s Federal School Code, so your aid package is sent to the right institution.
- Review your Student Aid Report (SAR): FAFSA will generate a SAR summarizing your information. Check for errors and update any necessary details.
- Wait for your financial aid offer: If eligible, your school will send a financial aid award letter detailing grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Review your options carefully before accepting aid.
- Complete loan requirements (if applicable): If you accept federal loans, you must complete entrance counseling and sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN), agreeing to repayment terms.
Submitting FAFSA early increases your chances of securing aid: deadlines vary by state and institution, so apply as soon as possible.
What to do if you don’t qualify for federal student aid for trade, vocational, or tech school
If you’re not eligible for federal student aid, other funding options can help cover trade school costs:
Private student loans
Private loans can fill the gap when federal aid isn’t available. Lenders set their own eligibility criteria, interest rates, and repayment terms. Unlike federal loans, private loans:
- Require a credit check, so approval depends on your credit score or a cosigner’s.
- Offer fixed or variable interest rates, which vary based on market conditions.
- Have fewer borrower protections compared to federal loans.
Many lenders offer career-focused loans tailored to vocational programs. These loans:
- Allow borrowing for shorter, non-degree programs.
- Offer repayment terms based on projected earnings.
- Often require repayment sooner than traditional college loans.
If you need a private loan, compare lenders based on rates, repayment flexibility, and borrower benefits. Here are the top trade school loan options:
Alternative funding sources
- Scholarships and grants: Many organizations offer funding for trade school students. Check out Fastweb and Scholarships.com.
- Employer tuition assistance: Some companies reimburse tuition for career-related training.
- Workforce development programs: Government-funded grants, such as WIOA, may cover trade school costs.
- Income-share agreements (ISAs): Some schools offer ISAs, where you repay a portion of your income after graduating instead of taking out a traditional loan.
If federal aid isn’t an option, compare private loans, scholarships, and workforce programs to find the best financial path for your trade school education.
If there are remaining funding gaps after completing the FAFSA and exploring scholarships and work-based tuition assistance, compare federal and private student loan options. Select the most suitable financing plan and develop a repayment strategy tailored to your financial situation.
