Trade Schools in San Marcos, CA

San Marcos, CA has 3 schools with trade and career programs in this directory: 1 public and 2 private. Together they graduated 871 students from these programs in the latest federal count.

Published program tuition runs from $3,863 to $18,840, with a median of $12,588 across the 6 programs that report a program price.

Graduates earned a median of $32,195 one year after finishing, where the Department of Education reports earnings for the program.

The largest programs by graduates are at Palomar College, Palomar Institute of Cosmetology and Pima Medical Institute-San Marcos.

3
Schools
871
Graduates last year
$12,588
Median program tuition
$32,195
Median earnings, 1 yr after

All 3 schools in San Marcos, CA

Sorted by size. Tap a name for details.

Palomar College

San Marcos, CA

Programs
Auto Mechanic, Carpentry, Dental Assistant and Diesel Mechanic and 5 more
Average net price
$1,839
Completion rate
41%
Type
Public

Palomar Institute of Cosmetology

San Marcos, CA

Programs
Cosmetology, Esthetician and Nail Technician
Average net price
$22,365
Completion rate
95%
Type
Private for-profit

Pima Medical Institute-San Marcos

San Marcos, CA

Programs
Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Technician and Phlebotomy
Average net price
$42,339
Completion rate
83%
Type
Private for-profit

Also within 30 miles of San Marcos

Vista Adult School

Vista, CA

Programs
Medical Billing and Coding, Pharmacy Technician and Phlebotomy
Type
Public

Escondido Adult School

Escondido, CA

Programs
CNA, Medical Assistant, Medical Billing and Coding and Pharmacy Technician and 1 more
Type
Public

MiraCosta College

Oceanside, CA

Programs
Auto Mechanic, Cosmetology, LPN and Massage Therapy and 2 more
Average net price
$5,146
Completion rate
40%
Type
Public

UEI College-Oceanside

Oceanside, CA

Programs
Auto Mechanic, Dental Assistant, Electrician and HVAC and 2 more
Average net price
$33,307
Completion rate
77%
Type
Private for-profit

Bellus Academy-Poway

Poway, CA

Programs
Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetician and Nail Technician
Average net price
$33,464
Completion rate
70%
Type
Private for-profit

San Diego Miramar College

San Diego, CA

Programs
Auto Mechanic, Aviation Maintenance and Diesel Mechanic
Average net price
$21,008
Completion rate
40%
Type
Public

National University

San Diego, CA

Programs
EMT and Paramedic and LPN
Average net price
$24,008
Completion rate
43%
Type
Private nonprofit

San Diego Mesa College

San Diego, CA

Programs
Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant and Medical Billing and Coding
Average net price
$21,767
Completion rate
42%
Type
Public

Common questions

How much does trade school training cost in San Marcos, CA?

The median published tuition is $12,588 (range $3,863 to $18,840, 6 programs reporting). The lowest listed prices are at Palomar Institute of Cosmetology ($3,863) and Pima Medical Institute-San Marcos ($5,055). 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 7 months to finish (3 to 9 months). Certificates are shorter; associate degrees usually take about two years.

How much do trade school graduates earn?

Across 7 programs with reported outcomes, the median graduate earned $32,195 one year after finishing (U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard). Earnings vary by program and local labor market.

Are there public trade school programs in San Marcos, CA?

Yes. 1 public school offer it, including Palomar College.

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.