Technical schools typically prepare students for a specific profession so they can graduate with hopes of obtaining a job immediately or transferring to a college or university. Degrees vary, but most technical schools offer an associate of applied science, associate of occupational studies or bachelor of science.
Other technical schools, such as Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology, offer more specific diplomas and certificates, such as the Nondestructive Testing diploma and Aviation Maintenance Technology diploma. Students who attend Technical Career Institutes can earn certifications with Microsoft, such as the Microsoft Certified Database Administrator certification.
Tuition at a technical school is usually less expensive than at other colleges. Fees may include technology and student activity fees. For example, full-time students at Technical Career Institute pay $5,760 per semester, with a technology fee of $150 and a student activity fee of $65 each semester, as of February 2011.
Course-specific fees may also apply. Most technical schools provide students with financial aid and accept federal loans. Financial aid programs include the federal Secondary Educational Opportunity Grant, Pell Grant and Academic Competitiveness Grant.
Online classes are available for those who may not be able to attend classes on a regular basis. These courses may appeal to adult-education students and people with families. Schools such as Brown College of Court Reporting and Medical Transcription offer online classes through the Blackboard Academic Suite program. Brown College's online classes are live so students can ask the teacher questions. Depending on the school, students may be able to take some classes on campus and others online.
Length of study at a technical school depends on the goal. Those simply wanting to earn some credits toward a degree may spend only a semester or two in classes. Because most technical schools offer associate degrees, most students spend about two years in classes. These higher education facilities don't force students to be full-time, so students who take only two or three hours per semester will need more time earning an associate degree.