Student Loans for Carpentry School: How To Pay for Trade Training in 2025

If you're planning to learn a trade, carpentry is a skill in high demand. In 2022, 85% of contractors said they couldn't find enough carpenters, according to the Associated General Contractors of America.

You may be able to get carpentry training at no cost through an apprenticeship. But if you enroll in a certificate program, vocational school, or community college, you might have to cover some costs out of pocket.

Financial aid and student loans for carpentry school can help, but it depends on your program. Here's how to pay for carpentry training, and what you need to know.

Current private student loan rates

Can you get student loans for carpentry school?

You may be able to get student loans for carpentry school, but eligibility depends on the program. Federal student loans are available if you attend a carpentry program at a trade school or community college that's accredited and eligible under Title IV of the Higher Education Act.

“Programs such as carpentry generally fall into the category of a career training program,” says Tom O'Hare, a college adviser at Get College Going. “These programs are typically offered through for-profit trade schools. Students who are interested in pursuing a Building Management program can obtain an associate degree through a community college.”

To see if your school qualifies for federal aid, use the Department of Education's accreditation search tool or contact the school directly.

Private student loans are also an option. They're often used to cover any remaining costs after federal aid or to fund programs that don't qualify for federal loans.

Federal student aid for carpentry school

If your carpentry program is eligible for federal aid, you'll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to access grants and federal student loans. Available aid may include:

• Direct Subsidized Loans: These are the most affordable federal loans you can get, thanks to interest subsidies while you're in school. But they're need-based and only available to undergraduate students who meet financial need requirements. Loan limits apply and vary based on your year in school and dependency status.
• Direct Unsubsidized Loans: These loans are available to both undergraduate and graduate students and don't require proof of financial need. However, interest begins accruing right away. Like subsidized loans, borrowing limits apply.
• Direct PLUS Loans: These loans are available to graduate students and parents of dependent undergraduates. They allow you to borrow up to the full cost of attendance, minus any other financial aid received.
• Pell Grants: If you haven't earned a degree and have significant financial need, you may qualify for a Pell Grant. This is gift aid that doesn't need to be repaid. The maximum award for the 2025-26 school year is $7,395.

Private student loans for carpentry training

Private student loans can help cover the cost of carpentry training, especially if your program isn't eligible for federal aid or you've already maxed out your federal loan options. Some lenders offer specific loans for vocational or non-degree programs, including:

• Ascent: Offers loans for eligible trade school and career training programs
• Sallie Mae: Provides the Smart Option Student Loan for Career Training
• College Ave: Offers career loans for students pursuing an associate degree in carpentry

Private lenders base your eligibility and interest rate on your credit and income. If you don't meet the requirements on your own, you may need a cosigner. Most lenders look for a credit score of at least 670 and may also require a minimum income.

To help compare your options, you can use a marketplace like Credible to prequalify with multiple lenders at once and see the interest rates, loan terms, and repayment options available to you based on your financial profile and program of interest.

Scholarships and grants for carpentry students

Scholarships and grants can help reduce the cost of carpentry school. Unlike loans, they don't need to be repaid. You can find opportunities through local organizations, industry groups, and workforce development programs. Here are a few places to start:

• Home Builders Institute (HBI): Offers no-cost pre-apprenticeship training and certification programs for students entering the trades
• Associated General Contractors of America (AGC): Provides scholarships for undergraduate, graduate, and workforce development students pursuing careers in construction
• Home Depot Foundation Path to Pro Scholarship: Supports students in approved trade programs at accredited 2-year schools, with a focus on carpentry and other high-demand trades
• Associated General Contractors of New York State: Offers scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 for New York residents pursuing degrees in construction or construction-related fields
• American Job Centers and state labor agencies: These organizations may offer funding for approved training through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Eligible students can get tuition assistance, job placement support, and other career services. To apply, search for your nearest American Job Center or contact your state's labor department.

Apprenticeship programs for carpentry students

One of the most affordable ways to get carpentry training is through a union or apprenticeship program. These programs often cover the full cost of training and may even pay you while you learn.

The Carpenters Training Institute, for example, offers a no-cost apprenticeship program.

“When I owned previous insurance companies, I insured dozens of construction firms that paid for their workers' carpentry certifications,” says Jason Miller, president of Florida All Risk Insurance LLC, who also has a bachelor's degree in Construction Engineering.

“These companies often cover 100% of trade school costs in exchange for two- to three-year employment commitments. One client saved $18,000 by having his employer pay for his certification while earning $15 per hour during training versus taking loans,” he adds.

Smart borrowing tips for carpentry school

If you need student loans to pay for carpentry training, here's how to keep borrowing in check:

• Understand your total education costs: Factor in tuition, supplies, safety gear, and other program fees so you're not caught off guard later.
• Start with gift aid: Use grants, scholarships, and apprenticeship funding before turning to loans. This can lower the amount you need to borrow or help you avoid loans altogether.
• Only borrow what you need: You don't have to accept the full loan amount offered. Borrow the minimum needed to cover your remaining costs.
• Estimate your earning potential: Research what entry-level carpenters earn in your area. As a general rule, try not to borrow more than what you expect to make your first year on the job.
• Build loan payments into your budget: Know what your monthly payments will look like so you're prepared to repay both the principal and interest.

Cost of carpentry school

The cost of carpentry school can vary depending on the type of program you choose. If you attend a union-sponsored apprenticeship, like the Carpenters Training Institute, you may not pay anything, and could even earn money while you train.

“Union apprenticeships through the United Brotherhood of Carpenters provide another path I've seen work repeatedly,” says Miller. “My construction clients frequently hired from these programs where apprentices earn while learning, starting around $18 per hour and reaching more than $35 per hour upon completion. No loans needed, just steady income throughout training,” he adds.

If you go through a community college, trade school, or technical college, your costs will depend on factors like whether the school is public or private and where it's located. For example, the carpentry program at Alexandria Technical & Community College costs around $15,000, while the two-year Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology associate degree at Johnson College costs about $38,000.

Salary for carpenters

In 2024, the median annual salary for carpenters was $59,310, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, the top 10% of carpenters made over $98,000 per year. Specialized roles, such as cabinetmakers or commercial construction carpenters, may earn more.

Job growth for carpenters is projected to be 4% from 2023 to 2033, which is about average compared to other occupations.