Lincoln Tech's Melrose Park Campus Repeats as USA Today Top Vocational School
Event summary
- Lincoln Tech's Melrose Park, IL campus named to USA Today’s 'Top Vocational Schools' list for the second consecutive year (2025 and 2026).
- Selection based on graduation rate, graduate salaries, diversity, payoff period, and social mobility metrics.
- Campus offers programs in Automotive Service, Electrical/HVAC, Medical Assisting, and Welding with 81% of graduates hired last year.
- Graduated over 600 students in the most recent reporting period.
The big picture
Lincoln Tech's repeated inclusion in USA Today’s rankings underscores the growing emphasis on vocational education as an alternative to traditional four-year degrees. The recognition highlights both the school’s ability to deliver measurable outcomes for students and its strategic focus on high-demand industries like automotive, healthcare, and skilled trades. With 22 campuses across 12 states, Lincoln Tech is positioning itself as a key player in workforce development, though it must navigate increasing competition in the vocational training sector.
What we're watching
- Program Effectiveness
- Whether Lincoln Tech can sustain its high graduate employment rates amid shifting labor market demands.
- Competitive Positioning
- How this recognition impacts enrollment and brand differentiation against other vocational schools.
- Scalability Challenges
- The pace at which Lincoln Tech can expand successful campus models to other locations.