Ayers Career College Named Among USA Today’s Top 250 Vocational Schools in America

Seven Decades of Excellence Earns National Recognition

Ayers Career College is proud to announce our recognition on USA Today’s inaugural list of America’s Top 250 Vocational Schools for 2025! This prestigious national honor celebrates what our students, graduates, and employer partners throughout Shreveport-Bossier City have experienced since 1953; that Ayers delivers exceptional healthcare and skilled trades education that transforms lives and launches successful careers.

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A Rigorous National Evaluation

USA Today partnered with leading market research firm Statista to create this first-ever comprehensive ranking of vocational schools across America. The evaluation was based on five critical metrics that matter most to students and their families:

• Graduation Rate – Student success and program completion
• Graduates’ Salary – Earning potential after program completion
• Years to Pay Off Net Cost – Real return on educational investment
• Social Mobility – Pathways to economic advancement
• Diversity – Inclusive access to quality education

Data was collected through publicly available federal databases, ensuring accurate and transparent results. Schools were evaluated on a star system, and only institutions meeting strict accreditation standards, financial responsibility criteria, and low student loan default rates were considered. Out of thousands of vocational institutions nationwide, only 250 earned this distinction—and Ayers Career College stands proudly among them.

Why This Recognition Matters to Our Students

Billy Hanisee, Campus President shared, “This isn’t just an award for our walls, it’s validation of measurable outcomes that directly impact our students’ futures”  The USA Top 250 Award recognizes that Ayers is focused on:

Career-Ready Graduates: Ayers Career College knows what employers in the Shreveport-Bossier City area are looking for and what they value in an employee. Our programs are structured around real industry needs, ensuring graduates enter the workforce prepared and confident.

Strong Graduation Rate: With a 73% graduation rate, we’re committed to student success from enrollment through completion.

Affordable Education: The ranking specifically measured how quickly graduates can pay off their educational investment—demonstrating that Ayers provides real value and a clear path to financial stability.

Economic Mobility: We’ve always been about opening doors. This recognition confirms that Ayers helps students from all economic backgrounds achieve upward mobility through in-demand healthcare and skilled trades careers.

Healthcare & Skilled Trades Education at a Turning Point

The timing of this recognition reflects a significant shift in American education. Between 2020 and 2023, vocational school enrollment grew by 5%, and recent surveys show that more adults now recommend trade schools over traditional four-year colleges for high school graduates.  Ayers Career College has experienced this firsthand, as more of our new students are coming directly from high school each year.

Younger students are recognizing what Ayers has proven for over 70 years: specialized career training provides direct pathways to stable, well-paying careers without the burden of overwhelming student debt. Education leaders across the political spectrum are now advocating for expanded career-aligned education options beyond traditional four-year degrees.

What Sets Ayers Apart

Seven Decades of Proven Success: Since 1953, Ayers Career College has been preparing men and women in Shreveport for successful and in-demand careers, making us one of the oldest and longest-serving career colleges in Louisiana.

Industry-Focused Training: Our vocational programs have been structured around employer needs so that when a student graduates, they will be prepared to work in the industry.

Hands-On Learning: Our hands-on training allows students to work with the same equipment used in the field of their choice, giving them an advantage during the application process.  Working alongside experienced instructors, and using the skills and tools that you will be using on the job, is the most effective way to learn.

Flexible Scheduling: HVAC trainees have the option to choose from both day and evening classes. Medical Assistant and Pharmacy Technicians can choose between day and hybrid classes, allowing students to fit education into busy schedules.

Comprehensive Support: Our Career Services office supports students and alumni by helping them gain experience and prepare for today’s competitive job market with one-on-one assistance preparing resumes and cover letters. In addition, employers are visiting the Campus every month to meet and recruit our students upon their graduation.

Accelerated Programs: The accelerated training programs at Ayers Career College allow students to complete their training in less than one year, getting you into the workforce faster.

Programs Built for High-Demand Careers

Ayers Career College offers comprehensive training in fields where qualified professionals are critically needed throughout Louisiana and beyond:

Healthcare Programs:

• Medical Assistant – Prepare for careers in clinics, hospitals, and medical offices
• Pharmacy Technician – Train for essential roles in pharmacies and healthcare facilities

Skilled Trades Programs:

• HVAC-R Technician – Install, repair, service, and maintain residential and light commercial heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems
• Electrical Technician – Train for in-demand careers in electrical installation and maintenance

Every program combines classroom instruction with extensive hands-on training, ensuring graduates are job-ready from day one.

Real Outcomes, Real Careers

Our students’ success speaks louder than any ranking. Every day, Ayers graduates are:

• Providing essential healthcare services in medical facilities throughout the Shreveport-Bossier City area
• Keeping homes and businesses comfortable with expert HVAC services
• Ensuring electrical systems operate safely and efficiently
• Earning competitive wages with clear paths for career advancement
• Building stable, rewarding careers that support their families

This USA Today recognition confirms what our alumni already know: their Ayers education was a smart investment that opened doors to meaningful careers.

Serving Louisiana & Texas for Over 70 Years

As we celebrate this national recognition, we’re also looking toward the future. Ayers Career College has been preparing the men and women of the Louisiana and Texas areas for successful and in-demand careers since 1953, and we’re committed to continuing this legacy of excellence.

The healthcare and skilled trades sectors face critical workforce shortages, with hundreds of thousands of positions expected to open across the region in the coming years. This creates unprecedented opportunities for today’s students to build stable, well-compensated careers in fields that truly make a difference in people’s lives.

Personal Attention Makes the Difference

Admissions representatives at Ayers Career College make a point to meet prospective students face-to-face. Ayers feels that this is the best way to assess an individual’s commitment to the training ahead.

With a student-to-faculty ratio that is much smaller than high school or colleges, we provide the personal attention and support that helps students succeed. Our instructors are experienced professionals who understand the industries they teach and are dedicated to helping every student reach their potential.

Financial Aid & Affordability

Ayers Career College wants to make applying for financial assistance as simple as possible. Our Financial Aid Representatives will help guide prospective students through the process of applying for grants, scholarships, or loans and can answer any questions they may have.

We’re committed to helping you discover how affordable career training can be, with options including:

• Federal financial aid programs
• Scholarships and grants
• Flexible payment plans
• Veterans benefits and GI Bill support

Your Future Starts Here

Whether you’re passionate about healthcare, fascinated by HVAC systems, or interested in electrical work, Ayers Career College offers the training, support, and industry connections you need to succeed.

Now, with national recognition as one of America’s Top 250 Vocational Schools, you can be confident you’re choosing a proven institution with over 70 years of student success.

Ready to start your journey?

Ayers Career College
8820 Jewella Avenue
Shreveport, LA 71108
Phone: (318) 687-7808

Visit ayers.edu to explore our programs, schedule a campus tour, or speak with an admissions representative.

Ayers Career College: Over 70 years of excellence. Now nationally recognized among America’s Top 250 Vocational Schools. Your future in healthcare and the skilled trades starts here.

Join the Celebration: Are you an Ayers graduate or current student? Share this recognition on social media and tag us! We’re proud of this achievement, and even more proud of every student who chooses Ayers to build their future.

About the USA Today Rankings

USA Today partnered with Statista to create the inaugural ranking of America’s Top Vocational Schools to help students make informed decisions about their education. The comprehensive evaluation examined graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt repayment timelines, social mobility outcomes, and diversity metrics across thousands of institutions nationwide. Only 250 schools earned recognition on this prestigious list, representing the best vocational education institutions in America.

View the complete USA Today article and rankings.