About CTE Statistics

What is CTE?

In accordance with federal law (P.L. 115-224), NCES defines career and technical education (CTE) as courses (at the high school level) and programs (at the postsecondary subbaccalaureate level) that focus on the skills and knowledge required for specific jobs or fields of work. The occupational fields included in this definition are: agriculture and natural resources; business support, management, and finance; communications; computer and information sciences; construction; consumer services; education; engineering and architecture; health sciences; manufacturing; marketing; public, social, and protective services; repair; and transportation.

What is CTE Statistics?

CTE Statistics is the NCES reporting system for national information on career and technical education (CTE) and workforce preparation. The program uses a derived data system—compiling information from a variety of existing federal data collections—to provide a comprehensive national picture of the current status of and recent trends in CTE. Information is provided on CTE participation and CTE staff in public high schools, the education and work outcomes of public high school graduates, and on CTE participation, outcomes, and providers at the subbaccalaureate level. Information is also available on adults' occupational certifications and licenses, and on adults' skills. (See the PIAAC website for more information on adult skills.)

Where can I find information on CTE funding?

States and localities typically do not fund CTE using a separate “CTE” line item. Instead, they have line-items for staff, facilities, etcetera, with CTE incorporated within those categories. Thus, the CTE Statistics program does not have CTE funding information. At the national level, funding for CTE programs in public high schools and postsecondary institutions is provided through the Stengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (P.L. 115-224), otherwise known as Perkins V. The Digest of Education Statistics provides national-level information on that funding source. State-level information on Perkins allocations is available from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education.

Where can I find information on trade schools?

NCES classifies postsecondary institutions based on their level (less-than-2-year, 2-year, and 4-year) and funding control (public, nonprofit, and for-profit). There is no designation for “trade school”. Some analysts choose to use less-than-2-year and 2-year for-profit institutions as a proxy for trade schools. Information on those schools is available in the Postsecondary/College section of this website.