Why the "metro model" Is working for career colleges

Career colleges are reimagining how and where they serve students, and one strategy is proving particularly effective: Bringing education directly to major metropolitan areas through smaller, more focused campuses. This "metro model" approach is changing the landscape of career education, and it’s right on time.

Meeting students where they are

For decades, many career colleges operated as destination campuses with larger facilities that students would travel to, sometimes relocating entirely for their education. While this model worked well for some, it created barriers for students who couldn't afford to move or didn't want to leave their communities and support systems. Then, when COVID-19 amplified the sector’s focus on online education, many schools de-prioritized their campuses entirely.

The metro model flips both approaches, offering students the best of both worlds in many ways. Instead of asking students to come to the school, schools are going to where students already live and work. By establishing campuses in or near major metropolitan areas, career colleges are making quality education accessible to populations that might have otherwise been underserved.

Universal Technical Institute exemplifies this strategy in action. The organization is opening new campuses in dynamic metro markets like Dallas and Phoenix, bringing skilled trades education to regions experiencing significant workforce demand. These strategic locations allow students to pursue training close to home while positioning them in markets where employers are actively seeking qualified professionals.

The power of right-sizing

Here's what's particularly interesting about the metro model: These aren't scaled-down versions of traditional campuses trying to do everything. They're purposefully designed, smaller facilities — typically serving 400-500 students rather than 2,000 or more — that focus on specific, high-demand programs.

This right-sizing creates several advantages for both schools and students. Smaller campuses mean lower overhead costs and more efficient operations. They can be more nimble, adapting quickly to local industry needs and employer feedback. The focused program offerings allow schools to invest in the specific equipment and expertise needed for those trades rather than spreading resources thin across dozens of programs.

Take Universal Technical Institute's new San Antonio campus as an example. Rather than attempting to replicate every program from their larger campuses, this location is designed specifically for skilled trades: aviation, welding, HVACR, and electrical programs. It's not trying to do everything in San Antonio — just the things that will work exceptionally well for that market.

The trade center model

A related approach gaining traction is the "trade center" model, where schools establish dedicated facilities focused exclusively on skilled trades programs. Check out San Joaquin Valley College's Fresno Trades Education Center as an exmaple — a 10,000-square-foot facility entirely dedicated to Electrical Technology, Industrial Maintenance Technology, and HVAC-R programs.

These trade centers offer a different value proposition than traditional campus models. They're laser-focused on hands-on training for specific skills, creating immersive learning environments where every square foot serves a purpose. Students aren't navigating large campus complexes; they're working in purpose-built spaces designed specifically for their craft.

This focused approach also sends a clear message to potential students and employer partners: we're serious about these trades, we've invested in creating optimal learning environments, and we're committed to producing highly skilled graduates in these specific fields.

Strategic advantages for schools

From an institutional perspective, the metro model offers compelling benefits:

• Lower capital investment: Smaller facilities in metro areas often cost less to establish and maintain than large destination campuses, even factoring in higher real estate costs in urban markets.
• Faster market entry: Schools can move into new markets more quickly with a focused facility than by building comprehensive campuses from the ground up.
• Local partnerships: Being embedded in metropolitan areas makes it easier to build relationships with local employers, conduct site visits, and facilitate internships and externships.
• Responsive programming: Smaller, focused campuses can more easily adjust their program offerings based on local workforce needs without disrupting an entire institution.
• Reduced risk: Testing new markets with smaller footprints allows schools to validate demand before making larger investments.

Employer alignment

Perhaps most importantly, the metro model aligns well with employer needs. Companies aren't looking for candidates who learned skills five years ago at a distant campus — they want graduates trained recently on current equipment, who understand local industry standards, and who are ready to work immediately in their market.

When career colleges establish campuses in major metros, they create talent pipelines directly into the regions where those skills are needed most. Employers can develop relationships with nearby programs, participate in advisory boards, offer work-based learning opportunities, and recruit graduates who are already part of the local community.

Universal Technical Institute's expansion in Texas illustrates this principle. With six campuses now across the state —including UTI locations in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and the new San Antonio campus, plus Concorde healthcare campuses — the organization has created a comprehensive network that serves different regional markets while building a strong statewide presence.

Looking ahead

As career colleges continue refining their strategies, the metro model is likely to expand further. The combination of smaller, focused campuses in strategic metropolitan locations, whether through comprehensive UTI-style facilities or dedicated trade centers, represents a sustainable approach to meeting workforce development needs.

For schools considering expansion, here’s a key takeaway: Bigger isn't always better. Strategic placement in growing metropolitan markets, combined with focused programming and right-sized facilities, can deliver better outcomes for students, stronger employer partnerships, and more efficient operations.

The "destination campus" model isn't disappearing. Some programs and situations still benefit from larger, comprehensive facilities. But the metro model is proving that career education can be both accessible and excellent when schools go to where students are, focus on what matters most, and build strong connections within the communities they serve.

Career colleges — we invite you to partner with the Imagine America Foundation. Learn more about our programs and offerings, and get in touch!