How to Choose Between College and Trade School

How to Choose Between College and Trade School

One of the biggest questions students and their families face after graduating from high school is whether to pursue a four-year degree or enroll in a trade school program. What’s great about both paths is that they can lead to rewarding careers. However, the differences in job readiness, time commitment, cost, and long-term outcomes are significant.

The challenge isn’t just boiled down to how much money you can make with either option or tuition costs. It’s about finding the right fit for the individual’s skills and passions.

Students and their parents often feel pressure to make the “right” choice. The reality is that both college and trade school can be part of a well-balanced career plan.

A Side-by-Side Comparison: College vs Trade School

Breaking things down into the specific categories that affect a student’s daily life and future career is helpful when weighing your options. Looking at the outcomes side-by-side makes the pros and cons easier to see.

How Long Does It Take to Find a Job?

It takes the average student around four years to earn their bachelor’s degree. Graduate school can add anywhere from two to eight years onto the timeframe.

Students might not be able to enter their chosen field years after they graduate from high school. Finding a paid internship can help. Unfortunately, many graduates still spend months trying to find a job before securing full-time employment.

How Much Does Tuition Cost?

Tuition for a college or university can start at $10,000 per year for a public institution. This cost can jump to up to $40,000 annually at more private universities.

A few things that can offset the financial burden include:

• Grants
• Scholarships
• Financial aid

However, many students still graduate with tens of thousands of dollars in debt. Keep in mind that the average federal student loan debt in the United States is over $30,000. Paying these loans back can take decades.

Programs in trade schools tend to be more affordable. Total costs for one of these programs can cost as much as a single year of college tuition.

What Are the Learning Styles Like?

College classes tend to be academic and lecture-heavy. Some of the things assignments are focused on include:

• Theory
• Research
• Writing

Students in college courses need to have self-discipline and strong study skills.

Classes in trade schools are more skills-based and hands-on. This is perfect for students who learn best by doing. The instruction in classes often mimics what their work environment would be like, which is ideal for helping students feel job-ready more quickly.

What Licenses or Certificates Are Available?

College graduates may still need professional certificates or licenses after they earn their degrees. Some examples include:

• CPA exams
• Teaching credentials
• Nursing boards

Many programs in trade schools are built around industry-specific certifications. This means that when students graduate, they’re ready to step right into licensed professions.

Why You Should Pursue a College Degree

Earning a four-year college degree continues to hold major value, especially for those who want to enter fields like:

• Engineering
• Medicine
• Business leadership

Additionally, college graduates tend to earn higher lifetime wages. They have more flexibility to shift careers as their skills and interests change.

College provides students with more than just academics. Students can partake in an immersive atmosphere where they can:

• Explore new subjects
• Build friendships
• Network with future colleagues

For some, this experience is just as valuable as their diploma.

Other advantages of attending college include:

• Higher earning potential, particularly in high-demand fields
• Opportunities to study abroad, research projects, and get an internship
• Broad skills that apply across multiple industries

There are some things students should take into consideration before embarking on their college journey, such as:

• A longer time commitment before you can get a full-time job
• Higher upfront costs and major student debt risk
• Demands comfort with independent study and strong academic skills

For example, imagine a student named Maria. Maria loved taking science courses in school and dreamed of working in healthcare. She decided to enroll in a four-year nursing program, took out student loans, and got a part-time job to offset her costs.

Why You Should Pursue Trade School

Other terms for trade schools include technical or vocational schools. These institutions prepare students for specific careers in less time and with less debt than other options.

A few of the skilled trades that are in demand nationwide are:

• HVAC
• Welding
• Plumbing
• Electrical work
• Healthcare

What’s great about these industries is that they offer job security and often strong benefits.

Take welding as an example. Students who complete an accredited welding program graduate with the following:

• Industry certifications
• Hands-on training
• Connections to regional employers

This practical path leads to quicker entry into the workforce. It also provides essential skills in the manufacturing, energy, and construction industries.

Some of the top benefits of trade school include:

• More affordable and faster entry into a career
• Training designed directly around employer needs
• Strong demand for trained workers, often with job placement assistance
• Hands-on learning that matches the strengths of the students

Like with any major life choice, there are a few things to keep in mind if you’re thinking about enrolling in a trade school:

• Career paths can be narrower, often requiring retraining if students want to switch fields
• Some jobs may involve physically demanding work
• Lifetime earnings may be lower than those with a college degree, depending on the trade

Think about a high-school senior named Jamal. Jamal isn’t interested in spending another four years stuck in a classroom. He loves working with his hands and decided to pursue a certificate in HVAC.

Within 18 months, Jamal has achieved the following:

• Graduated
• Earned his license
• Got a job with a local heating and cooling company

By the age of 22, Jamal earns a steady income, doesn’t have any student loan debt, and is saving to buy his first home.