Trade Schools vs. College - What's Your End Goal?

For far too long, a four-year degree was viewed as the only route for graduating high school students. Trade school was something lesser when, in reality, trade school provides necessary jobs that keep our society afloat. Universities shouldn’t necessarily be something to turn your nose up at, but you should be attentive and research your options heavily. You should always consider what you want out of life.

What’s the Cost?

The gap between trade school and college isn’t that big. According to the United States Department of Labor, for those who went the traditional four-year university route earn on the average of $1,198 per week while those who attended gained a two-year degree earn, on average $862 per week. That is a $336 difference in weekly pay.

Value Penguin researched the national average cost of a four-year institution and a two-year institution for the 2017-2018 year. According to their research, the national average varies from $25,290 for public, in-state colleges, and $50,900 for non-profit, private institutions. The costs include tuition fees, room and board, transportation, books and supplies, and other costs such as parking fees. The estimate for a two-year degree is $17,580, including the cost of tuition fees, room and board, transportation, books and supplies, and other expenses like parking fees.

For only a $336 difference in weekly salary, you can save $7810 on your education expense. The savings alone fill your piggy bank tremendously.

Now, how do you know if college is right for you? You don’t have to choose a trade school at expense alone. Consider what each program offers.

What does a four-year degree offer?

Attending a four-year university means you will receive a bachelor’s degree after completing 120 or more credit hours.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, only 41% of first-time, full-time college students earn their bachelor’s degree in four years, and only 59% received in a bachelor’s in six years. Depending on your degree, the coursework challenges students and forces them to learn time management.

Sometimes, students drop out simply because they can’t complete or afford their degree. There are several factors to stay in and out of college. It is good to know that sometimes a four-year degree doesn’t mean it will take four years. You will obtain your degree based on the pace you set for yourself and what you can handle.

Universities typically hold two separate bachelors – a Bachelor of Science (BS) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA). If you specialize in your degree in a particular field, you might vary in your bachelor’s. The most common, however, are BA and BS.

• BS degree – BS degrees are science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) majors. The coursework is technical and requires lab work outside of their general courses.

• BA degree – BA degrees are generally English, foreign languages, history, and communication. Sometimes, universities offer BA degrees in science or math fields, as well. These degrees usually require a wide variety of coursework both in and out of their fields.

Pros

• General education requirements, offering a well-rounded education

• A wide selection of majors

• Extracurricular options such as clubs or sports

• Traditional college experience

Cons

• Expensive

• Unable to work full-time realistically until you obtain your degree

• A four-year degree doesn’t guarantee you a job; experience does, so you will need to consistently work on part-time jobs or internships relevant to your degree while in school

• Long wait periods to acceptance and enrollment

What does a two-year degree or certification offer?

Trade schools vary depending on the career you want to embark upon. In some careers, you obtain your certification or degree in less than a year while other programs are longer. It entirely depends on what career you desire. Most of the time, trade schools advertise their job placement percentage for recent graduates as a way to pull in more students. If you want a reasonable and hands-on education environment, trade school is the right path for you.

Pros

• Save money and time, sometimes getting into your career field full-time in less than a year

• Less wait periods

• Traditional college experience

• Less wait periods to enroll in coursework and acceptances are generally automatic

• Hands-on training

• Smaller class sizes

Cons

• Cannot have the traditional college experience

• Extracurricular options rarely offered

• Tight and rigorous schedule during your enrollment

• Financial aid variant

• No general education requirements, which limits your knowledge

According to Indeed, these are the top five highest-paying jobs in the United States:

Licensed practical nurse

• National average pay -- $28.13 an hour

• Education – short-term certificate or diploma programs

A licensed practical nurse (LPN) is a professional who is qualified to handle bedside care of patients dealing with a span of illnesses or disabilities. They generally work underneath physicians, registered nurses, and other healthcare professionals.

HVAC technician

• National average pay -- $23.20 an hour

• Education – State and EPA certificate

A heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) technician has a wide variety of options with this career. They can focus on maintenance and installation or conduct the service side of this business.

Home inspector

• National average pay -- $24.29 an hour

• Education – Home inspector certificate and state-required course training

A home inspector goes through the interior and exterior of newly constructed or previously owned homes and ensures they are safe to live in.

Plumber

• National average pay -- $25.37 an hour

• Education – Formal technical degree and an apprenticeship, which requires a license, under a union or trades association

Plumbers install and repair water and gas supply lines and any appliances that connect to these lines. The job requires heavy lifting and focuses on critical thinking, friendly customer service, and creative problem-solving skills.

Electrician

• National average pay -- $25.61 an hour

• Education – Formal technical degree and an apprenticeship under a qualified electrician

Electricians plan blueprints, install, and maintain electrical systems in houses, schools, businesses, and other environments. This job requires employees to be on their feet, conduct complex problem solving and maintain excellent customer service.

Decide What is Best for You

Now, you don’t have to go into a physically demanding job for a trade school. Trade schools offer several certifications and degrees from funeral directing to web development right down the street from you. There are several trade schools in your area and online. Finding which path you want to take all focuses on what time, money, and resources you have at hand. Before choosing to go to a college or trade school, concentrate on what makes you happy and how you can turn your bliss into a steady income.

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