Reasons To Consider Trade School Over College
Traditional bachelor’s degree programs and trade schools or associate degree programs offer different benefits. Learn why to consider trade school over college.
Choosing the right path in life can be difficult, and there are many factors to consider. For some, college may not be the best option due to cost or a desire to enter the workforce faster. Trade schools offer an alternative educational opportunity that could help you reach your goals faster and with less debt. Here are four reasons to consider trade school over college.
Cost
Trade schools generally offer programs and courses at a lower cost than traditional colleges and universities. The tuition is typically more affordable since the program lengths are shorter, reducing costly semesters of study. In addition, many trade schools offer scholarships, grants, or special financing options to help with the cost of tuition.
Be very careful, however, of trade schools that push you to take out student loans, especially at unfavorable interest rates. They may offer inflated promises of high income that will help you pay them back after graduation.
Verify the information they give you, talk to recent graduates, and research the school you are considering with your state’s educational regulators. Confirm the school is licensed and accredited, and check the US Department of Education’s database of accredited postsecondary institutions and programs.
Specialization
Traditional college courses offer a broad range of topics, which may include advanced education in fields like engineering and life sciences. But trade schools focus on specific vocational subjects and skills, such as welding and metal fabrication. They also offer other professional tracks, like electrical and plumbing, that are directly related to securing an apprenticeship.
An apprenticeship often leads to a career or a skilled job placement right after graduation. This type of vocational specialization allows you to gain in-depth knowledge and experience that can be beneficial for career advancement or achieving personal goals.
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Hands-On Learning
Trade schools use hands-on learning and provide students with the opportunity to gain practical experience with real-life scenarios. This approach allows you to apply your knowledge and learn from mistakes immediately in a supervised setting.
Job Placement
Traditional colleges and universities have career services offices that may sponsor job fairs, host on-campus interviews, and assist with graduate school applications. But reputable trade schools often have direct pipelines to apprenticeship programs or companies that need workers with specific skills right away. These job placement programs can help you find employment quickly once you graduate. They may also help with the process of obtaining licenses or certifications required for certain positions.
Choosing the right educational path is a personal decision, and there is no single answer that fits everyone. However, trade school can be a great option for those who want to specialize in a particular area, learn new skills, or enter the workforce quickly.
Deciding whether to attend trade school or college requires careful consideration. You may even discover that you’d rather earn a traditional bachelor’s degree and even move on to a graduate program in business, law, or medicine—the choice is yours!'
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Meet The Writer!
Hi! My name is Nadia Ibrahim-Taney and I help people design happy and fulfilling careers through authentic career coaching. My expertise includes career exploration guidance, resume writing, interview prep and LinkedIn profile optimization. My pronouns are She/ Her/ Hers and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I focus on how diverse identities impact and influence folks holistically and professionally. Please connect with me on LinkedIn or at Nadia@beyonddiscoverycoaching.com
