If you have started thinking about your future career, you may be wondering which path to take to achieve your goals. Most high school students choose to go to college, while some choose to attend trade schools. Choosing the right option can be confusing but it is important to weigh the pros and cons of each option before making a final decision. After all, your decision can affect the outcome of your career as well as your long-term earning potential.
Admissions Process
The college admissions process can be stressful and overwhelming. To attend college, you are required to fill out multiple applications, take admissions tests such as the SAT or ACT, secure recommendations, write essays, and even take part in an interview session before you are admitted into the school of your choice. Some colleges also consider your extracurricular activities and personal interests when deciding whether or not to accept your application.
To attend trade schools for construction, you will only need to apply with your high school diploma. The process is much simpler and a lot less stressful. You can decide whether to enroll in a trade school after high school graduation instead of having to plan your application months or years in advance.
Cost of Program
Education can be expensive no matter which route you choose to pursue. The good news is that the average cost of attending a trade school is substantially less than the cost of attending college. While there are no laws that govern the price of tuition at trade schools, many programs offer lower rates than traditional colleges to make their offerings more accessible to prospective students.
Depending on your area of study, trade school tuition will cost you between $3,000 to $12,000 a year. Meanwhile, the average tuition fees at private not-for-profit colleges are over $29,000 a year. This difference is made more significant when you add books, extracurricular activities, and on-campus living costs. That said, financial aid is available to some degree for both college and trade school students.
Duration of Program
It takes about four years for a full-time student to earn a bachelor’s degree from a college program. In contrast, it takes students less than two years to complete a certificate or diploma from a trade school. Shorter courses make it easier for students to achieve their career goals in less time while also saving them money on tuition. It also means that graduates can enter the workforce and start earning money sooner.
In addition, most trade school programs are integrated with internships and real-world experience to provide students with the skills they need to start working once they graduate. On the other hand, college programs are more theoretical and academic, meaning that students need to pursue other avenues to gain practical experience upon the completion of their course.
Earning Potential
Generally, the earning potential for college graduates tends to be higher than that of trade school graduates. However, this can vary widely depending on the chosen profession. For instance, air traffic controllers and dental hygienists who graduated from trade schools can earn far more than a typical college graduate with an arts degree, but engineers and financial managers with bachelor’s degrees can outearn tradespeople such as plumbers or construction managers.
When choosing whether to attend college or a trade school, career opportunities factor heavily in the decision-making process. Some professions such as construction have a high demand for workers, which means that graduates can secure stable jobs and excellent salaries immediately after completing their study program. By contrast, some other positions require years of training and experience before graduates can begin their careers and earn a decent salary.
Course of Study
Trade schools are highly specialized and focus on training students in practical skills for their chosen careers. These schools offer hands-on learning opportunities and allow students to interact with experienced professionals working in the field.
Meanwhile, colleges offer a wide range of academic programs that provide students with a broader education. College students have the chance to explore different fields and develop a more sophisticated understanding of a wide variety of subjects.
Therefore, while trade schools may produce job-ready candidates, colleges can produce more well-rounded individuals who have better soft skills such as critical thinking, effective communication, and cultural awareness.
Career Flexibility
Due to the focused nature of the trade school training, graduates are less flexible than college graduates in terms of changing career paths. This is because they do not possess the range of skills and knowledge relevant to other professions and must therefore pursue further education if they wish to expand their career options.
In contrast, most college students are exposed to a wide range of disciplines and have skills that apply to a range of professions. This allows them to transition into different careers more easily if necessary. For instance, a literature student could work as a copywriter, a social media manager, or a teacher.
Conclusion
As you can see, college and trade school each have their pros and cons. Therefore, when choosing a course of study, you should consider your career goals carefully and decide if you want to acquire specialized practical knowledge or develop broader intellectual capabilities. Also, think about whether you want to start work as soon as possible or take some time to explore a variety of fields. Choose wisely!
