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Considering today's industries and competition between STEM fields and general colleges, would it be more beneficial to take up a trade school instead? What are some comparisons to be made of education between trade school and college?
Colleges can be expensive, time-consuming, and overly competitive. What kinds of options from trade schools could still offer healthy salaries?
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Mbah Wai-Tanyi’s Answer
Considering a trade school instead of a traditional college or STEM field program? That's a great idea! Trade schools offer many benefits, especially when it comes to cost, time, and job readiness.
Cost-Effective
Trade schools are significantly cheaper than traditional colleges, with students paying an average of $33,000 for their entire education ¹. This is because trade school programs are typically shorter, lasting less than two years.
Time-Efficient
Trade school programs are designed to get you job-ready quickly. Most programs take less than two years to complete, which means you can start earning money and building experience faster ¹.
Job Readiness
Trade schools focus on providing real-world experience and practical skills, making graduates job-ready immediately ². Many trade school programs also offer apprenticeships or on-the-job training.
High-Paying Trade School Careers*
Some trade school careers offer surprisingly high salaries:
- Construction Manager: $95,260 per year
- Radiation Therapist: $85,560 per year
- Dental Hygienist: $76,220 per year
- _Respiratory Therapist_: $61,330 per year ¹
Comparison to College
While college degrees tend to pay more, trade school careers can offer better job security and stability, especially during economic downturns ¹. Additionally, trade school programs provide specialized training, which can lead to higher earning potential with experience.
Trade School Options
Some popular trade school options include:
- Electrical Training
- HVAC Technician
- Solar Installation
- Medical Assistant
- Pharmacy Technician
- Cybersecurity Specialist ²
Ultimately, choosing between a trade school and traditional college depends on your interests, strengths, and career goals. Consider what you want to achieve and research the best options for your future.
Cost-Effective
Trade schools are significantly cheaper than traditional colleges, with students paying an average of $33,000 for their entire education ¹. This is because trade school programs are typically shorter, lasting less than two years.
Time-Efficient
Trade school programs are designed to get you job-ready quickly. Most programs take less than two years to complete, which means you can start earning money and building experience faster ¹.
Job Readiness
Trade schools focus on providing real-world experience and practical skills, making graduates job-ready immediately ². Many trade school programs also offer apprenticeships or on-the-job training.
High-Paying Trade School Careers*
Some trade school careers offer surprisingly high salaries:
- Construction Manager: $95,260 per year
- Radiation Therapist: $85,560 per year
- Dental Hygienist: $76,220 per year
- _Respiratory Therapist_: $61,330 per year ¹
Comparison to College
While college degrees tend to pay more, trade school careers can offer better job security and stability, especially during economic downturns ¹. Additionally, trade school programs provide specialized training, which can lead to higher earning potential with experience.
Trade School Options
Some popular trade school options include:
- Electrical Training
- HVAC Technician
- Solar Installation
- Medical Assistant
- Pharmacy Technician
- Cybersecurity Specialist ²
Ultimately, choosing between a trade school and traditional college depends on your interests, strengths, and career goals. Consider what you want to achieve and research the best options for your future.
Updated
Raymond’s Answer
Hi Marco! I think it is great that you are considering trade school and the potential costs and benefits of trade school or college. I think I have a unique perspective as I have experience in both areas. Some background about me: I worked as an HVAC apprentice throughout high school, went through vocational school, then ultimately decided to study computer science in college and become a software engineer. What's interesting is there are a lot of overlaps between these two careers, and both can be both financially and intrinsically rewarding. Ultimately, I think it's best to choose the one that you think you would enjoy the day-to-day more.
Some similarities:
- Problem solving both careers require good troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
- Autonomy: both careers let you have control over how you work
- Breadth: there is so much to learn in both fields, and you will never be bored!
Differences:
- Work environment: As an engineer, you generally get to work in an office every day; whereas HVAC is a very physically demanding job and requires you to be outside most of the day
- Education requirements: As you mentioned, college is very expensive compared to trade school. In trade school, you have one goal: learn the vocation. I found college to be more rewarding as I had the opportunity to learn about other subjects of interest outside of my major like philosophy, biology, and chemistry!
For myself, I found college to be a period of great intellectual growth, and it gave me the opportunity to have the career I love today. Whether you go to vocational school or pursue STEM in college, you will be set up to have a great career. Ultimately, I would decide by looking at the day-to-day of these two career paths and choose based on what you would be most happy doing.
Some similarities:
- Problem solving both careers require good troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
- Autonomy: both careers let you have control over how you work
- Breadth: there is so much to learn in both fields, and you will never be bored!
Differences:
- Work environment: As an engineer, you generally get to work in an office every day; whereas HVAC is a very physically demanding job and requires you to be outside most of the day
- Education requirements: As you mentioned, college is very expensive compared to trade school. In trade school, you have one goal: learn the vocation. I found college to be more rewarding as I had the opportunity to learn about other subjects of interest outside of my major like philosophy, biology, and chemistry!
For myself, I found college to be a period of great intellectual growth, and it gave me the opportunity to have the career I love today. Whether you go to vocational school or pursue STEM in college, you will be set up to have a great career. Ultimately, I would decide by looking at the day-to-day of these two career paths and choose based on what you would be most happy doing.