Trade School Vs College: Which One Is Right For You
“Trade school vs. college” is a common debate among many potential students. With numerous training options out there, it can be perplexing to choose a path. Attending traditional degree-granting colleges and universities seems like an obvious choice for many, but is it always necessary? Are there good options for what to do instead of college? Are trade schools a good alternative? And what’s the difference between trade schools and colleges anyway?
These are all great questions. Let’s start by looking at what the key difference is between trade schools and colleges. It is important to know that career colleges, technical schools, trade schools, and vocational schools are all essentially the same thing these terms can be used interchangeably. These schools teach skills and abilities that are directly related to specific jobs, whereas traditional colleges tend to offer broader, more general education programs, some of which can be targeted toward specific jobs or occupational categories.
So this clears up the basic difference between types of schools, but there is a lot more to the “vocational school vs. college” debate. You still may be unsure of which option is best for you, and you may even be wondering if going to trade school or college is worth it all. Keep reading to discover the questions and answers that many potential students just like you have when trying to figure out what educational routes are best for them. We’ll cover the following questions:
What Are The Differences In Professional Trade Certificates And Associate Degree Programs
What question do teenagers in high school get asked of them the most by their teachers, parents, grandparents or even their classmates? Thats right Where are you going to college? While some have a definitive answer, others have no idea. Some students are expected to go to their parents alma mater, while some want to go as far away from home as they can get. Some students want to stick close to home, while others dont want to go at all.
Ability To Begin Work Sooner
Its also important to keep in mind that students who graduate from a technical college are eligible to enter the workforce years earlier than they would by pursuing a general education from a four-year program. Two years of collecting a salary instead of paying for school will result in a substantial amount of money saved.
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Should You Go To A Trade School Or A Four
There are a few factors to consider when deciding whether to go to a trade school or a four-year college. Generally, I encourage all students who are capable to go to a four-year college.
You’ll give yourself the most opportunities by graduating from a four-year school, and you’ll likely have a more fun, enriching experience at a traditional four-year college. Also, by going to a four-year school, you’ll have more earning potential and job flexibility.
A trade school is a good option if you can’t spend the time to get a four-year degree or you’re very sure that you want to do a job that you can prepare for at a vocational school. Sometimes, family or financial situations make it too challenging for students to spend four years in school, so they opt to complete a much shorter program at a trade school.
Also, some students just don’t like traditional schooling. They struggle to do well in school because they detest reading and writing papers. They prefer doing something more active and don’t want to spend at least four years in college to end up with a desk job.
If you know you want to be an automotive technician, you may benefit more from completing a trade school program than going to a four-year college. You’ll get hands-on experience and be able to start your career in a short period of time.
Also, you can go to a community college and then transfer to a four-year college. Most community colleges are open enrollment, so you don’t have to worry about being admitted.
Highest Paying Trade School Jobs And Vocational School Careers Conclusion
Trade schools offer vocational education and professional development. With the development of online schools, the benefits for students has become tremendous. Distance learning with a vocational school can provide valuable career training for a wide range of high paying trade jobs. We hope this ranking of vocational and trade schools helps you with your school search.
You may also want to check out our career profiles, which may also help in your school search for career training programs.
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Top 30 Highest Paying Trade School Jobs And Vocational School Careers
Trade school graduates are in high demand. There is a drastic labor shortage in the construction industry right now, as well as many other skilled trades and vocational careers. High-paying positions like electricians and welders are right at the edge of experiencing the same high demand and shortage of skilled labor. Trade schools provide vocational education to bridge the gap.
As of the start of 2020, the United States has had a historically low unemployment rate for well over a year. This means that most Americans who are seeking jobs, have them. Simultaneously, unfilled jobs, including high-paying skilled trade jobs, have steadily risen for the last few years. This means that more power is in the hands of individual workers who are willing to transition to high-demand careers. Trade school degrees prepare students to fill these high-paying trade jobs and increase their earning potential.
In short, there arent nearly enough skilled workers to fill the 7.3 million job openings in America today.
So what does this have to do with vocational or trade school?
First off, some of the largest portions of job openings are for skilled trades. These trades often dont require a two or four-year degree but still require some education and hands-on experience. Fields of work that are particularly in demand and can be prepared for with a Trade School diploma include:
- Construction Careers
- Practical Nursing Careers
- And a range of others
In this article:
Time To Complete Program: Trade School Vs College
When comparing trade school vs. college, most prospective students will notice the difference in completion times first. While traditional college degrees typically take four years, trade school programs often take less than two years to complete. Here are a few upsides to enrolling in a short program.
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Can You Complete Vocational Training Online
Yes! Online vocational training is available in a wide variety of specializations. Here are just a few examples:
- Advanced Medical Coding
- Veterinary Assisting
- Wedding Planner
Vocational training online is an excellent option for those who have other commitments, such as a job or family, that they need to maintain while earning a degree or certification. While the majority of the training can be completed online, some online vocational training programs include additional hands-on courses at a campus or workplace in the students area.
Medical Dental And Pharmacy
- Medical Billing and Coding Medical Billers and Coders analyze patients medical documentation looking for diagnoses and treatments, then determine the appropriate code and record that for insurance billing purposes. They are the middle person between physicians and insurance companies, managing important, confidential data.
- Dental Assistant -A Dental Assistant works directly with the dentist, preparing instruments, assisting with procedures, taking impressions and discussing dental care with patients. They may also take on administrative tasks such as updating records or scheduling appointments.
- Pharmacy Technician -Pharmacy Technicians communicate with patients and relay their needs, questions and concerns to the Pharmacist. They also handle pharmaceutical inventory.
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Job Security: Trade School Vs College
Trade school graduates enjoy strong job security: Careers like plumbing and home inspecting typically survive weak economies and recessions. These tradespeople often perform essential services that the world needs at all times.
Meanwhile, college programs may give degree-seekers flexible skills that are widely applicable, but those jobs do not always perform as well during economic crises. In both pathways, experience can improve job security.
Types Of Trade Schools: What Can You Learn And How Do They Work
All trade schools offer highly tailored training programs geared towards a specific field. One trade school may offer different types of training programs, for example both welding training and HVAC training. Both programs may exist at a single technical school, though each program is unique. In this case, the classrooms and training facilities for both programs may exist on one campus, but each program has its own qualified teachers and related instruction.
Some trade schools are highly specialized and offer different variations of training in only one field. An automotive technical school, for instance, is focused around car mechanics, and might offer different programs with different specializations.
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Benefits Of A Short School Program
Trade school programs benefit students in several ways. First, these condensed programs allow students to enter the job market sooner, which means they start earning money and building experience faster as well. Shorter programs also mean less time commitment, which makes enrolling to pursue an education less daunting.
Second, shorter trade school programs often mean less paid in tuition, even when rates are comparable. With less time spent in school, most students ultimately pay lower school-related costs. That also means fewer travel expenses, fewer course materials, and even a shorter period of time out of the job market, making no money.
Higher education can also be challenging, and some students will find it exhausting. According to EducationData, more than 40% of undergraduates drop out of college, and 30% of those students drop out before sophomore year. Shorter programs may combat this fatigue, allowing students to stay engaged and complete their studies before they hit that wall.
A Head Start On Building Wealth
Trade school takes two years or less to complete. That means grads enter the workforce earlier than grads of four-year college and gain experience, develop connections and move up the career ladder sooner.
Rusk notes that while college students are amassing debt, tradespeople are earning income. You get a head start on building your net worth.
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Trade School Vs College: What Finance Experts Have To Say
Education in the United States has never been considered inexpensive but back in the mid-80s college education was more than four times cheaper on average than it is now.
As students are unable to pay for college education these days without getting into debt, and the costs of tuition go up, more high school graduates are looking for new ways of acquiring the education they need to enter the labor market.
According to financial experts, a very viable option is choosing an education alternative such as trade school. So, what are the pros and cons of each of these options? Lets take a look at what finance experts have to say about trade school and college.
Trade School Vs College: The Benefits Of Trade School Vs College
In this article well compare trade school vs college, and take a look at the benefits of trade school. If youre wondering the value of trade school vs college , this article will discuss: what is a trade school, how much does trade school cost, and give a brief overview of all the things you can go to trade school for.
Well also take a look at going to trade school after college, and point you to some resources for further learning about the skilled trades. If you want to learn more about starting a career in the trades, we recommend you start here or use the chapter guide in the left-hand menu.
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Do You Need To Go To School For Construction
The Bureau of Labor Statistics posted that construction workers dont need a formal education that construction can be learned through on-the-job training.
But if youre looking to advance your career or to make more than the $16.74 per hour the average laborer earns the specialized training youd get at a trade school is the way to go. Case in point: construction management salaries are two-to-three times higher than construction laborer salaries. Many trade schools offer construction management and construction tech programs. And a few universities offer masters degrees in construction management, should you go on to further study.
How To Start Your Career
As described above, the field of cosmetology is full of rewarding job opportunities. To be considered for one of these positions, you need to acquire the skills and training needed to deliver the exceptional results that your customers will seek.
The single best way to enter the field of cosmetology is to enroll in a training program. The best cosmetology schools in Texas are dedicated to preparing students for success in entry-level positions as well as salon management. And by completing a state-approved training program, you can receive the theory and hands-on training you will need to pass your licensing exam.
Southern Careers Institute offers a Cosmetology Operator Program that will prepare you for your professional exam, which is administered by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Once you pass this exam, you will be able to seek employment as a Cosmetology Operator in spas and salons in Texas.
To learn more about SCIs cosmetology program, contact us to request additional information. We look forward to helping you take the first step toward a rewarding career.
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Trade School Vs College: A Guide To Weighing Cost Timelines And More
When it comes to furthering your education, its important to think about what type of career training will work best for you. For the past several decades, the push has been toward driving graduating high school students toward traditional colleges and universities. Thats left a big hole in the workforce, with employers experiencing difficulty attracting highly skilled blue-collar workers.
Now, with the U.S. facing a major shortage of skilled tradesmen and women, its time to take another look at the reasons to consider a trade school instead of college.
Is Trade School Considered A College
In the whole discussion of trade school vs college, you may be wondering are they that different? Both colleges and trade schools are considered educational institutions. Both may offer training, certificates and degrees on many different areas and subjects. The goal of both trade schools and traditional colleges is to equip young people with the skills and knowledge they will need to join the workforce and contribute to society.
Colleges offer a vital service to the world. They train and educate people to move into positions that the world needs filled. They educate our doctors, our teachers and our engineers. These positions require a significant investment by individuals in time and resources in order to achieve these levels.
Trade schools offer opportunities that colleges cannot offer. They offer opportunities to learn a skilled trade and enter a profession that is vital to the world. People require buildings to work in and homes to live in. Without skilled trades professionals, these critical elements of our lives are not sustainable.
Trade schools are colleges for the professional skilled trades person.
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How Can You Prepare For Cosmetology School
If you are seriously considering cosmetology school, you are likely curious to know if there is anything you can do to prepare yourself for success as you complete your program. The key to your success in school is to choose a program that best meets your needs and budget. Here are five steps you can take to help you select the right program:
- Step One: Carefully evaluate certificate programs to see what various schools offer.
- Step Two: Consider the length of these certificate programs in conjunction with your schedule.
- Step Three: Research ways to pay for cosmetology school to help ensure you are financially prepared.
- Step Four: Submit applications to the programs that impress you the most.
- Step Five: If you work, talk to your employer regarding your school program to see if your schedule can be adjusted.
Who Should Consider Trade School Instead Of College
Perhaps the two most important factors to keep in mind when weighing trade school vs college is the cost and time commitment you are willing to make for career training. If youre looking for a faster track to a new career and dont want to assume a lot of student debt, trade school could be a great option.
You can decide how much time you want to spend in school and plan your training accordingly. A 6-month to 1-year program at a trade school can have you ready for entry-level employment as a welder or HVAC/R Technician, for example.
Another important aspect to keep in mind is flexibility. Most trade schools offer classes year-round, which means you dont have to wait for one semester to end and another to begin before you can start your training. Because many trade schools also offer day and evening classes, its easier to fit your schooling in without causing unnecessary disruption to your home and work life.
Another advantage of a trade school over traditional college is the career-focused training. At most four-year colleges, youll be required to take two years of prerequisites before you can start focusing on your major.
At a trade school however, hands-on training begins day one. Keeping the educational focus strictly on career training can allow trade schools to prepare students for a new career in less time and at a lower cost.
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