12 Smart Reasons To Go to a Trade School (And Not a College)

Whether you just finished high school or are considering training for a new career to help you stop living paycheck to paycheck, there are some big choices ahead of you.

Most importantly, you have to decide what type of schooling will get you closest to your dream job. For many Americans, that means choosing between attending a traditional college or a trade school.

While both types of schooling have pros and cons, here are 12 reasons to consider a trade school instead of enrolling in a college.

According to data from the U.S. Department of Education, the average college student at a four-year public college paid $9,700 in tuition and fees for the 2021 to 2022 school year.

That number jumped to $38,800 for students at private nonprofit colleges.

The tab is likely to be lower for trade school. For example, according to Accredited Schools Online, you might pay as little as $4,000 a year in tuition and fees at a trade school in Washington.

Since the overall cost of attending a trade school is less than attending a university, it’s possible to graduate from a trade school with substantially less debt than the average college graduate.

According to the Education Data Initiative, the average federal student loan debt is $37,338 for each borrower. You might still take on some debt to attend a trade school, but it should be much lower than what you would owe as a college student.

Applying to attend a university usually requires potential students to submit their ACT or SAT scores, write several personal essays, assemble a portfolio of work, and submit letters of recommendation from teachers and employers.

In contrast, getting into a trade school is likely to be significantly easier. You will need a high school degree or completion of the GED, and you might need to take a standardized exam.

While students at many colleges can expect to receive hands-on experience in their chosen career field eventually, most also spend several semesters working their way through general education courses or major prerequisites.

By contrast, since trade schools focus on getting students into a career as soon as possible, students typically dive into hands-on training and experience quickly,

Since trade schools don’t emphasize general education like traditional colleges, students spend far less time at a trade school.

Depending on your program and profession, you might spend a few months to two years at a trade school. Your program at a traditional college would likely last no fewer than two years and often takes four or more years.

Since students enter trade school to study highly specialized trades, it’s a safe bet that most of them move into careers quickly that are at least adjacent to their studies.

In contrast, just 62% of college students studying for a degree or certificate complete their studies within six years, according to National Student Clearinghouse data.

Graduating from any type of school — including trade school — doesn't guarantee a job in your field. However, because trade schools prioritize hands-on experience and certification, it’s comparatively straightforward for students to transition immediately from school into a career.

While the same thing can be true of college or university graduates, the demand for skilled, fully trained workers means trade school graduates may have an edge in a competitive market.

Across the country, college classrooms have an average of 14 students to one teacher, according to the most recent numbers from the National Center for Education Statistics.

At many trade schools, one-on-one training with close oversight is crucial to highly skilled job training.

Teachers at trade schools are typically experts in their fields, with years of career experience. As a result, they might belong to trade organizations with connections that can benefit their students.

Plus, since trade schools are usually smaller than universities and colleges, it can be easier for students to network with each other and collaborate on making connections within their communities.

No matter how the economy changes, some jobs are always in demand, including most of the jobs for which trade schools prepare their students.

Regardless of the state of the economy, plumbers, electricians, and HVAC specialists are essential in just about every part of the country. That means trade schools set you up for a stable career that can outlast economic ups and downs.

Trade schools focus on practical, hands-on skills over theory and general education.

That means trade schools can be ideal for students who haven’t previously connected with less practical, more theoretical teaching methods.

Many trade schools build technical certification into their degrees and offer coursework that supports a clear career trajectory.

With some programs, you might need to get certified after graduation. But with others, getting professionally certified is just part of your regular coursework, which can save you time and get you into a career fast so you can boost your bank account quickly.

When deciding between attending a trade school or college, consider your career goals, financial needs, personality traits, learning style, and overall life plans.

There is no true one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to schooling: Instead, carefully consider the pros and cons of college and trade schools so you can make the choice that will help you find fulfillment and get ahead financially.