How to Receive a College Education in Half the Time and Money.
It is probably more accessible than you realize.
Most people can agree that higher education is way too expensive, leaving a student in major debt and four or more years out of the work force. Despite these challenges, high school seniors each year embark on a long expensive journey toward a degree. Some of them come out being successful doctors and lawyers, many end up working entry level jobs using random skills they never studied for. Seems like a waste of time. I have often thought about if there was a way to not have to commit to four plus years of more school and crazy debt.
Many seniors do not usually consider this option when looking into what school to attend. This option takes half the time and money and ultimately provides someone with a useful skill. Rockford Career College highlighted eight benefits of trade schools and how it compares to a four-year university. The blog explains that “a trade school focuses on the job essentials for training students. The education curriculum of a trade school emphasizes on practical training and knowledge for a career than a general education like a traditional college”. A trade school is there for its students to help prepare them for a future. The organizational set up of trade school education is taught in a way that actually prepares someone for a specific job or trade.
The expertise that is taught in trade schools are lifelong skills that can always be applied to the job market. One of the biggest benefits to learning a trade school is the job security. There are always open spots for trade skill jobs. Trent Hamm, creator of The Simple Dollar website, quotes Forbes saying ‘“skilled trade workers are a disproportionately older population… creating increased opportunities for young workers to fill their shoes”’. More job openings are popping up and many are not being filled because most do not consider a trade profession. The job security can also lead to good pay.
Even if someone does not admit it, everyone wants to work a job that will make them a lot of money. No one wants to have to struggle to pay for a house, car, or food. Attending a trade school saves money and time for students. Most trade schools take about two years to complete, compared to four or more years at a university. The Simple Dollar reports that, “the average trade school degree costs $33,000… compared to a $127,000 bachelor’s degree”. There is about a $94,000 difference between each degree. These numbers do not take loans into account, so the overall savings are even higher. On top of the low coast cost of a degree, paycheck earnings are higher. The National Center for Education reports that a student with a degree form a trade school will earn about $36,000 per year. This amount is similar to that of a college graduate. There are some circumstances that provide a boost to trade school students. Another statement The Simple Dollar says is, “trade school only takes an average of two years to complete versus four, that amounts to an additional two years of income for the trade school graduate”. A student could finish a degree in half the time or take as much time as needed. There can be a range of pace to complete the program, allowing a student to also basically work full time and still recieve a degree.
“trade school grads can be over $140,000 ahead at the get-go” — The Simple Dollar
There are some downsides to trade schools though. Trade schools have a focus towards specific skills and areas of work. Some of these aspects are not for everyone. Those who want to become a doctor or lawyer do not really have a choice to attend a trade school. According to Learn.org the areas of work that most trade schools focus on are “Administrative, Private Investigation, Construction, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts”. These fields could provide a job as a chef, electrician, beauty specialist, or plumber. So, for a person with any interest in the jobs that pertain to those fields, trade schools are a very useful option.
Overall, trade schools are the faster and cheaper alternative to a four-year college or university. The skills that one could learn are geared specifically towards a profession. Also, that profession is easily attainable due to the open job market. These jobs provide more money overall versus a college graduate’s income. On top of the higher income, the cost of attendance for a trade school is lower, saving money from the get go. Trade schools create more benefits and teach more skills than four-year universities, making it a smarter option for many students.
