Seven Ways Trade School Can Beat a Four-Year Degree

Trade schools are often assumed to offer a lesser education than four-year colleges. That belief is misplaced. Trade schools can teach students and prepare them for work in their chosen field just as well as colleges and universities, and they can be a simpler, cheaper route into a career. Seven reasons to weigh trade school against a four-year degree follow.

1. Lower Cost

Many trade schools run affordable two-year programs, so graduates can start working after two years instead of four. College prices at both private and public schools have climbed sharply in recent years, and most four-year bachelor's degrees now cost more than $100,000. The average trade school degree costs about $30,000. Trade school also offers the chance to earn money while studying and working toward credentials.

2. Potential for a Lucrative Career

Skilled workers remain in steady demand, particularly in IT, technology, and healthcare. Employers value precise, high-level skills and are willing to pay well for them. The more specialized a skill is, the narrower the market for it, and the more employers will pay for that work.

3. Smaller, More Focused Classes

The first two years of a four-year degree often consist of general education courses that survey a broad range of subjects. That can suit students who want a well-rounded education built on the basics of their area of interest.

Students who want to become experts in a particular field or trade, or who already know what career they want, may be better served by trade school. Class sizes are smaller, with fewer students per instructor, so there is more interaction between students and teachers. Because courses center on one industry, they tend to build deeper knowledge that prepares students for the job.

4. Competitive Pay

The average trade school graduate earns roughly $42,000 a year. These graduates also join the workforce two years ahead of college graduates. Depending on the trade and the location, earnings can run well above that average. According to Salary.com, for example, electricians in the 90th percentile earn $68,600.

5. Strong Demand for Trade Jobs

Healthcare technicians, carpenters, and electricians rank among the most in-demand trades in the United States. That demand also makes them among the jobs least likely to be sent overseas. Most trade work requires someone on site, so the risk of outsourcing to workers in other countries is small.

6. Help Finding a Job

Many employers like to hire trade school graduates, since vocational training gives them the skills to succeed in their field. This matters most to employers seeking a specific skill set.

Many trade schools partner with employers across industries to link them with qualified, skilled workers who match their needs. Some schools go further, helping students with resume writing, networking, and interviewing so they can land the job they want.

7. Flexible Ways to Learn

Flexibility is among the biggest advantages of studying at a trade school. Many schools provide a wide selection of online classes, along with full-time and part-time options that can fit around a busy schedule. That makes trade school a good fit for students whose existing responsibilities make a traditional four-year degree hard to finish.

Taking the Next Step

A career that provides financial support and leaves room to enjoy life starts with finding an affordable trade school. Trade schools are an alternative to the traditional four-year college, offering the benefits of a good career without the burden of school debt. Searching for a trade school online is the first step toward a new career.