If you want to advance your skills and education but are unsure if a traditional four-year college is for you, you may want to consider a trade school. Attending a vocational school can be an excellent option for those who want to get the necessary training to secure a good job quickly.
In this article, I’ll explain the benefits and potential disadvantages of trade schools. Also, I’ll thoroughly describe the differences between trade schools, community colleges, and four-year colleges.
Important Facts about Trade Schools
| Average Cost | $33,000 |
| Career Training | Hands-on; trade-focused instruction |
| Average Debt Compared to Four-Year Degree | Approximately 70% less |
| Median Salary Upon Graduation | $35,720 |
Table of Contents
What Are Trade Schools?
Trade schools provide specific training for skilled crafts. Students may enroll in trade school — sometimes called vocational school — immediately following high school or after gaining some work experience. Trade schools can be stand-alone institutions or housed within a community college.
People as young as 16 can begin trade school, as long as they meet a school’s requirements. Programs at trade schools provide hands-on experience through labs and workplaces. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some trade schools now offer virtual labs as well.
Students can pursue many specialities. For example, trade school programs in welding can prepare students for jobs in automotive fabrication or construction. HVAC trade schools can offer students the specialized skills needed to work as apprentices under licensed HVAC technicians. Many programs prepare students for trade school jobs in 6-12 months.
Should I Enroll in a Trade School?
You don’t need any experience in your target field to enroll in trade school. When picking a school, begin by finding a program that suits your career goals. Although some schools welcome junior- and senior-level high school students, trade school programs may require applicants to have a high school or GED diploma. These programs usually last 6-24 months.
Online or hybrid delivery formats provide flexible learning environments. These may be especially appealing to students who have other commitments, such as children or work.
Trade schools typically provide specific career training at lower costs than four-year colleges. According to the College Board, the average in-district tuition for two-year colleges, which may offer trade programs, was $3,770 annually in 2020-21. In contrast, the average yearly tuition for in-state students attending public four-year colleges was $10,560.
Trade jobs also are known for their stability. Even during challenging economic times, many trade school jobs, such as auto mechanic, electrician, and medical assistant, are usually needed.
What programs do trade schools offer?
Each trade school has its own academic offerings, but most of them offer programs that lead to the following careers:
| Occupation | Annual Base Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Medical Lab Technician | $37k – $63k |
| Head chef | $31k – $73k |
| Computer programmer | $44k – $112k |
| Cosmetologist | $20k – $60k |
| Dental hygienist | $61k – $101k |
| Welder | $33k – $65k |
| Plumber | $35k – $86k |
| Electrical Technician | 36k – $81k |
| Hospitality manager | $31k – $73k |
| Automotive Technician | $28k – $71k |
| Carpenter | $34k – $82k |
| Construction laborer | $27k – $67k |
| Medical Technologist | $48k – $81k |
| Accounting Clerk | $30k – $53k |
| Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Technician | $33k – $74k |
What Can You Do With a Degree From a Trade School?
After completing a trade school program, you can get a job directly related to the field you studied in your vocational school program. For example, once you complete a dental assisting program, you can get a job as a dental assistant. If you complete a program in plumbing, you can get a position as a plumber. Again, these schools are designed to prepare you for a job in a specific field.
Here are some of the jobs you can do with a degree from a trade school:
- Electrician
- Dental hygienist
- Plumber
- Paralegal
- Nurse
- Graphic Designer
- Welder
- Computer technician
- Aircraft mechanic
- Cosmetologist
- Chef
- Marine mechanic
- Construction manager
- Massage therapist
- Pharmacy technician
The Differences Between Vocational Schools, Community Colleges, and Universities
When you’re deciding your path, it’s important that you know the major differences between trade schools, community colleges, and four-year colleges. I’ll outline the biggest differences between each type of school for you here.
Trade Schools
Trade school programs are the shortest; they run from less than a year to up to two years. As opposed to community colleges and four-year colleges, many vocational schools are for-profit businesses. The focus of trade schools is on giving students hands-on experience directly related to a specific job. At the end of a program, you can get a diploma or certificate, prepare for a licensing exam, or become an apprentice or journeyman in a skilled trade. Admission is mostly open enrollment.
There’s really no extracurricular involvement or on-campus culture at trade schools. Students just attend their classes and get their professional training.
Community Colleges
Community colleges award associate degrees at the end of two years. Most community colleges are public, but there are private ones, which are usually referred to as junior colleges. Like trade schools, some community colleges give diplomas or certificates to students who complete a program to practice in a specific field like cosmetology or nursing. Admission is mostly open enrollment: high school graduates or students 18 or older can attend.
Community colleges tend to be the cheapest of all the college options. In 2022, the average tuition and fees for a year at a public two-year college for in-district students was $3,860, and the average at a public four-year college for in-state students was $10,940. The average cost to complete a trade school degree (1-2 years) is $34,740.
Socially, there are more options for students at community colleges than there are for students at trade schools. However, there are fewer options compared to students at four-year colleges. Community colleges often have sports teams, clubs, and on-campus residents, but many community college students commute and are only at school for their classes.
Also, you have the option of transferring from a two-year community college to a four-year college. Many students start at a community college and then transfer to get a four-year college degree. If you take this option, make sure the courses you take are transferable and that you’re doing the necessary work to make yourself eligible to transfer.
Four-Year Colleges
Four-year colleges can be public or private, and the vast majority are non-profit.
After successfully finishing a program at a four-year college, you get a bachelor’s degree. This is the most versatile and highest degree you can get compared to degrees at trade schools and community colleges. On average, those with bachelor’s degrees make more money than those with associate degrees or trade school diplomas. Furthermore, bachelor’s degrees are required to go on to graduate school or professional schools like law school, medical school, or dental school.
Even though four-year colleges do have pre-professional majors and programs, the focus is more on acquiring academic knowledge.
Socially, four-year colleges offer the most opportunities for students. There are varsity sports, intramural sports, campus clubs, fraternities, sororities, guest speakers, campus traditions, and a greater percentage of students who live on or near campus.
Benefits of Attending a Trade School Over a Four-Year College
Going to a vocational school does offer some undeniable benefits.
The most obvious benefit of going to a trade school is that trade schools require less time to complete. Almost all trade school programs can be finished in less than two years. Meanwhile, getting a degree from a community college normally takes two years, and getting a traditional four-year college degree usually takes at least four years to complete, and many students need a fifth or sixth year to get their degrees.
Less time in school allows you to get more job experience and progress faster in your career. Furthermore, if you’re not in school, you won’t have to pay for those additional years of college tuition and may have to take out fewer student loans.
Another advantage of trade schools is the hands-on preparation you’ll receive for a specific job. Many four-year colleges and programs at four-year colleges focus more on scholarly learning than on job preparation. For example, if you graduate with a degree in philosophy or theater, you may have difficulty finding a job that’s directly related to your major. At a trade school, the focus is on learning the skills that you’ll be using in your job when you graduate.
Similarly, because the goal at a vocational school is to acquire the skills for a certain job, it may be easier to initially find a job in that field. Also, many trade school programs are geared toward fields in which there is high demand for workers.
Additionally, there are lucrative jobs you can get with a trade school degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for dental hygienists was $78,810 in 2021. Meanwhile, the median starting salary for four-year college graduates was $60,028 for students from the class of 2022.
Finally, if you go to a trade school, you don’t have to stress about the traditional college application process. Because the application requirements are much less strict at a trade school, if you decide to go to one, you won’t have to spend the time or money associated with four-year college applications. You won’t have to take the SAT/ACT. You won’t have to stress about your grades. You won’t have to worry about joining clubs just to enhance your college applications.
Pros of Trade School
Hands-On Training
Trade school offers hands-on training and professional development, which prepare learners for entry-level jobs in their fields. Students learn by doing and can often begin their careers without extensive on-the-job training. Some trade school programs include internships or apprenticeships as part of the curriculum.
Applicable Skills
Trade school programs focus on career-relevant skills and training. Unlike a traditional college curriculum, a vocational school curriculum does not contain general education courses. Instead, students complete coursework solely in their fields of study. They graduate ready for a specific occupation.
Faster Education
A major benefit of trade school is that students can typically complete their education in two years or less — much less time than it takes to earn a college degree. Trade schools offer short-term, experiential education that prepares learners for entry-level positions or apprenticeships immediately after graduation.
Smaller Class Sizes
Trade school programs often offer smaller class sizes than traditional university programs, which means more one-on-one instruction from teachers. Students usually only take classes and complete training with others pursuing the same credential. This can help students build tight-knit communities and access networking opportunities within the school.
Reliable Job Industry
Trade school offers training for specialized, in-demand careers with greater job stability. Many trade school fields, like plumbing and HVAC, resist fluctuations in the economy that impact most industries. Even in the most challenging times, many trade jobs remain necessary, making them highly desirable.
Cons of Trade School
Limited Career Growth
Although trade school jobs can pay well, workers may face limited options for career growth. Managerial or supervisory jobs often require a college degree, so advancing in a trade career can prove to be difficult.
Also, because trade school prepares students for a specific occupation, it can limit a worker’s future job opportunities. Trade school graduates may find it difficult to translate their skills from one industry to another.
On the other hand, a traditional college degree offers students a broader education and helps them develop transferable skills that can qualify them for many types of careers.
Limited School Options
There are countless four-year universities across the U.S. However, specialized training programs at vocational schools can be hard to find. You may need to relocate to study at a technical school offering the specific program you are interested in.
Limited Financial Aid Options
Limited financial aid options can pose another challenge for students considering trade school. Traditional college students receive access to grants, scholarships, federal student loans, and other financial aid programs to help them pay for school. Trade school students often have fewer financing opportunities.
Class Competition
When groups of trade school students graduate together, they may find it difficult to land jobs or apprenticeships in their area. Too many graduates in the same field can saturate the local market and cause high competition for entry-level jobs. Research the projected job growth rate for potential careers in your area before choosing a trade school program.
Rigorous Schedule
The accelerated pace of trade school allows learners to graduate and qualify for jobs quickly. However, this demanding schedule may not leave students with much free time while in school. Some trade school programs run year-round with few scheduled breaks. The ability to enter the workforce quickly may outweigh this downside to trade school.
Should You Go to a Trade School or a Four-Year College?
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.
Keep in mind that if you don’t have the grades or test scores to go to a four-year college, you have options other than a vocational school. If you want to go to a four-year college, but you’re worried that you don’t have the qualifications to get admitted, check out the colleges with the highest acceptance rates. You still may be able to get in with sub-par grades and test scores.
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.
Trade school vs. college: Which is right for me?
When it comes to choosing between going to college or attending trade school, Lammers says it’s all about personal choice.
“While the traditional school-to-college-to-job path has worked for some, many young people are looking for paths that better suit their needs and aspirations, and we need to do more to better support and validate those aspirations,” Lammers says. “Trade schools are not an ‘alternative’ to college, or something lesser, but a valid choice based on a specific career aspiration,” she adds.
If you want to learn a skilled job, enjoy hands-on learning and are interested in entering the workforce as soon as possible, then a trade program may be right for you. But if you’re interested in learning a discipline within a specific field that offers multiple career choices across different industries, then going to college may be the better option.
How to Find the Right Vocational School for You
Once you’ve decided to attend a trade school, your next step is deciding which school is best for you. There are three main steps to doing this:
#1: Make Sure the Trade School Offers the Program You Want
Nothing else about the school matters if it doesn’t have the program you want, so this is your first step. If you’re interested in a specific program/certificate, make sure the school offers exactly what you’re looking for so there are no surprises once you graduate. You can also ask admissions counselors at the school which jobs the program will qualify you for.
#2: Make Sure the Trade School Has a Good Reputation
It’s imperative the school you attend has a good reputation so people who hire you will have confidence in the program you completed. Your school might have specific accreditation which you should research, and you should also read online reviews and speak to current and former students to see if they would recommend the school and program. Unfortunately, there are many vocational schools that exist mostly as diploma mills and will take a lot of your money without giving you a good education in return. Doing your research early on will help you avoid this.
#3: Make Sure You Can Manage the Costs and Schedule
Finally, you also need to make sure you can afford tuition costs (or be able to take out the necessary financial aid), and that the times the classes are offered work with your schedule. The school should also be able to estimate how many hours a week you should be devoting to the program, and you should make sure you’re able to manage that workload or look into part-time options. One resource is the Pureland Supply Vocational and Skilled Trade Scholarship. It awards at least one $500 scholarship each year to a student attending a trade or vocational school. The deadline is typically in early May.
How to Apply to a Trade School
For the majority of trade schools, the application process is relatively simple. Most schools have a basic online application on their websites, or you can contact the school for admissions information. Also, there tend to be no application deadlines. You can apply at any time, but you may need to wait for the beginning of your program of interest before you can enroll.
Additionally, after you fill out the application, you may have to interview or speak with an admissions representative. These conversations are meant to be informational and help guide you to the program that would be best for you.
Trade schools aren’t considered selective, and most are open enrollment. For the majority of schools and programs, you don’t have to take the SAT/ACT, and you don’t need to write an essay. Furthermore, trade schools won’t require recommendations or consider your extracurricular activities when determining admission.
Choosing a Trade School
When choosing a trade school to attend, the first step is to decide on a trade. Trade school programs are very specialized, and entering students must know exactly what career they are pursuing. After deciding on a career path, prospective students can use a search tool, such as the College Matchmaker offered by the College Board, or they can search by geographical location to find a trade school in their area.
The College Board suggests that students consider cost, academic requirements, and program format when choosing any school. Students should also make sure that a school is licensed or accredited. Trade organizations often provide lists of respected schools in their specific industry and are a good resource for seeking a quality school.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is a trade school?
Trade schools, also known as vocational schools, provide specific training for skilled crafts and trades. These schools focus on hands-on experience and practical skills required for particular jobs, such as welding, plumbing, HVAC, and dental assisting.
2. How long does it take to complete a trade school program?
Trade school programs typically last between 6 months to 2 years, depending on the specific field of study and the depth of training required.
3. How much does it cost to attend a trade school?
The average cost of attending a trade school is around $33,000. However, this can vary depending on the program and the institution.
4. What are the advantages of attending a trade school?
- Faster Education: Programs can be completed in less than two years.
- Hands-On Training: Focused on practical, job-specific skills.
- Lower Cost: Generally more affordable than four-year colleges.
- Smaller Class Sizes: More personalized instruction.
- Stable Job Market: Many trade jobs are in high demand and offer job stability.
5. Are there any disadvantages to attending a trade school?
- Limited Career Growth: Fewer opportunities for advancement without additional education.
- Limited School Options: Fewer trade schools than traditional colleges.
- Limited Financial Aid: Fewer financing opportunities compared to traditional colleges.
- Rigorous Schedule: Intensive programs with less flexibility.
6. How do trade schools compare to community colleges and four-year colleges?
- Trade Schools: Offer specialized, hands-on training for specific careers and can be completed in a shorter time frame.
- Community Colleges: Provide associate degrees and certificates, with an option to transfer to four-year colleges. They often have lower tuition costs and offer a broader range of programs.
- Four-Year Colleges: Offer bachelor’s degrees and provide a broader education with opportunities for graduate studies. They generally offer more social and extracurricular activities.
7. What kind of jobs can you get with a trade school degree?
Trade school graduates can pursue careers such as electrician, dental hygienist, plumber, paralegal, nurse, graphic designer, welder, computer technician, and many more.
8. How do I choose the right trade school for me?
- Program Availability: Ensure the school offers the program you are interested in.
- Reputation: Research the school’s reputation, accreditation, and read reviews from current and former students.
- Cost and Schedule: Make sure you can afford the tuition and manage the class schedule.
9. What is the application process for trade schools?
The application process is generally straightforward with an online application form. Most trade schools have open enrollment and do not require standardized test scores, essays, or recommendations.
Conclusion
Trade schools offer a viable and attractive alternative to traditional four-year colleges, especially for those who prefer hands-on learning and wish to enter the workforce quickly. They provide focused training for specific careers, often at a lower cost and with shorter program durations. While there are some limitations in terms of career growth and financial aid options, the benefits of trade schools, such as smaller class sizes, job stability, and specialized training, make them a compelling choice for many students. By carefully selecting a reputable trade school that offers the desired program, students can ensure a fulfilling and successful career path.