The Value of Trade Schools

It’s no secret that college costs are rising — a four-year undergraduate degree (including tuition, books, supplies, and living expenses) averages more than $38,000 annually. That’s not the only scary number:

• College tuition has more than doubled in the 21st century, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.11%
• The average cost for in-state students living on campus at a public four-year college or university is $27,146, including $9,750 for tuition. If you’re out of state? Tuition alone averages $27,457 per year.
• Want to attend a nonprofit university? Expect to pay an average of $58,628 per year, with tuition and fees accounting for $38,768 of that cost.

Add up four years of college tuition, room and board, and interest, and a four-year bachelor’s degree could top $500,000. Fortunately, the data also show that a college degree offers a substantial long-term return on investment (ROI) of 287.7% over a lifetime — but it can take up to 15 years of full-time employment to realize a positive return.

Those numbers can feel pretty overwhelming to many high school students, especially those leery about incurring such substantial debt before starting their careers. But there’s another reason more students opt out of a four-year degree: school just isn’t their thing.

The rise of skilled trades

The growing appeal of skilled trade is challenging traditional college paths. Rising college costs and concerns about job security in white-collar professions are encouraging more young people toward vocational training.

Emerging technologies and increased demand have revitalized the trade industries, including HVAC, electrical, and renewable energy, which have grown significantly. These sectors offer competitive salaries and promising career paths, attracting a new generation of skilled workers.

High school graduates have taken note, as enrollment in vocational programs is seeing an uptick. Community college enrollment grew 16% from 2022 to 2023, a shift that reflects a growing recognition of the value and potential of skilled trades careers.

Trade schools — another practical path to success

While college remains a popular choice for many high school graduates, other experiential learning and alternative educational pathways exist. Work and training experiences can provide the skills and knowledge for fulfilling and financially rewarding careers.

Let’s talk a little more about trade schools (sometimes called technical colleges). These institutions offer focused, hands-on training for various in-demand careers, from welding and plumbing to cybersecurity and robotics. Unlike traditional college programs, these institutions provide expedited pathways to high-paying jobs in technology, construction, and skilled trades. With programs often completed in less time than a bachelor’s degree, trade schools offer a practical, efficient route to financial independence.

Here are a few more pros to attending trade school.

Cost and return on investment (ROI)

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), average tuition and fees cost about $15,000, though trade type will dictate costs (typically between $5,000 and $22,000). In 2022 numbers, the average tuition for popular career training broke down as follows:

• Patient care assistant/aid: $4,280 tuition, $44,980 ROI
• Commercial driver: $8,900 tuition, $48,130 ROI
• Skincare specialist: $10,550 tuition, $42,929 ROI
• Welder: $11,230 tuition, $48,290 ROI
• HVAC technician: $11,630 tuition, $51,390 ROI
• Massage therapist: $12,560 tuition, $47,180 ROI
• Electrician: $14,640 tuition, $60,240 ROI
• Licensed practical nurse: $14,700 tuition, $60,790 ROI
• Barber: $15,090 tuition, $33,400 ROI
• Cosmetologist: $16,320 tuition, $33,400 ROI
• Auto technician: $25,870 tuition, $49,920 ROI

Training in less time

Trade schools offer a flexible, accelerated career readiness path with programs typically completed in two years or fewer. Unlike traditional colleges with fixed start dates, many vocational programs offer multiple enrollment options throughout the year, allowing you to begin training when it fits your schedule — without waiting for traditional fall or spring semesters.

While most trade school programs don’t require a bachelor’s degree, certain fields may necessitate additional licensure or certification — and thus a slightly longer training timeline. Still, this streamlined approach enables you to enter the workforce more quickly and begin earning a living sooner.

Admission for all interested students

High school isn’t always a perfect fit for every student, and their academic records may create challenges for acceptance to a four-year university or college. Other students prefer hands-on learning environments — exactly what a trade school education provides. 

These schools also have less rigid admissions requirements and accept students from a variety of academic backgrounds, including those without high school diplomas. These schools often eliminate the requirement for specific extracurricular experiences or coursework, allowing students who may have yet to excel in a traditional academic setting to thrive.

Personalized learning in smaller class sizes

In the intimate settings typically found at trade schools and technical colleges, you're a name, not a number, especially compared to larger colleges. Smaller class sizes allow more interaction between students and faculty, fostering a supportive and collaborative atmosphere. 

Hands-on, real-world learning

Trade schools excel in providing practical, hands-on training that prepares students for immediate entry into the workforce. With a strong emphasis on real-world application, these schools offer students an opportunity to develop in-demand skills through direct experience.

Focusing on specific trades facilitates more individualized attention and training in using industry-standard equipment via labs and workshops. Immersive learning environments foster practical skill development, problem-solving abilities, and a deeper understanding of the trade. Many programs also incorporate internships or apprenticeships, which give students valuable on-the-job experience and networking connections.

Career services

Trade schools do more than prepare you for a career — they also offer comprehensive career preparation services. Many employ dedicated advisors to help you develop essential job search skills like resume writing, cover letter creation, and interview techniques. These schools also offer job placement assistance, connecting graduates with potential employers and guiding the job search process.

This holistic approach to career development equips you with the necessary tools to transition from the classroom to the workplace successfully.

Start your journey

Choosing the right path after graduating high school can create a lot of pressure. The overall expectation for most students? Attending college or university in the fall. But while we often see college as the default option, trade schools offer a viable and rewarding alternative.

Consider your career goals, learning style, financial situation, and what you like to do when deciding what’s next after high school. You know yourself best.

• Do you love to work with your hands and thrive in hands-on environments? 
• Are you having trouble reconciling a future spent sitting at a desk for eight hours daily?
• Are you uncomfortable about graduating with high student loans to repay and worried the financial obligation will hold you back from other dreams, like home ownership, a family, or travel?  
• Are you leaning toward working in a trade because you love tinkering, robotics, nursing, or any of the myriad careers a trade school prepares you for?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, a trade school or technical college might be the perfect fit for you.