College is not the only post-high school education option. Trade school is a great opportunity for many. If you’re looking for alternatives to a college education, here are a few reasons to consider going a different route.
Hands-On Education
Often, a college degree will prepare someone with the knowledge they need to be successful in their field, but not the hands-on experience. You won’t have that problem with trade school. A large portion of your education will include hands-on experience.
Early Wealth Building
Trade school has the potential to put you ahead financially. The simple fact that it costs less money than a traditional college education is a great starting point. With less student loan debt, you’ll be able to pay it off faster. Additionally, there are plenty of college degrees that cost a significant amount to earn yet pay very little. As the cost of college continues to rise, it’s an option that no longer makes sense for many people. Trade school often leads to in demand jobs that pay well. Lastly, trade school programs typically take half the time of a college degree. This means you’re out in the job field earning money two years earlier than your friends in college.
Less Debt
As previously mentioned, trade school costs significantly less than a traditional college education. An article written by Jodi Helmer for skillpointe.com explains, “In the 2019-2020 academic year, the average annual cost of a four-year public college including room and board was $21,950, leading to an average of $22,919 in student loan debt that takes an average of 20 years to repay. The average annual cost of a private four-year college was steeper still: $49,870.
Trade school costs vary widely, depending in part on the length of the program, but most don’t come near the cost of a four-year public college, let alone a private one. Help with tuition in the form of scholarships and grants is there for those who need it. Sandra Krebsbach, PhD, executive director of the American Technical Education Association, says demand for skilled workers is so great that states are pulling out all the stops to make sure students can afford the training.”
Great ROI
Trade school offers a great ROI or return on investment. The average trade school program in the U.S. is around $30k. However, the almost guaranteed jobs upon graduation and sizable paychecks that come with them mean that you can have your education paid off quickly. For example, the average wage for someone who completes a carpenter program is roughly $52k a year. Respiratory techs make about $63k per year. Power plant operators make about $80k per year. With that kind of money, it won’t take long to pay off your student loans.
A traditional college education is still a great option for some people. However, trade school also has a lot to offer and should not be overlooked.