Considering Trade Schools Over College: Final Thoughts
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There is no right or wrong answer when an individual contemplates attending a trade school versus a 4-year college or university. The "right" decision is based on a multitude of factors that differ for each person, including individual interest, long-term goals, timing, family obligations, finances and a whole host of other reasons why one direction may be better than the other. The point of our summer series on considering trade schools vs. college is not to oppose the four-year degree, but to remind individuals not to overlook the trade school option when deciding on their post-high-school path.
While the advantages of a college/university degree are many - potentially higher income and a direct path to continuing education at a higher level (masters degree or doctorate) where earnings can be substantially greater - the cost/benefit balance to this option is shifting every day. Trade school graduates, on the other hand, may be limited in their opportunities to continue their education at a higher level, but they do not have the expense of a four-year degree which can leave one bound to a bank with a mountain of debt. And then there is the fact that a four-year degree may just not be suited to everyone’s learning style or individual skill sets. If you are a hands-on learner who wants to be out of the classroom upon graduation and start work immediately, then the trade school option offers a less expensive alternative education that may be a perfect fit!
I will leave you with an anecdote. I graduated from high school and took the "traditional" route of attending a four-year college. One of my high school classmates struggled his first year in college and then dropped out and went to electrician’s school. Now with a successful business operating in his name, guess who is semi-retired and enjoying life in his second home on the beach while I am planning to work until retirement age (albeit in the fabulous world of asphalt!) if not beyond to cover life’s expenses.
