Published December 18, 2024. Authored by Anthony Rodriguez.
As inflation continues to rise, more Americans are looking to the trades to improve their economic and professional situations considering they’re faster and more affordable than 4-year colleges. The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center reported a 16% increase from 2022 to 2023 – a trend which US News claims continued into 2024.
Recent surveys from the Pew Research Center have revealed a dimming view of college in the eyes of the average American, with 57% saying that college fails to provide meaningful value for its cost and 75% saying that college is not affordable for most Americans. For many people, the sheer cost of college is a formidable barrier, especially since tuition costs have risen 32%-45% over the past two decades when adjusted for inflation. In contrast, the overwhelming majority of college graduates (86%) believe that college is a worthwhile investment.
While most Americans believe that college is too expensive to attain, college enrollments are still high. About 359,000 people joined the undergraduate population in 2024 with community colleges seeing a “notably strong” increase in enrollments. Community colleges can be a great alternative to the traditional 4-year route and can offer a pathway into further education. However, it usually takes 4 full years to graduate from a university – 4 years of decreased income can be disastrous for many people, especially those with dependents.
In this article, we’ll outline some factors that you should consider if you’re trying to decide between trade/technical schools and a 4-year university.
Cost
Affordability is where trade schools shine – they provide clear career paths for a low price, often under $10,000. These schools often offer in-house financing or payment plans to ensure that you graduate debt-free! There are also trade schools with more diverse options like loan servicing and federal student aid.
Of all college graduates, most of them (61%) had to take out student loans; those that did left college with $31,960-$47,730 of student loan debt. Without a full-ride scholarship, a debt-free college education is out of reach for the majority of Americans. Though these loans are easy to qualify for, many graduates report that their loans make it harder for them to pay for other essentials like rent, food, and utilities.
Value
Trade schools produce remarkably high value for the speed and cost of their services. Most programs will allow you to begin work in a new vocation within one year for under $10,000, and many of those schools offer online and hybrid classes. This makes trade school an attractive option for people that need new jobs fast, or those that have urgent financial obligations. Because trade schools are more common, it’s likely easier for someone to commute to their local school than to the nearest university (especially in rural areas). However, most trade schools can’t provide the same services and environment that colleges can and college graduates tend to earn more money in the long run.
Though college takes years to complete, it can provide a variety of opportunities to find value. Leaving home, living in a diverse environment, and social life are all aspects of college that trade schools are not able to replace. Plus, most people that graduate college do not regret going. Most graduates agree that college helped them grow both intellectually and as a person. However, a college degree does not get you nearly as far as it did 30 years ago and the employment pool is filled with college graduates looking for jobs. Additionally, not everyone can commit to a 4-year education due to price, time constraints, and personal obligations.
Personal Obligations
Trade school is often the most accessible option for people tight on money and/or time. Many people can’t afford to take time off work for education while others need to budget their time to take care of their families. Trade school is a good fit for those with tight budgets and schedules due to its affordability and flexibility. Trade schools can offer fast pathways to new careers and classes that can work with a person’s work schedule.
College is a great option for people with fewer obligations than most working adults which is why most incoming freshmen enter college right after graduating high school. A four-year education can be a great long-term investment, especially for those studying lucrative fields. Though anyone can get a degree at any point in their lives, those with fewer financial, familial, and other obligations make it more difficult to find the time and money for it.
Conclusion
Both trade school and college are viable routes to a career. Though college takes longer and is more expensive, there is value in the “college experience” that can’t be matched by a vocational school. Trade schools are best for those with limited time and budgets; those with families or other dependents may find them easier to work around than colleges.
It’s important to think about what is most valuable to you and what is most realistic for your situation when making decisions about your education.
If you’re interested in a local trade school in California, Altamont Healthcare caters to those interested in a healthcare career. We offer Sterile Processing, EKG Technician, and Surgical Technology programs which include real-world experience through externships. Altamont Healthcare has two locations – Stockton, CA and Bakersfield, CA.
You can call us at (209) 817-8035 for Stockton and (661) 230-6316 for Bakersfield. You can also chat with us using the chat icon on the bottom right corner of our website or submit a contact form.You can find our contact information here.
Sources:
- National Student Clearinghouse Research Center: https://nscresearchcenter.org/current-term-enrollment-estimates/
- US News: https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/spending/articles/the-trade-school-trend
- Pew Research Center: https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2011/05/15/is-college-worth-it/
- US News: https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/paying-for-college/articles/see-20-years-of-tuition-growth-at-national-universities
- Mission Graduate: https://missiongraduatenm.org/college-enrollment-statistics/
- Visual Capitalist: https://www.visualcapitalist.com/ranked-median-student-debt-for-a-u-s-bachelors-degree/
- College Finance: https://collegefinance.com/plan/trade-school-vs-college-degree-salaries-who-makes-more