Trades vs College

Among the key differences between trade schools and four-year colleges include cost, program curriculum and length, and the applicability to different career goals.

For instance, the National Center for Education Statistics reports that one year of tuition, fees, and room and board at a four-year college costs $27,357 (for the 2017-2018 school year). Alternatively, the average cost for an entire trade school program is $5,000-$15,000. The difference in affordability is clear.

Students who follow a traditional, four-year college route spend longer in school than trade students and work through a broad curriculum that touches on many different subjects. The traditional college learning style relies heavily on textbooks, lectures, essays, and presentations. By comparison, trade schools offer a more focused, skills-based curriculum that relies on hands-on learning.

The broad curriculum of a college degree provides students with flexibility in their career pursuits. For example, an English degree can be applied to careers in education, marketing, journalism, or creative industries. Alternatively, trade school graduates are prepared for a single occupation.

The terms "community college" and "trade school" are often used interchangeably. While it is true that many community colleges do offer vocational, career, and trade programs, not all trade schools are community colleges.

Like four-year colleges and universities, two-year community colleges typically focus on lecture-based, theoretical learning. Alternatively, trade schools offer hands-on, apprenticeship-style education.

Some graduates of a two-year community college program are prepared for entry-level opportunities, but many others must transfer to a university to complete a bachelor's degree before pursuing employment. By comparison, trade school graduates can enter the workforce immediately.

For the right student with the right career goals, choosing to enroll in trade school provides a host of advantages over a traditional college program. Some of the biggest benefits for trade school students include relevant, targeted education; shorter program completion times; and overall affordability.

The key advantage of a trade school education is the focused curriculum format. Trade school programs do not require general education classes, electives, or a liberal arts core. On the very first day, students prepare for a career in the field of their choice.

Compared to associate and bachelor's pathways, non-degree-granting trade school programs are brief; they typically last a few months to a year. Depending on the school, trade program tuition can also be much more affordable, meaning students graduate faster and with less debt than they would have accrued at a community college or university.

To meet the needs of individuals juggling work, school, and/or family obligations, trade schools often provide flexible learning options, such as part-time enrollment or evening classes.

Trade schools prepare graduates for in-demand work and increase graduates' likelihood of good pay and long-lasting job security.

Although plumbing, dental assisting, and practical nursing programs provide an affordable, accelerated pathway to steady employment, trade school is not without its disadvantages.

Compared to a university, trade schools usually offer limited student support resources. For example, trade schools may or may not have career, tutoring, or counseling services. Library collections may be limited in size and scope. Additionally, students are expected to take initiative and solve problems as they learn.

Similarly, trade schools rarely offer student life activities like on-campus housing, sports, clubs, and other extracurriculars. A lack of engagement opportunities may disappoint students looking for a more traditional college experience.

Finally, although careers obtained through trade school provide solid job security and decent pay, they often lack upward mobility opportunities. To advance their career prospects, trade school graduates may need to pursue a higher level of education.

For example, dental assistants interested in becoming dental hygienists must obtain an associate degree and state licensure. Making this career change can lead to an increased salary — the median pay for dental hygienists is nearly $75,000, according to the BLS — but dental hygiene programs usually take three years to complete.