Why Trade Schools are the better option over 4-year Colleges

Trade Schools versus 4 Year Colleges

College students undergo a harsh reality in today's job market.  They are not guaranteed a successful career despite the money, time, effort and sleepless nights they put into their education.  Michelle Swislocki of twenty one years of age wrote;

“I have looked into many schools and reviews…I am a college student , certified in surgical technology but unfortunately the school that I had completed my program cut me short with experience so finding a job is impossible. I have found interest in medical bill and coding because honestly I've been a waitress for almost 3 years and I'm almost 21 , I'm ready for a change, I just want to go back to school ,get a good job and continue my education to become a pediatrics nurse. I have recently moved from NC to my hometown in New Jersey so I am a lonely duck and have to take care of things on my own. I was wondering what the cost would be to attend the medical billing and coding program. Just so I have a estimate as to what loan I may have to take out,” Michelle Swislocki wrote to one of the countless forum databases throughout the internet of students who have struggles with employment after they graduate.  The reality for Ms. Swislocki is what countless of college students encounter while they are in school and after they graduate.

Experts and studies have shown that trade schools, in their entirety, may be the better solution for high school graduates and current college students, like Ms. Swislocki, to utilize if they are not happy with their current situation.  There are several reasons for why a trade school has shown to be a positive option for those in search of a promising career.  The reasons include costs, drop out rates, poor economic conditions, and salary comparison.

For starters, college students throughout the United States pay an average $127,000 for their Bachelor's degree and on top of that 70% of them take out loans to pay for school whereas a trade school student pays a third of the cost.  Once a four year student graduates, that is if they graduate in time, at least 20% of those students owe at least $50,000 while 5.6 % owe more than $100,000 by the end of their schooling. These numbers only account for the education itself.  They do not account for dorm expenses, supplies, laundry, and most importantly food.

The cost for college education and the poor economic condition play a role as to why the drop out rate for college students is an astonishing 40%.  The time and money invested in a college education can be overwhelming for many who have to work full time, go to school full time, study, and try to at least enjoy a portion of their youth before it passes them by.  With less time spent in a trade school, which is an immediate appeal, students can receive a rewarding education, have a head start in a career, and not be in a financial tomb after they complete the course.

Lastly, studies have further shown that the gap between the average wages of four year college students and those attending trade schools aren't significant.  The average, annual salary for a vocational school graduate, according to the National Center of Educational Statistics, is $35,720 while the median annual salary for college graduates is $46,500.  The difference between the two is $11,180.  Despite the lower, average salary of a trade school graduate, it does not factor the amount of loans the college graduate must pay throughout and after the completion of their education.

If one were to research the long term expenses of both options, it is clear that a vocational school or a trade school might be a choice high school students, current college students, and those who are already employed can consider if they are concerned for their financial future and desire a refreshing career like Ms. Swislocki.