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Top Benefits of Going to a Trade School vs a Traditional 4-Year University

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Top Benefits of Going to a Trade School vs a Traditional 4-Year University

Photo : Top Benefits of Going to a Trade School vs a Traditional 4-Year University

After graduating from high school, young adults have so many options of what to do with their life that it can actually become a little overwhelming. All throughout high school, students feel the pressure to go to a 4-year university from parents, family members, friends, and teachers... Why? Because that's just the right thing to do, right? Not necessarily.

Did you know that, according to forbes.com, more than half of Americans are working jobs right now that they're not only unhappy in but those jobs are in careers that they didn't even go to school for? Statistically speaking, going to a four-year college adds about $16,900 more to the average annual income in comparison to someone with just a high school diploma; that would be $30,000 in comparison to $46,900.

Now, going to a two-year trade school, on average, your salary will likely start around $35,000 but this number varies depending on the industry you choose and how much experience you have in that industry. Also, if you choose to enhance your accreditations through online education, licensing, certifications, that's going to boost your annual salary significantly as well. 

The differences between trade schools and four-year universities do vary significantly. Everything from financial costs to how you prepare for the college lifestyle, the differences in the two education systems are pretty big but it really depends on the person as far as which path is better for them. If you know for a fact that a four-year university isn't in your range of reach right now, that's okay, there are tons of great benefits in attending a trade school that can actually pan out much better for you than a four-year college ever could. Take a look at the benefits.

Top Benefits of Attending Trade School

Earn Your Degree in a Shorter Time Frame

If you follow your trade school's recommended curriculum time frame, you'll be able to earn your degree in two years or less than a traditional university. And depending on the program you're interested in, completion could take only a few months!

You Get Hands-On Training

The thing about trades schools is that they prepare you for the real world and provide you with real-life, hands-on training to ensure you're up-to-date with new and upcoming innovations and trends in your perspective field. 

The hands-on training you'll receive during school will allow you to have the experience jobs ask for after graduating and earning your degree. Plus, the training you receive comes from professionals already working in their perspective fields.

Ability to Start Classes When You Want

One of the best parts about trade schools is that they offer multiple start dates all throughout the year; some schools even offer rolling admissions. What does that mean? That means you don't have to wait to enroll until the spring or fall semesters to start your degree program. If you're someone with a busy schedule or have children, trade schools can have a much more flexible schedule and offer more online opportunities as well.

It's a More Affordable Educational Opportunity

Because you'll be spending less time in a classroom, that also means your educational costs will be significantly lower than a traditional university. Obtaining a trade school degree is typically in the range of $30,000 to $33,000, whereas a traditional university bachelor's degree can be upwards of $50,000 and higher.

And the thing is, some of the classes offered at traditional universities are also offered at trade schools, so you'll not only get the education at a trade school but also the hands-on experience too, and at a much lower cost. Be sure to do your research on career opportunities that interest you and compare tuition prices to see which is more affordable for you.

Before you make a major career decision of what you want to do with your life after high school, be sure you take the time out to consider ALL the options available to you. A degree or certificate from a trade school could be the very thing you need to put you in the career of your dreams, and at a much faster pace.

Making this decision can be overwhelming, but if attending a trade school is one of the options you're considering, contact the school you're interested in and speak to one of the counselors there to answer any questions you may have to put your mind at ease. Remember, you're in control of your own destiny.

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