Trade School vs. College: Key Differences & Job Opportunities

When choosing where to go to school, students have a variety of options to choose from. One option they can pursue is a trade school. Trade schools are different than traditional colleges and even community colleges. Below, we'll break down the differences between trade school and college so you can determine what's best for you.

What Is a Trade School?

Trade schools are schools and colleges that primarily or exclusively offer training programs in trade careers. Examples of trade careers include:

• cosmetologist
• electrician
• HVAC technician
• mechanic
• plumber
• welder

Trade schools often award associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas. These are often hands-on programs that may include internships and apprenticeships.

Types of Trade Schools

Some trade schools, sometimes called vocational schools, offer various trade training programs. Others are more specific, offering training for specific fields of trade.

Common types of trade schools include:

• carpentry
• cosmetology
• culinary arts
• electrical
• healthcare/nursing
• HVAC
• mechanic
• welding

What Is a College?

When most people hear 'college,' they think of four-year colleges that offer bachelor's degrees and maybe some advanced degrees. These are usually academic degrees, like Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degrees.

Students in a typical college have the option to major in many areas, including:

• business
• computer science
• criminal justice
• engineering
• health science
• liberal arts
• social sciences

The degree programs in these types of colleges are usually not designed to lead to one specific career field but rather to offer a variety of career paths. Many of these programs also prepare students to enter graduate school.

The Differences Between Trade School & College

While both trade schools and colleges offer an education, there are a few key differences between how these two types of institutions operate. We break these down below.

Curriculum

While it depends primarily on your program of study, in general, the curriculum at trade schools is usually more hands-on, while the curriculum at a standard college is usually more based on classroom learning.

At a trade school, you'll have some instruction, but a lot of the program will require you to work with the technology of your field. In a four-year college, you'll spend a lot of the time in lectures or learning in a classroom, though you may have some labs and other hands-on work.

Focus Areas

Focus areas are one of the biggest differences between trade schools and colleges. Trade school programs are designed to lead to trade jobs. They offer programs for specific skilled trades. Meanwhile, traditional colleges offer degrees in specific fields, but these degrees aren't usually designed to lead to one specific career. For example, someone with a business degree could enter multiple business careers like:

• sales
• marketing
• management

Cost of Education

Trade schools are usually less expensive than four-year colleges and universities. This is partially because the programs take less time to complete, and partially due to lower tuition overall.

However, this is not a hard and fast rule. Whether the college is public or private, whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student, and your financial aid options all play a role in determining the cost of your education.

Student Loans & Financial Aid Options

So long as the college or trade school you attend is an accredited institution, your student loans and financial aid options should be about even. However, four-year colleges are more likely to offer institutional scholarships.

To find out what you qualify for, fill out your Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). This will tell you what your financial aid options are, whether you're applying to trade schools, colleges, or both.

Pros and Cons: College vs. Trade School

There are pros and cons to both colleges and trade schools.

Some of the pros of attending a traditional college include:

• larger variety of programs to choose from
• more of a traditional college experience
• the ability to earn a bachelor's degree, which is required for some careers

Meanwhile, some cons of traditional college include:

• higher tuition versus a two-year college
• longer time to completion
• less likely to offer trade-focused programs

Some pros of trade schools are:

• programs that are focused on trade jobs
• less expensive than four-year schools
• more opportunities for apprenticeships and hands-on learning

Some cons of trade schools are:

• more limited program options
• no opportunity to earn four-year degrees
• not all trades are in high demand

Community College as a Middle Ground

One option that can provide the best of both worlds is community college. Community colleges offer associate degrees and sometimes bachelor's degrees, as well as certificates and diplomas. Community colleges often offer some academic programs, like Associate of Art and Associate of Science degrees. Many also offer some trade programs, often a variety of trade options.

Job Security and Earning Potential: Trade School Graduates vs. College Graduates

The job security and earning potential for trade school graduates versus college graduates depends greatly on the specific field. However, in general, there is a greater level of job security in trades.

Trades that make around or over six figures include:

• ultrasonographers
• respiratory therapists
• dental hygienists

However, there are also plenty of trades that make half of that, so it depends on your field.

Why Do People Choose Trade School Over College?

There are a few reasons that people may choose trade school over a more traditional college experience. These include:

• less time in school
• hands-on experience
• specific career goals
• reducing student loan debt

Should I Go To Trade School or College?

The biggest determining factor in if you should go to trade school or college is your career goals. If you want to go into the trades, then a trade school is usually your best option. However, if you want to go into a field that requires more education or aren't sure exactly what career you want, a traditional college or a community college is a better option. These types of colleges give you a greater variety of degree options.