If you’re a high school student, you might be wondering whether college or trade school is the right option for you. The answer to that question can be hard to find...
The following is a staff post by Laurie Blank. Laurie is a blogger, freelance writer and mother of four. She’s psyched about teaching others how to create passive income sources like she’s done, so they can live the dream too. She shares powerful insights on her blog, Great Passive Income Ideas, that will show you how you can create passive income sources of your own.
College degrees, while valuable, don’t benefit everyone. Student loan debt is sitting at record numbers in the U.S. In 2018, the average student loan balance per borrower hit an all-time high of $35,359. (Source: https://www.investopedia.com/student-loan-debt-2019-statistics-and-outlook-4772007)
The total in outstanding student loans was an astonishing $1.41 trillion. And 54% of college attendees took on some sort of debt to pay for college.
With these facts in mind, here are some things for you to think about as you determine whether you want to go to college and get a degree, or whether trade school might be a better option for you.
Should I Go to College or Trade School?
College and trade school can provide two vastly different career paths. As you contemplate your future, here are some questions you can ask yourself to help determine the answer.
What is My Preferred Learning Environment?
Do you thoroughly enjoy a great classroom lecture or debate? Or, do you prefer a hands-on learning environment? While college can offer hands-on learning, depending on the class, you may want to take a closer look at trade school if you prefer more action while you learn.
The answer to this question can help you determine a career path too. Do you like the idea of sitting behind a desk all day? Or of working in a cubicle or office-type environment?
Are reading and lecture exciting forms of entertainment for you?
Conversely, do you love the world of hands-on learning? Does the thought of fixing stuff, making stuff or simply moving around for work sound appealing?
Think about how you want to spend your working days, and then search for career choices that compliment your interests. Doing so will help you prepare for college or trade school.
What Are My Hobbies?
What do you like to do in your spare time? Would you prefer studying up on the latest automotive technology or would you rather be in the garage with a wrench or sander?
I know a kid who has loved cars all of his life. He’d always dreamed of becoming an auto mechanic, but the people in his life encouraged him to attend college for automotive engineering.
As you can guess, he didn’t last long in college. It simply didn’t fit in with his goals and dreams. Now he’s working, very happily I might add, as an auto mechanic.
Take a good look at your interests, goals, and dreams. If money wasn’t a factor, what would you be doing with your life? Work to plan your career education around the answers to those types of questions.
What Types of Careers Sound Most Exciting to Me?
As you consider your career choices, it’s important to think about the happiness factor. You’ll likely be working for 40 years or more after school. Do you really want to be unhappy in your work for 4+ decades?
Imagine yourself working in a variety of career positions. Shadow people who work in fields similar to the ones you’re interested in, if possible.
If you’ve got your heart set on becoming a registered nurse, there’s no sense wasting time on doing anything but getting that degree. On the other hand, if you know without a doubt that you’d be happiest following your dad into the HVAC field, don’t let anyone stop you.
Work will take up the majority of your time in adulthood, so you may as well be happy with what you’ve chosen to do for a career.
How Much Will Each Option Cost Me?
Based on the student loan numbers listed above, you’d be wise to assess your financial situation before you make a post-secondary education decision.
While the average college degree costs roughly $120,000, the average trade school degree/certificate costs only $33,000. (source: https://www.valuecolleges.com/university-community-college-trade-school/)
You may be able to whittle down costs for either option if you qualify for grants or student aid. So, it’s important to check out what you qualify in terms of education assistance.
Also, how much money have you saved for post-secondary education? Are your parents planning to help pay for your education?
If either choice is going to leave you paying the majority of the costs on your own, you may want to consider the cheaper option. Having student loan debt equal to the size of a mortgage will likely add significant stress to your life.
Summary
At the end of the day, only you can decide which education option is best for you. My advice? Go with your gut. Don’t get yourself into tens of thousands of dollars in student debt unless your heart is pretty set on a career that needs it.
At the end of the day, you’ll want a career that provides you happiness and financial security. You can have both in either vocational careers or college-degreed careers if you manage your money wisely.
