TRADE SCHOOL VS. COLLEGE: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE

TRADE SCHOOL VS. COLLEGE: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE
5 min read
27 October 2022

Trade schools and colleges are both critical educational choices you make in your lifetime, and choosing which career path best fits your goals is a significant and challenging decision.

In today’s world, it is hard to find a job without a degree. However, there are many people who are not interested in going to college or trade school. Some have other priorities, and others want to be self-employed or work for themselves.

While attending a trade school or college can provide you with more opportunities and better pay, it also takes time away from your family and friends. College is also expensive, and if you don't get the job you want after graduation, you may end up in debt with no way out.

The decision to attend a trade school or college should be based on what you want out of life. Do you want stability? Do you want independence? Do you want a salary increase? This decision should not be made lightly!

So let’s have a look in detail at how both work.

What Is A Trade School?

A trade school is a vocational institution that provides training in a specific trade. The trade school might be an independent institution, or it may be part of a community college, university, or other educational institution.

A trade school differs from a university because it does not offer the same range of courses as a traditional college and its courses are more focused on teaching students the skills needed to work in their specific field.

Trades schools are becoming popular because they provide an alternative to traditional colleges and universities for people who want to enter into careers in skilled trades such as plumbing, carpentry, auto repair, and HVAC installation.

What is College?

The colleges offer students a wide range of academic degrees that emphasize both soft and hard skills. The majority of a college student's education is spent studying a diverse selection of subjects regardless of their major or area of study.

After four years, the average student graduates with a degree in business, communications, education, liberal arts, natural sciences, or computer science. Bachelor's degrees are granted to students upon completion of their studies. It is common for college graduates to pursue advanced degrees beyond a bachelor's degree in order to further their education.

Trade School Vs. College

College and trade school are two of the most popular options for students when it comes to pursuing higher education. They both have their own unique methods of teaching and different benefits, but by understanding each school's aspects, you'll be able to make an informed decision about which one is best for you. You'll also need to keep other factors like cost and credits in mind when selecting a school. Here are the significant differences between trade school and college:

Trade School

Less Time Is Required For Completion

On average, less time is required to complete a trade school program than at a four-year university. Most programs have a maximum of two years, while many certificates, like those in HVAC, are even shorter. You may be able to earn money and start working sooner as a result.

Trade Schools Are Affordable

Trade schools are significantly less expensive than four-year colleges. You have a much higher chance of finishing school debt-free.

The Admission Procedure Is Simple

Trade schools don't have a drawn-out application process. This implies that you can enroll in a trade school quickly and with fewer requirements.

Career Oriented Training

Trade schools give you the practical training you need to enter a particular field.

College

A Longer Time Is Required For Degree Completion

Bachelor's degrees are the final degree obtained by college graduates. A bachelor's degree is now often required for entry-level white-collar positions, providing a wide range of alternatives.

General Education

Besides learning soft skills, college graduates receive greater general knowledge than trade school students.

It Offers More Academic Opportunities

Colleges provide students with a broader education that gives them more options after they graduate, as opposed to trade schools, which prepare you for a single vocation. For instance, if you don't like coding after studying web development, you will still have broad valuable knowledge in other fields.

More Opportunities For Further Education

You need a bachelor's degree to build on to earn a master's, Ph.D., or other professional degrees.

Bottom Line

If you are interested in attending a trade school or college, make sure to do some research on the requirements to enter that particular program. Make sure to find out what qualifications and certifications will be needed. For example, if you want to enter a tradesmen apprenticeship program, find out if an apprenticeship exam will be required before recruitment (the most common type of apprenticeship). If so, you must take steps during high school to study for that exam.

Over and above, if you are looking for a trade school Los Angeles has to offer you, then visit NIU college, as they offer various programs like medical, legal, and HVAC at affordable costs. 

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