Trade School vs. College: Which Should You Go?

Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.
By
Updated on September 5, 2023

Choosing between trade school vs. college can shape your entire career. Prospective students may feel stuck wondering “Should I go to college or should I go to a vocational school?” If you are trying to decide whether to earn a vocational vs. college degree, this article offers tips to make an educated choice.

You can begin by reflecting on your interests and career goals. The subjects offered in a trade school vs. college lead to different career paths. For example, future allied health professionals benefit from a vocational program, while fields like education and business more often require an academic degree.

You should also consider how long it takes to earn each degree. Most vocational programs take two years or less, while a bachelor’s degree takes four years. Tuition rates, earning potential, and job demand can also help you choose whether to attend trade school or college.

Both trade school and college prepare graduates for a variety of career paths. Students must make personal choices about which option works best for their unique circumstances.

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  • minusStudents choosing between trade school vs. college should also consider their higher education options. In many fields, a vocational degree does not easily translate into higher education programs that prefer academic training.

    For example, four-year universities typically grant fewer transfer credits to applicants with a vocational degree. This is in part because academic courses meet general education requirements at bachelor’s-granting institutions, while vocational courses generally do not. Prospective students considering a bachelor’s or graduate degree in an academic discipline may find college more valuable than trade school.

    In other fields, vocational training can more easily translate into a higher degree. For example, allied health certificates can help professionals transfer into an associate or bachelor’s program.

    Earning another degree is not the only option for further training. Vocational professionals can consider non-degree options like an apprenticeship or on-the-job training to advance their career.

  • minusStudents choosing between trade school vs. college should also consider their higher education options. In many fields, a vocational degree does not easily translate into higher education programs that prefer academic training.

    An academic degree prepares graduates for many options in higher education. For example, many associate degrees meet the general education requirements for a bachelor’s degree, meaning transfer students can earn a four-year degree in two years. With a bachelor’s degree in an academic field, graduates can also apply to master’s and doctoral programs.

    Earning a master’s degree generally takes two years, although some programs offer accelerated options that may take as little as one year. A doctorate, the highest degree in academia, often takes five or more years. On average, graduate tuition costs more than $19,000 per year, according to the NCES. Graduate students qualify for many forms of financial aid, including federal loans, graduate fellowships, and assistantships.

    Professionals such as lawyers, political scientists, nurse practitioners, psychologists, and professors need a graduate degree. Prospective students considering these careers will likely benefit from an academic degree rather than a vocational degree.

  • Should I Go to a Vocational School or a University?

    Choosing between a vocational degree, an online certificate, or a bachelor’s degree can feel overwhelming. But by considering your interests, career goals, and timeline, you can confidently answer, “should I go to college or should I go to a vocational school”?

    The choice between trade school vs. college ultimately comes down to personal priorities. For example, aspiring healthcare professionals might prefer allied health training at a trade school versus career paths that require a master’s or doctoral degree.

    When it comes to costs, learners at colleges and vocational schools qualify for financial aid. Many scholarships and grants support students pursuing academic degrees and vocational degrees.