We all know that college is expensive. The average bachelors degree in the United States costs over $127,000. This, in addition to living costs, means that 70% of students end up taking out student loans to cover the cost. Also, spending four years in school means four years not having a steady income. College is the seen as the default path after high school, and while it you will make more money with a bachelors degree than just a high school diploma, is college actually the best option considered the cost?
Going to a four-year school isn't the only way to make money. Going trade school, which is a school that teaches a specific skill, like how to be mechanic or an electrician, can be pretty lucrative while not having the same costs as regular university. The average trade school degree cost $33,000, almost $100,000 less than a bachelors degree. The time is takes to get a trade school degree is also significantly less.
Technical jobs have a median salary of $35,500, while people with degree make on average $46,000. If you take into account student loans, tuition, college housing, and getting into the job market faster, trade school may be more financially wise in the long run. Also, because it's not really possible to replace your plumber with robot or someone oversees, the job security is much higher. Technical work is in high demand; not everyone will need to hire a computer programmer, but almost everyone will need a mechanic sometime in their life.
While trade school is often overlooked, its definitely not for everyone. While you can make a decent salary in a technical job, someone with a regular degree will, on average, make more money. Also, trade work is more dangerous. Climbing roof or handling live wires is a risk that not everyone is willing to take.
Blue-collar work isn't something that many people dream of, but it can be a smart decision for some. There are pros and cons for college and trade school, but some people just aren't cut out for college and vice versa. While it may not be right for everyone, trade school should be presented as an alternative option.
Work Citied:
https://www.thesimpledollar.com/why-you-should-consider-trade-school-instead-of-college/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/ryancraig/2018/06/14/blue-collar-trade-jobs-are-dangerous-but-not-for-the-reason-you-think/#75704444c639
https://lifehacker.com/trade-school-might-be-a-better-choice-than-college-her-1484086007
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This is a really important idea that has not been disseminated throughout high school. In the silicon valley, there seems to be a great emphasis on going to a great college, getting into a superior graduate school, and then obtaining a lucrative job. However, this mindset leaves out a large portion of individuals who are either unfit or not motivated to follow this traditional path. It is important to share this alternative route so that it is socially acceptable to go to a trade school.
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