Trade School vs. College

With Dakota seniors now having to think about their profession and education beyond high school, now is the time to discuss what would be the right fit for you: college or a trade school?

Trade School 

A trade school, otherwise known as a technical school, is a postsecondary educational institution that trains students for a specific job in their career field (Midwest Technical Institute). 

Tuition and How Long it Takes (Best Colleges):

These schools are generally cheaper for students to attend, as the average tuition cost for a trade school in Michigan is $12,735. Typically, a trade school takes around two years to complete, in comparison to the four years it takes to receive a bachelor’s degree. 

Potential Career Paths (Online Schools Center): 

Note: These are only a few possible career choices. There are numerous others to choose from other than those listed below.  

1) Air Traffic Controller 

2) Construction Manager 

3) Elevator Mechanic  

4) Radiation Therapist 

5) Margin Development Supervisor 

6) Multimedia Artist and Animator 

7) Web Developer  

8) Logistics Manager 

9) Dental Hygienist 

10) Court Reporter 

Trade Schools in Michigan (Only Trade Schools):

Note: These are only a few possible school choices. There are numerous others to choose from other than those listed below. 

1) Northwestern Technological Institute 

2) Michigan Builders License and Continuing Competency 

3) Health Care Solutions and Career Group 

4) Ross Medical Education  

5) Phlebotomy Training Center 

6) Detroit Training Center 

7) Merrill Institute 

8) Dymond Designs Beauty School 

9) Barber/Styling College of Lansing 

10) Blue Heron Academy 

Benefits of a Trade School (Indeed): 

1) Trade school courses are tailored to the job that you want to do. 

2) Trade schools typically take less time to complete, the average time resting around 2 years. This allows people to enter the work force sooner. 

3) Trade schools are typically less expensive to attend than college. 

4) Trade schools tend to have a simple application process. 

5) Trade schools give you job assistance and training, preparing you for your career. 

College

According to Oxford Languages, college is an educational institution that specializes in higher education. 

Tuition and How Long it Takes (On to College) (Insight to Diversity): 

College is generally more expensive for out-of-state students, averaging around $35,844 for a public four-year institution. For in-state students, it averages around $12,888 for a public four-year institution. On another note, the average major length is gone from four years to six years. 

Potential Career Paths (My Future): 

1) Psychiatrists  

2) Orthodontists 

3) Investment Funds Managers  

4) Political Scientists  

5) Astronomers  

6) Human Resource Managers 

7) Aerospace Engineer 

8) Nuclear Engineers 

9) Actuaries 

10) Art Directors 

Colleges in Michigan: 

1) Michigan State University 

2) University of Michigan 

3) Saginaw Valley State University 

4) Central Michigan University 

5) Grand Valley State University 

6) Ferris State University 

7) Oakland University 

8) Kalamazoo College 

9) Western University 

10) Macomb Community College 

Benefits of a College (Northeastern University): 

1) Increased access to job opportunities. 

2) Increased earning potential. 

3) A higher likelihood of job stability. 

4) More networking opportunities. 

5) More pathways to use to advance. 

Summary 

Research the potential opportunities for your desired career. The more you know, the better the decision you will make regarding the school you should attend. Dakota seniors should especially do so, as before you know it, graduation time will be rolling around.