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It’s a universally recognized truth that the fast track to career and financial success begins with a four-year college degree. But the rising cost of a college education puts this persistent belief to the test. According to EducationData.org, 2019 tuition costs rose to an average of $35,830 per year for private universities, while public university tuition rose to $10,230 per year — not including other expenses. Pew Research found that 49% of college graduates under 30 have student debt, and those with debt are more likely to say they are struggling financially.
Mary Sauer, who was burdened with student debt, sees this as a cautionary tale for her own kids. “Unless the job market and the cost of education changes completely before my children graduate high school, I don't see clear benefits to requiring my children to enroll in a four-year school,” she wrote previously on Mom.com.
The price of a college education isn’t the only consideration. As with most things in life, education is not "one size fits all." Depending on their interests and aspirations, some teens and their parents would be wiser to explore other educational pathways. If your teen already knows what they want to do, a conventional college education might not be the best choice.
As educator — and self-professed “recovering academic elitist” — Kevin Fleming pointed out in his video "Success in the New Economy", “In today's highly technical knowledge-based economy, having hands-on skills and perfecting what you're good at can be more valuable than getting a degree in something simply to get one.”
What is a trade school?
If your son dreams of becoming a top chef, or if your daughter is fascinated by carpentry, a trade school is the way to go. Trade schools, also known as vocational schools or technical schools, are educational institutions that teach specialized, hands-on skills needed to obtain occupational proficiency in certain professions or trades. Their programs are designed so that graduates can jump directly into the workforce, and they sometimes offer apprenticeships or internships. Programs usually last up to two years. The cost is markedly less than an academic degree, averaging about $33,000 total, according to US News.
What can you do with a trade school degree?
Today’s trade schools teach more than stereotypical skills like plumbing, auto repair, carpentry, and welding. They offer programs in many different fields, including information technology, aviation, health care, business, and creative.
Teens interested in health care can become dental hygienists, licensed practical nurses, medical imaging specialists, occupational therapists, pharmacy technicians, or massage therapists. If they are into computers, trade schools offer electronic engineering, networking, coding, and web development. Is your teen more interested in creative pursuits? Cosmetology, hair styling, design, and culinary programs are available in trade schools.
What are the advantages of attending a trade school?
For many parents, the obvious advantage of sending their teen to trade school is financial, especially considering the trade-off between the cost of education and future earnings. Many skilled trades are in high demand and offer solid paychecks.
As NPR noted, “While a shortage of workers is pushing wages higher in the skilled trades, the financial return from a bachelor's degree is softening, even as the price — and the average debt into which it plunges students — keeps going up.” Spending less time in school and entering the workforce sooner are additional pluses. However, the most important advantage is the chance for your teen to have a personally rewarding and meaningful career.
What are some other alternatives to a 4-year college?
For teens who are unready to decide about about their future, a gap year could be a positive, life-changing experience. During a gap year, students defer their formal education to explore other interests such as travel, volunteering, or work apprenticeships. According to a survey by the Gap Year Association, 98% of students said that a gap year helped develop them as a person, 97% said that it increased their maturity, and 84% said it helped them acquire skills to be successful in their careers.
Another choice is community college, public higher-education institutions that typically offer two-year academic programs whose credits can transfer to four-year colleges. The benefits of community college include low (or sometimes no) tuition, smaller classes, the ability to commute from home, and the opportunity for students to decide their ultimate educational and career goals.
If your teen’s sights are set on creative pursuits, explore schools that focus on fine arts, the performing arts, or design. Some, however, are selective, four-year universities with rigorous admissions policies. And finally, the military is a fulfilling career choice for many teens, providing education, career training, and benefits.
