In today’s economy, more high school graduates are considering trade schools as an alternative to traditional four-year colleges. While trade schools offer some advantages like quicker training for specific careers, they also come with considerable drawbacks that students should carefully weigh before enrolling.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Trade schools tend to lack academic rigor, general education, and transferable skills compared to college degrees. They also have lower earnings potential and limited career mobility in many fields.
In this comprehensive article, we will analyze several key disadvantages of trade schools and vocational programs compared to bachelor’s degree programs. We will look at limited career options, lower earning potential, lack of general education, minimal academic rigor, and difficulty transferring credits.
Fewer Career Options vs College Degrees
One of the drawbacks of opting for trade schools over a college degree is the limited range of career options available. Unlike a college education that offers a broad spectrum of subjects and majors, trade schools focus on specific trades such as plumbing, electrician work, or carpentry.
While these trades can be rewarding and lucrative, they may not provide the same level of versatility and flexibility as a college degree.
Trades Have Narrow Focus
Trade schools equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for a specific trade. While this can be advantageous for those who have a clear career path in mind, it can also limit their options in the long run.
With rapid advancements in technology and changing market demands, some trade jobs may become obsolete or less in demand. This can pose a challenge for trade school graduates who may find themselves needing to retrain or learn new skills to stay relevant in the job market.
According to a study conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for certain trade occupations is projected to decline in the coming years due to automation and outsourcing. For example, the demand for manual bookkeeping and accounting jobs is expected to decrease by 4% from 2019 to 2029.
This highlights the importance of considering the long-term viability of a chosen trade before committing to a trade school program.
New Tech Makes Jobs Obsolete
Another disadvantage of trade schools is the potential risk of certain jobs becoming obsolete due to advancements in technology. With the rise of automation and artificial intelligence, some trade jobs that were once in high demand may no longer be necessary.
For instance, self-driving vehicles may eventually reduce the need for truck drivers, and advancements in 3D printing may impact the demand for certain manufacturing trades.
It’s crucial for individuals considering trade school to research and understand the potential impact of technology on their chosen field. Staying informed about emerging trends and acquiring additional skills to adapt to a changing job market can help mitigate the risk of being left behind.
Unable to Change Fields Easily
Unlike college graduates who have a broader knowledge base and transferable skills, trade school graduates may find it challenging to switch careers or explore different industries. The specialized training received in trade schools may not necessarily translate well to other fields, making it harder to branch out and pursue alternative career paths.
While it’s not impossible to change fields after attending a trade school, it often requires additional education or training to acquire the necessary skills for a different profession. This can be a time-consuming and costly process, especially if the individual needs to start from scratch.
Lower Earning Potential Than College Grads
One of the main drawbacks of skipping college and attending a trade school is the lower earning potential compared to college graduates. While trade school graduates may start their careers sooner and without student loan debt, they often earn less over their lifetimes compared to those with a college degree.
Trades Earn Less Over Careers
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for trade occupations in 2020 was $47,430, which is lower than the median annual wage of $55,260 for all occupations. This means that, on average, trade school graduates earn less than professionals with a college degree.
College Grads Have Higher Salaries
On the other hand, college graduates tend to have higher salaries. According to a report by the College Board, the median earnings of bachelor’s degree holders who worked full-time in 2020 were $25,000 higher than those with only a high school diploma.
This wage premium demonstrates the value of a college education in terms of earning potential.
More Rapid Income Growth with Degrees
Additionally, college graduates often experience more rapid income growth over their careers compared to trade school graduates. A study by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York found that individuals with a bachelor’s degree had a higher likelihood of experiencing significant income growth compared to those with only a high school diploma or a trade school certificate.
While trade school can provide immediate employment opportunities, it is important to consider the long-term financial implications. College graduates generally have higher earning potential and more opportunities for career advancement.
Minimal General Education and Soft Skills
One of the drawbacks of trade schools is that they tend to offer minimal general education and soft skills training. While trade schools focus on providing specialized training in a specific trade or skill, they often do not prioritize the development of a broad knowledge base.
This means that students who attend trade schools may miss out on the opportunity to explore a wide range of subjects and develop a well-rounded understanding of the world.
Trades Don’t Teach Broad Knowledge
Unlike a traditional college education, which typically requires students to take a variety of courses in subjects like history, English, and science, trade schools are more focused on providing hands-on training in a specific trade.
While this can be beneficial for those who know exactly what career path they want to pursue, it can limit their exposure to other areas of knowledge that may be beneficial in the long run.
For example, a carpentry student may become an expert in building structures but may lack a deep understanding of literature or mathematics. This narrow focus can make it harder for trade school graduates to adapt to new challenges or pursue different career paths later in life.
Lack Writing and Critical Thinking Skills
Another disadvantage of trade schools is that they often do not prioritize the development of writing and critical thinking skills. These skills are crucial for success in many professional fields, as they enable individuals to effectively communicate their ideas and analyze complex problems.
Without a strong foundation in writing and critical thinking, trade school graduates may struggle to advance in their careers or compete with college-educated individuals.
While trade schools may offer some basic instruction in these areas, it is typically not as comprehensive as what is provided in a college setting. College students are often required to write essays, engage in debates, and analyze complex texts, which helps them develop the critical thinking and writing skills necessary for success in a variety of fields.
Weaker at Communication and Teamwork
Trade schools also tend to place less emphasis on developing communication and teamwork skills. In many trades, individuals often work independently or in small teams, which can limit their exposure to collaborative projects and the development of effective communication skills.
On the other hand, college students are often required to work on group projects, participate in class discussions, and engage with diverse perspectives. This exposure to teamwork and communication can help college graduates excel in the workplace, where collaboration and effective communication are highly valued.
Less Academic Rigor Than College
One of the drawbacks of trade schools compared to college is the lower level of academic rigor. While this may be seen as an advantage by some individuals who prefer a more hands-on approach to learning, it can be a disadvantage for those seeking a comprehensive and in-depth education.
Easier to Get Accepted to Trades
Trade schools generally have less stringent admission requirements than colleges, making it easier for students to get accepted. While this may be appealing to some individuals who struggled academically in high school or who are looking for a quicker path to a career, it can result in a less competitive and intellectually stimulating environment.
Less Challenging Coursework
Trade school coursework tends to be more focused and practical, teaching students the skills they need for a specific trade. While this can be advantageous for those who know exactly what career path they want to pursue, it may limit intellectual growth and exploration.
College, on the other hand, offers a broader range of subjects and encourages critical thinking and analysis.
Minimal Pressure to Succeed
In trade schools, there is often less pressure to excel academically compared to college. This can be both a positive and a negative aspect. On one hand, it allows students to focus more on acquiring hands-on skills and practical knowledge.
On the other hand, it may lead to a lack of motivation and ambition, as there is less emphasis on achieving high grades and pushing oneself intellectually.
While trade schools can provide valuable vocational training and a quicker path to a specific career, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks. It is essential for individuals to carefully weigh their options and consider their long-term goals before making a decision between trade school and college.
Difficulty Transferring Credits to Degree Programs
One of the major drawbacks of skipping college and attending a trade school is the difficulty in transferring credits to degree programs. While trade schools may offer specialized training and skills, the credits earned at these institutions often do not transfer easily to traditional colleges and universities.
Most Credits Don’t Transfer
According to a study conducted by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, only about 30% of credits earned at trade schools are accepted for transfer to four-year degree programs.
This means that a significant number of credits are essentially wasted, as they do not count towards a higher education degree.
Many colleges and universities have specific requirements for credit transfer, including a minimum grade threshold and alignment with the curriculum of the degree program. Trade school credits may not meet these criteria, leading to difficulties in transferring credits and potentially delaying graduation.
May Have to Start College from Scratch
In some cases, individuals who have completed a trade school program may be required to start their college education from scratch if they decide to pursue a degree. This means retaking courses that they have already completed at the trade school, resulting in a duplication of efforts and wasting both time and money.
Starting college from scratch can be frustrating for students who were hoping to build upon their previous education and gain advanced standing in a degree program. It can also extend the time it takes to complete a degree, further delaying entry into the job market and potentially increasing student loan debt.
Time and Money Wasted on Trade School
Another drawback of skipping college and attending a trade school is the potential waste of time and money. Trade school programs can be expensive, and if the credits earned do not transfer to a degree program, students may find themselves needing to start over at a college or university.
This not only means paying for additional education but also losing the time and effort invested in the trade school program. It can be disheartening for individuals who have already completed a trade school program to realize that their efforts may not count towards a higher education degree.
Additionally, the cost of attending a trade school and then a college or university can be significantly higher than simply attending college from the start. This can put a strain on students’ finances and potentially lead to increased student loan debt.
Conclusion
While trade schools can offer quicker, cheaper career training options, they come with serious drawbacks compared to earning a four-year college degree. From lower earnings, fewer career options, and minimal transferable skills to lack of academic rigor and general education, trade schools are a high-risk gamble for most students.
Given the massive income gap between high school and college graduates, along with the greater career flexibility of broad-based degrees, skipping college in favor of a trade school is likely a decision students will come to regret.
Investing the time and money into a bachelor’s degree is worth the payoff for the vast majority of high schoolers considering their options.
