Take Action

Trade School vs College: Is College the Only Path After High School?

Why Some Families are Considering Trade School

by Ash Kirkland

Trade school vs college is one of the biggest questions families are facing right now—especially as costs rise and career options expand. Remember when the plan was simple? Graduate high school, go to college, get the degree, and land the good job….

This used to be the best method to achieve what we often call ‘The American Dream’. Unfortunately all things change, including the current workforce and whether or not getting a college degree is viable. It still works for some people, but wow, there are way better options out there now.

trade school vs college decision guide for parents and teensFord’s CEO just admitted he can’t fill thousands of mechanic jobs that pay $120,000+. Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC techs in many states are clearing $100k–$150k with overtime and side gigs. Meanwhile, tons of recent college grads are back home, paying off massive loans, and working jobs that didn’t even need the degree.

Here’s the pattern we’re starting to see all over America: College is fantastic for the right kid. Trade school is fantastic for the right kid. The mistake is assuming every kid is the “college kid.”

If your teen is staring at senior year and feeling zero excitement about dorms and lectures (or if the price tag is giving you heart palpitations), you’re not alone. Let’s take a look at how much things’ve changed. 

For years we were told college was the only safe bet. Now the numbers are telling a different story:

  • Average student loan debt just hit $39,000–$42,000 per borrower. Some owe way more.
  • Trade school? Most programs cost $10,000–$33,000 total — and tons of kids finish debt-free or close to it.
  • Top trade programs are showing 10-year ROIs of $448,000–$607,000. That’s real money, fast.
  • 75% of U.S. workers now say the cost of college outweighs the benefits, and 88% say student debt makes the trades look way more appealing.

Parents are waking up fast — 70% of teens say their parents now support trade school or apprenticeships. Only 16% of Gen Z parents still believe college guarantees long-term job security. That’s a crazy shift, considering how things were in the 80’s and 90’s. It’s also been a huge reality check for many academic institutes.

The Trades are Begging for Good People Right Now

parents helping teen choose college or trade school path

The skilled trades shortage is so bad that construction alone needs 439,000 new workers in 2025. Electricians, welders, HVAC techs, plumbers — every single one is in crazy demand.

Starting pay is often $55k–$75k, and once you’re journeyman level? Six figures is normal, especially if you eventually start your own business (so many do).

And get this — 91% of people in the trades say they’re satisfied or very satisfied with their careers. That’s way higher than a lot of office jobs where people are stressed about AI taking their work.

The best part? These jobs can’t be outsourced, and robots aren’t fixing your furnace anytime soon. 

So, Is Trade School Right for You, or Your Child?

Trade school may be a good fit for your child if your child:

  • Loves figuring out how things work and fixing stuff
  • Gets bored sitting still all day
  • Wants to make real money by 20 or 21 instead of 29
  • Would rather build something cool than write another paper

College is probably the right path if your child:

  • Lights up talking about science, history, writing, or business theory
  • Dreams of being a doctor, teacher, engineer, lawyer, etc.
  • Loves school and deep-dive learning

There isn’t a wrong answer – only the wrong fit.

How to Help Your Teen Figure This Out

You don’t have to have it all figured out tonight. Here are some easy ways to explore:

Take them to a trade school open house or career center — many have “try a trade” days where kids actually weld something or wire a light switch. They usually leave grinning ear-to-ear.

Have them shadow someone for a day — ask around. Most tradespeople are thrilled to show a teenager the ropes.

Watch some YouTube or TikTok channels of young electricians, plumbers, or mechanics showing their actual paychecks and daily life.

Talk money honestly — pull up the actual costs and earning numbers together. Kids are smart. When they see $150k debt vs. $15k debt and similar (or better) pay, the lightbulb flicks on.

You've Got This - And So Do They

Trying to help your child navigate this next part of their life can feel scary. We just want them to be happy, secure, and proud of what they do every day.

But here’s what I’ve learned: The kids who pick the path that actually fits them — whether that’s college, trade school, apprenticeship, or even starting a business — are the ones who absolutely thrive.

There is zero shame in skipping the traditional college route right now. In fact, for a lot of teens, it’s the bravest, smartest move they could make.

So take a deep breath. Grab your kid, and have the real conversation, and trust that whichever door they walk through, they’re going to be just fine.

Because the world needs both the engineers and the people who keep the lights on — and right now, it especially needs the people who keep the lights on.

Whether a student chooses a career in the trades or a path requiring a college degree, developing strong math tutoring and reading tutoring foundations is critical, because these skills support every career path, as they are skills essential to all aspects of any career! 

If you’re unsure where your child stands right now, start with academic proficiency clarity so you can see strengths, gaps, and the next best steps.

Sources (all 2025 or late 2024 data):

  • Education Data Initiative / Federal Reserve student debt stats
  • DivisEEma Polytechnic & Forbes ROI analysis
  • Fortune, Jobber, American Student Assistance parent/teen surveys
  • Home Builders Institute & BLS job outlook/shortage numbers
  • PHCC & PeopleReady job satisfaction surveys
Proficiency Builders