Should Your Child Go To Trade School Or College?

Making the decision about whether or not to send your child to college can be difficult. There are so many factors to consider! Another option that you may not have considered is a trade school. Trade schools can offer great education and career opportunities for your child.

In this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of sending your child to a trade school or college. We will help you decide what is best for your family!

Consider The Cost Of College

There are many things to consider when making the decision about whether or not to send your child to college. The cost of college is one factor. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of tuition and fees for the 2017-2018 school year was $34,740 at private colleges, $24,930 at public colleges, and $14,210 for in-state students at public colleges. The cost of college has been rising steadily for years, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Trade schools can be a more affordable option for your child.

Assess What Finances They Need from You

One of your jobs is to figure out what they need from you for support and how you can provide it. If you kid is headed to college, one thing they are probably going to need from you is some financial support. This can be difficult for many parents to provide, even if they have been putting aside savings to help with the cost of college. One potential option is by taking out parent loans for college. This is a low-rate private loan that can take some of the burden of future student loan debt away from them.

Think About Your Child’s Interests And Goals

When making the decision about whether or not to send your child to college, it is important to think about your child’s interests and goals. If your child is interested in a trade or has a specific career goal in mind, trade school may be the best option. Namely, trade schools don’t require a GED or diploma, and you will be able to attend programs that are focused on specific trades and careers. This can help your child get the education and training they need to succeed in their chosen field.

Weigh The Pros And Cons Of Each Option

There are pros and cons to both college and trade schools. It is important to think hard before making a final decision. Therefore, some of the pros of sending your child to college include the opportunity to explore different fields and interests, they will receive a well-rounded education and your child can meet new people. On the other hand, some of the cons of sending your child to college include the cost of college which is rising and may be difficult to afford or your child may not know for sure what they want to study when they start college.

The Pros Of Trade School

Some of the pros of sending your child to trade school include the lower cost of tuition, programs that are focused on specific trades and careers, and shorter programs. Namely, this last factor can be a great benefit because your child will not spend as much time in school and can start their career sooner.

The Cons Of Trade School

Some of the cons of sending your child to trade school include the perception that trade school is not as good as college, or that it is only for students who are not academically inclined. Additionally, your child may not have the opportunity to explore different fields and career interests.

The decision about whether or not to send your child to college or trade school is a difficult one. There are many career paths and factors to consider! In this blog post, we have discussed the pros and cons of each option. Weigh all of the factors before making a decision that is best for your family.