Trade School vs. College: Which Is Right for You?

Thinking about enrolling in a trade school or college to build valuable skills and knowledge in an industry of your choosing? If so, you might be wondering, “What’s the difference between trade school and college, anyway?”

Ultimately, trade schools and colleges vary mostly in the time required to complete a program, overall cost, and educational focus. With a better understanding of the similarities and differences between trade or vocational school vs. college, you may be able to decide which best suits your goals.

Looking for a school that offers the best of both worlds? Bryant & Stratton College offers a wide range of diploma, certificate, and degree programs for you to choose from.

What Is a Trade School?

A trade school (also commonly referred to as a vocational or technical school) is a post-secondary institution that aims to prepare students for skilled trades or other technical roles.

Key Characteristics of Trade Schools

Typically, trade schools offer diploma and certificate programs, which are designed to be completed more quickly than “traditional” 2–4-year degree programs. As a result, students may be able to enjoy a quicker entry into their chosen fields. Depending on the specific program and whether a student is enrolled part- or full-time, it is not uncommon for a trade school diploma or certificate program to be completed in nine months to a little over one year.

Because trade schools aim to prepare students for quick hiring into real entry-level roles in their chosen fields, the education provided in these programs tends to be very hands-on and skills focused. Coursework may include not just “traditional” readings and assignments, but hands-on practice, real-world simulations, and other practical training that directly applies to workforce demands.

In some cases, trade school programs may also prepare students for certain licensure and/or certification exams in their chosen fields. While most programs do not include licensure (and requirements can vary by state), it is not uncommon for trade school programs to include some kind of preparatory component for students.

Common Trade School Programs

There are many fields where trade school programs serve as a common pathway into entry-level and even more advanced roles. Some of the most common industries where workers may get their start in a vocational school program include (but are not limited to):

• Skilled trades and construction (plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, etc.)
• Automotive and mechanical
• Healthcare and health sciences (medical assisting, licensed practical nursing, etc.)
• Creative and technical fields (culinary arts, cosmetology, etc.)

As skilled trades across the country continue to face significant labor shortages due to an aging workforce and other factors, the need for skilled labor is only likely to keep increasing. In fact, according to one McKinsey & Company study, annual hiring for critical skilled roles could be more than 20 times the projected annual increase in net new jobs from 2022 to 2032 alone.

What Is a College?

A college, on the other hand, is a post-secondary education that primarily offers formal degrees — usually in the form of associate and bachelor’s degrees. However, some colleges may also offer graduate-level master’s or even doctoral-level degrees.

Key Characteristics of Colleges

One of the key characteristics of the college experience is the pursuit of a broader education. Rather than taking classes only in a chosen field of study, students in a college degree program are often required to complete certain “general education” courses that may be unrelated to their field to earn a well-rounded education.

In a college degree program, coursework may also focus more on abstract theory. While hands-on and practical skills are taught, students are also expected to develop their theoretical knowledge, research skills, and critical-thinking skills in an associate or bachelor’s degree program.

As a result, the time to complete a college degree program is typically longer than the time to complete a trade school diploma or certificate program. An associate degree, for example, can take around two years to finish, whereas a bachelor’s degree traditionally takes four or more years (depending on enrollment status and other factors). Online or accelerated degree programs can shorten the length commonly expected in the past.

Common College Programs

College program availability can vary greatly from one college to the next. Some schools may be well known for their business programs, whereas others may focus on healthcare, education, computer science, or just about any other field you can imagine. 

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the 79% of associate degrees conferred during the 2021-2022 school year fell into one of the six fields of study:

• Liberal arts and sciences, general studies, and humanities
• Health professions and related programs
• Business
• Engineering technologies
• Computer and information sciences and support services
• Homeland security, law enforcement, and firefighting

Trade School vs. College: Side-by-Side Comparison

While both colleges and trade schools can provide an excellent education, there are some significant differences that prospective students should understand before enrolling in either type of school. Mostly, these differences relate to program length, focus, cost, and potential for career growth/advancement.

1. Program Length

When looking at trade school compared to college, the time to completion is typically much shorter in a diploma/certificate program than a formal degree program. Depending on the program chosen and how many classes you take per semester, you may be able to complete a diploma program in less than one year.

Earning a college degree typically takes two to four years or longer, depending on your enrollment status (part-time or full-time) and the number of credit hours required by your chosen program.

2. Curriculum Focus

Trade schools and colleges can also differ significantly in their curriculum focus. Because a trade school program tends to be shorter and is centered around teaching students the practical skills, they’ll need in their future roles, the focus of coursework in a diploma or certificate program is usually more technical and skills based.

In a college degree program, however, coursework may include not just practical skill learning, but a deep dive into more abstract and theoretical concepts.

3. Career Flexibility & Growth

Both trade schools and colleges offer valuable designations that today’s employers are seeking, from diplomas and certificates to formal degrees. That said, because trade school programs tend to be highly specific in the skills they teach to students, those with credentials from a trade school may be somewhat more limited to jobs in their direct field of study.

Because college degrees offer a more general and broad education, there may be more potential for career flexibility within disciplines when compared to a trade school. For instance, someone with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) might have more flexibility to pursue diverse business careers, while an individual with a specialized technical diploma could find fewer opportunities to branch into different fields.

4. Advancement Opportunities

Ultimately, your potential to advance in your career isn’t entirely tied to your education. Remember, you can always return to school to earn additional degrees or designations that may help you achieve your long-term professional goals.

In general, formal degrees may open more doors of opportunity for advancement, especially in certain fields where a degree is preferred by employers looking to fill mid-level, advanced, or leadership roles.

This isn’t to say that earning a diploma or certificate will confine you to entry-level roles, however. The key to advancement in any field is to commit to a lifetime of learning, professional development, and growth so you can reach your full potential.

5. Cost Considerations

From a cost standpoint, trade school programs do tend to be more affordable, mostly because diploma and certificate programs require significantly less time in school. Formal degrees, including associate and bachelor’s degrees, take anywhere from two to four years to complete and thus come with a higher cost. Because many trade school programs can be completed in about a year or less, the costs associated with tuition tend to be lower. That said, trade schools and colleges are both available at a wide range of tuition costs, so do not simply assume all colleges are more expensive, especially if financial aid is a factor.

The Gray Area: When Trade School and College Overlap

Despite their notable differences, there are also a few similarities between trade school and college. 

For starters, both college and trade school aim to prepare students with the skills and knowledge needed in the workforce. Curricula for both often include a combination of hands-on experience and reading/assignments.

Likewise, both colleges and trade schools tend to have similar admissions requirements. For example, applicants typically need to have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent (such as a GED).

How to Decide Which Is Right for You

Both trade schools and traditional colleges can be excellent options for those looking to advance their education and prepare for fulfilling careers across a wide range of industries. However, deciding between a trade school and a college degree program can be easier said than done.

Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to help you decide which educational path may be best for you:

1. Do I want to enter the workforce as quickly as possible? If so, then a diploma or certificate program may be ideal.
2. Do I prefer hands-on training over classroom theory? If so, then this may be another reason to consider trade school.
3. Do I want a degree that may support long-term career mobility? A college degree may support greater long-term mobility within a chosen field.
4. Am I interested in leadership or management roles later? A college degree may often be preferred for leadership and management roles, though not always.
5. How important is flexibility if I change careers in the future? College degrees may offer a broader foundation for added flexibility.

Explore Career-Focused Flexible Degrees at Bryant & Stratton College

As you can see, there’s a lot to think about when it comes to deciding between trade school and college for your education. While both educational paths aim to prepare students for the demands of the workforce while building career-ready skills, they can differ greatly in terms of cost, time to completion, and format.

Of course, some schools fall into a bit of a sweet spot, offering a combination of trade-focused diploma/certificate programs in addition to associate and bachelor’s degree options. At Bryant & Stratton College, we’re proud to offer the best of both worlds between a trade school and a traditional college with more than 45 different programs to choose from in industries like healthcare, education, hospitality, business, and more.

Plus, with programs available online, on-campus, and in a hybrid/blended format, our students have the freedom to choose the learning format that best accommodates their needs and lifestyles. Get in touch to request more information about any of our programs, or take the next step by completing your online application for admission today.