Trade schools tend to be a lot less expensive than four-year colleges.

Consider the pricing breakdown for tuition at a four-year college (not including room and board) during the 2021-22 academic year in the U.S.:

• Public College (In-State): $10,740 per year

• Public College (Out-of-State): $27,560 per year

• Private College: $38,070 per year

Utah tuition breakdown:

• UofU, $9,000 annually

• Weber State, $6,200 annually

• Utah State, $9,000 annually

• Utah Tech, $6,000 annually

And how much does trade school cost? In Utah, most trade school programs range from 2,000 at the least expensive to 24,000 to the most expensive, even the most expensive is cheaper than a 4 year degree.

Those saving mean most trade school graduates often have little-to-no debt. This gives them an immediate leg up on earning potential.

Trade schools tend to have fewer academic requirements for applicants to meet. That means that no matter what your grades were like in high school, there’s a good shot you’ll be accepted. In fact, some trade schools might not even require a high school diploma.

Trade schools may accept applicants without a high school diploma or those with low GPAs. Also, they usually don't have specific course, experience, or extracurricular prerequisites.

Don’t let the past hold you back! You can continue your education starting today.

Class sizes are smaller. In a smaller classroom you can get more individualized attention from the instructor so you can better develop your skill set. These classes are also filled with others who are interested in the same career choice as you. This makes it easy for you to form a group of like-minded peers who are interested in the same things as you are. This bond will provide support that makes getting through school and networking to find a job much easier.

Trade schools specialize in specific areas of skill and pride themselves on their ability to place their students in jobs right out of school. Many institutions have counselors whose only job is to find their students employment once they earn their certificate or degree. This shows how dedicated schools are to your success. It also helps them provide targeted hands-on training, internships, and industry-specific training so that you can be successful both in the classroom and on the job.

One of the most overlooked benefits of going to a trade school is the emphasis on in-demand careers. Trade schools prepare graduates to enter some of the best and most reliable careers available. These include essential professions, high-paying specialized careers, and fast-growing technical roles.

There are many occupations where trade workers earn similar or greater salaries than degree holders. Trade schools also take far less time and many graduate debt free, meaning that they have opportunities to earn money quicker and keep what they earn.