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How do trade schools compare to college?

I'm curious as to how the two compare? How are they similar? How are they different?

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Akerke’s Answer

Hello🤗
Trade school and college are both great options and understanding their differences may help you decide which one is right for you.
Two popular routes to take after high school are going to college or going to a trade school. Each of these paths has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. So it's essential to evaluate them carefully before deciding on either of the two. 
What is a Trade School?
A trade school, or a vocational or technical school, is an educational institution that provides hands-on training for trades and skilled occupations. Trade schools typically offer a variety of programs that can prepare you for careers in fields such as construction, automotive repair, welding, cosmetology, culinary arts, and more.
Trade schools focus on providing practical and job-specific training rather than the broad-based liberal arts education you'll find at a college. Trade schools also offer a wide range of programs that vary in length and focus. Some may take just a few months to complete, while others may take a few years. After completing one of these programs, you might obtain a certificate, diploma, or associate degree, depending on the school and program.
Trade schools typically instruct students through classroom lectures and activities, hands-on training, and real-world experience. For example, if you attended a trade school's automotive repair program, you'd get hands-on experience working on actual cars. You would learn how to diagnose and repair common problems like engine, electrical, and brake issues. You may also learn to perform routine maintenance tasks like oil changes and tire rotations.
What is a College?
As you probably already know, a college is a higher education institution that provides a two-year or four-year degree with majors such as business, engineering, arts, sciences, humanities, and more.
The curriculum in a college is usually designed to give you a well-rounded education that includes theoretical and practical knowledge. Therefore, colleges typically require you to take various courses across different disciplines, including those outside your major. This broad-based education helps you develop critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills that will help you in any career you choose.
Depending on what you choose to study, the method of instruction in college will be heavily concentrated on classroom lectures, but you will also have exposure to hands-on activities and real-world experience.
Colleges offer undergraduate degrees, like a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). They also offer graduate degrees, like a Master of Science (MS) or a Master of Arts (MA), or even doctoral degrees, like a Doctor of Fine Arts (DFA).
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Mack’s Answer

Akerke's response is spot on!

To add, vocational and technical schools typically cost less than traditional four-year colleges. Often, a person with a vocational degree or certification can earn as much as a college graduate right after school. This gap may narrow with time, but your income usually depends more on your personal achievements and efforts rather than your academic credentials.

However, don't discount college programs for being overly theoretical. Fields like engineering, design, and agriculture often incorporate substantial practical experience.

For more information about these two promising career paths, consider reaching out to your school's guidance department.

Best of luck!
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