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Dear Roadie: Should I Support My Straight-A Son Going to Trade School?

Three students with hard hats on look up a teacher

Dear Roadie: Should I Support My Straight-A Son Going to Trade School?

Published on January 17, 2025

Three students with hard hats on look up a teacher

“Dear Roadie,
Our son is a stellar student with a 4.4 GPA and an SAT score of 1400. He recently announced he wants to go to trade school instead of college. He loves cars and wants to do hands-on work in the auto industry. My husband and I are both college grads. Not to sound snooty, but we are disappointed. I’ve always thought of trade schools as an option for students with lower GPAs or without the financial means to attend a four-year school.  We’re planning on paying for some of college but will still need financial aid, and we don’t know much about how that works with trade schools. We’re worried he won’t have the education necessary to pursue high-paying jobs, especially as he gets older. Are we worrying about nothing?”

— Concerned About Trade Schools

Dear Concerned About Trade Schools,

I know it’s hard to feel like you’re being thrown a curveball, but a trade school isn’t a step down from a traditional, four-year college. It’s just a different choice — one that’s not at all relegated to students who lack high scores, good grades, or college money.

The reality is that not everyone’s college dream involves frat parties and 8 a.m. lectures. Many students feel like the traditional four-year college route isn’t for them, but they do it anyway—in part because they lack awareness about any options beyond working a full-time job. The good news is that your son is aware he has choices and that trade schools are making a bit of a comeback. 

There are many misconceptions about trade schools, so first, let’s discuss what they are. I like to think of trade schools as the VIP pass to learning hands-on skills for specific careers. Whether your student dreams of becoming an auto mechanic, a chef, an electrician, a dental hygienist, or a graphic designer, trade schools focus on teaching students exactly what they need to know — without all the “extras.”

Instead of sitting through four years of general education courses at a four-year college, trade school students jump straight into training programs that get them job-ready. Most programs take just two years or less, which means they can start working — and earning — sooner.

Trade schools are often a fraction of the cost of four-year colleges. Not only are tuition fees lower, but also shorter programs mean fewer years of housing, meal plans, and all those sneaky expenses that make college pricey. The result? Your son will likely graduate with less debt (or none at all).

If you’re planning to apply for financial aid, the federally funded Free Application For Student Aid (FAFSA) can be used for trade schools if the school is accredited and has a Federal School Code. So, no worries there. The process is much like it is at four-year schools. 

The Pros and Cons of Trade Schools

Overall, trade school students spend less time in a classroom and more time gaining real-world experience, whether it’s learning to fix cars, style hair, or program software. This hands-on approach ensures they’re ready to hit the ground running when they graduate. Like community colleges, trade schools also win when it comes to flexibility. Many offer night and weekend classes for students who work while studying. 

The good news is that many trade jobs are in high demand, and you may be surprised to learn what they pay. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that careers like auto mechanics, plumbing, welding, and HVAC repair offer median salaries in the $50,000–$60,000 range. Some even crack six figures with experience. 

That said, nothing is perfect. On the downside, trade schools provide limited career flexibility since training is specialized, especially compared to, say, a business major at a traditional, four-year college. This could lead to a lower earning potential compared to some college degrees and fewer advancement opportunities in certain industries. 

But if your son is as intelligent as his grades and scores indicate, who says he has to stop at the median salary? With sharp entrepreneurial skills, he can open his own body shop one day — or a chain of them. In other words, he can seek and even create new opportunities for himself as the years pass and his experience grows, leading to a steady, rewarding career, hopefully with a growing paycheck, without the years of traditional schooling.

It Doesn’t Have to be Right for You — Just Him

Trade schools aren’t for everyone, but as long as your son — and you — understand the pros and cons, there’s no reason to think it wouldn’t be the best decision for him. Ultimately, the choice between trade school and a four-year college comes down to your son’s goals. If he wants to dive into a hands-on career and start earning sooner, trade school might be worth considering. 

Whatever he decides, please remember that trade school isn’t a consolation prize — it’s simply a different route. Instead of focusing on your expectations, lean into his curiosity. Ask your son about his goals and why this path excites him. Show him you’re proud of his drive — sounds like he has plenty of it — even if it’s not the route you imagined. 

Have a perplexing college question? Email Dear Roadie for advice at dearroadie@road2college.com

_______

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Other Articles You Might Like:

What Is a Trade School? Your Guide to This Path

Dear Roadie: My Son Wants to Get Married for More Financial Aid. Bad Idea, Right?

Dear Roadie: Is It Wrong Not to Pay My Son’s College Tuition If I Make $500,000 a Year?

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