Spending four or five years in a college classroom isn’t for everyone. And paying tens of thousands of dollars in tuition every semester can be a tough pill to swallow. But you know you need an education to further your career prospects. You’re sure of it.
It’s just that college is too expensive, and it’s not the right place for you.
If this sounds like your situation, going to trade school instead of traditional college may be a great option.
But you may be wondering if there are student loans or financial aid available for students like you. Students who don’t want to go to a four-year college but need some financial assistance to get into and complete trade school.
Well, it’s a great question; and SchoolMatchPro.com is about to answer it for you!
However, before we do answer this important question for you, one that may help you decide if going to trade school is the right move for you, you should first be aware that trade schools are, in general, cheaper than traditional colleges.
And that’s even without financial aid.
In fact, according to the Educational Data Initiative, “The average cost of college in the United States is $36,436 per student per year, including books, supplies, and daily living expenses.”
That means a four-year college degree (if you complete it in four years) could cost you well over $120,000. That’s a lot of money.
And the Educational Data Initiative also noted that, “The average cost of college has more than doubled in the 21st century.”[1]
And it looks like it’s only getting even more expensive by the day.
On the other hand, we have career-based schools. Ready for this?
The average cost of trade school ranges from about $5,000 to $40,000, depending on the school you enroll in and the trade you’re studying.[2] Keep in mind, this figure isn’t for a single year, but for the entire program!
This means that some trade school programs could be about a tenth the cost of going to a traditional four-year college. That’s a huge difference.
But perhaps even better than that, most trade school programs only take one to two years to complete, meaning you could be prepared to enter the workforce much faster than those who go to traditional college.
So, even without any financial aid, going to trade school is cheaper than traditional college, and you could get a job and begin earning money quicker too!
But what about student loans or financial aid for trade school students? It that available?
Well, the short answer is… yes!
There may be both federal student aid and private student aid available… and even grants!
But…
According to US News and World Report, “You may not qualify for federal student loans if your program is not accredited.”
So, you’ll first want to assure the school you plan on enrolling in is accredited.
SchoolMatchPro.com can connect you directly with accredited career colleges, tech academies, trade, and vocational schools. Just click on “Begin Your Search Now” on our homepage… and we’ll get you going!
Now, back to financial aid.
US News and World Report goes on, “Some schools grant associate degrees, while others only provide certificates. It’s possible to receive federal aid for either kind of program…
“To apply for federal student loans, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The FAFSA is the government’s official application for federal student loans, as well as federal grants and work-study…
“In addition to federal student loans, you may qualify for federal grants. If you can afford to pay partly in cash, trade schools may also offer payment plans that charge low fees, such as $20 or $30 per semester.”[3]
There you have it!
Trade school is usually much cheaper than college, it can allow you to get into the workforce faster, and you may even qualify for student loans or grants.
So…
Now’s the time to get your education going. It’s time to take your future seriously. Visit SchoolMatchPro.com and we’ll help you find the right, accredited trade school program… for you!
[1] Average Cost of College [2023]: Yearly Tuition + Expenses (educationdata.org)
[2] How Much Does Trade School Cost (edvisors.com)
[3] How Can You Get Student Loans for Trade School? | Student Loans and Advice | U.S. News (usnews.com)
School Match Pro is an educational consumer information source connecting students with programs, we do not provide direct educational services. School Match Pro is not responsible for education program content or for third party referral sources directed to School Match Pro or related pages. Educational program options vary. Programs may not be accelerated, available in all locations, or available both online and at on-campus locations. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify including grants, scholarships, and other programs. Financial aid and grants are provided directly to educational programs, not to students, unless otherwise noted. To receive financial aid and grants students must submit applications and be accepted to educational programs for which aid will be used. Employment is not implied nor guaranteed, and each program length and curriculum will vary based on the institution you select. School Match Pro offers information, ratings, and recommendations of colleges and universities at no cost to the consumer. School Match Pro receives referral, promotional, and/or advertising revenue from some of the schools that we review.
