A technical school degree can help you pursue an in-demand career path like HVAC technician, medical assistant, electrician, or computer technician.
But here’s the best part: you can generally secure that technical degree for a fraction of what you’d pay for a degree from a traditional four-year college.
Sounds great, right? It can be.
But attending a technical school isn’t for everyone. Is it the right decision for you? We built this blog post to help you decide.
You’re about to learn the requirements for tech school, how long it takes to complete a tech degree program, how to assess whether it’s worth it, and ways to pay for tech school tuition.
Let’s dive in.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(click to skip ahead)What are technical schools?
Technical schools (aka tech schools) offer specialized training programs for specific careers or industries.
If you're someone who prefers hands-on learning to acquire practical skills rather than sitting through lectures, then tech schools might be a good option.
Why?
Well, your training at a technical school directly relates to the job market. That means you'll be ready to hit the ground running in your chosen field as soon as you graduate.
Plus, a tech school program typically requires less time and money than traditional four-year colleges.
Trade school vs tech school
Does technical school sound like trade school? Well, that’s because some people use those terms (along with vocational school) interchangeably.
Still, there are some key differences:
Trade school typically emphasizes training for manual or hands-on professions, such as carpentry, plumbing, or welding.
On the other hand, tech school focuses more on providing specialized training programs for careers in fields like information technology, healthcare, or engineering, which typically involve more use of technology.
Tech school vs 4-year college
How is tech school different from the traditional college experience? Here are five major differences between tech schools and traditional four-year colleges.
Duration of programs
Tech school: Programs typically last for a shorter duration, often ranging from a few months to two years, depending on the specialization.
Four-year college: Programs generally last four years and lead to a bachelor's degree, although some may take longer.
Focus on practical skills
Tech school: Emphasizes hands-on, practical training directly related to specific careers or industries.
Four-year college: Focuses more on theoretical knowledge and academic coursework, with less emphasis on practical skills training.
Cost of education
Tech school: Generally more affordable than traditional colleges, with lower tuition fees and shorter program durations, reducing overall expenses.
Four-year college: Typically involves higher tuition costs, additional expenses for room and board, and longer program durations, resulting in a higher overall cost of attendance.
Career preparation
Tech school: Provides specialized training tailored to specific careers or industries, preparing students for immediate entry into the workforce upon graduation.
Four-year college: Offers a broader education encompassing various disciplines, providing opportunities for exploration and career flexibility. Graduates may require additional training or education (e.g. law school) for specific career paths.
Admission requirements
Tech school: Often has more lenient admission requirements, focusing primarily on the applicant's interest and aptitude for the chosen field.
Four-year college: Admissions typically require more proof of academic qualifications, such as standardized test scores, GPA, recommendation letters, application essays, and extracurricular activities.
What are the requirements for tech school?
The exact requirements for tech school will depend on the specific program and institution you're applying to. Some may require you to meet a set of prerequisites, while others may have more flexible admission criteria.
Still, there are some general requirements for most programs, including:
High school diploma or GED. Most tech schools require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
Minimum GPA. Some programs may have a minimum high school GPA requirement for admission.
Application form. Prospective students usually need to complete an application form and submit it with any required documents, such as high school transcripts.
Education prerequisites. Certain programs may have specific prerequisite courses or skills required for admission, such as algebra or computer proficiency.
Work experience. Depending on the program, applicants may be required to have relevant work experience in the field or complete an internship as part of the application process.
How long is tech school?
The time you spend in tech school will also vary depending on the particular program. However, you can generally expect to spend anywhere from a few months to two years to complete a tech school program.
You can get a better idea of how long you’d spend in tech school by searching for programs you’re interested in on the U.S. Department of Education’s College Affordability and Transparency List. You can also check costs based on the program type you’re most interested in.
How to assess whether tech school is worth it
Not all tech schools are created equal: Some offer high-quality education and excellent career prospects, while others may not provide the same level of value.
Here are some factors to consider when assessing whether tech school is worth it for you.
Pros of tech school
Career-focused training. Tech schools offer specialized training programs to prepare you for specific careers or industries, providing hands-on experience and practical skills directly relevant to the job market.
Short program durations. Compared to traditional four-year colleges, tech school programs often have shorter durations, allowing you to enter the workforce sooner and start earning a salary.
Lower costs. Tech school tuition is typically more affordable than four-year colleges, helping you avoid significant student loan debt and providing a quicker return on investment.
In-demand skills. Many tech school programs focus on teaching skills in high demand in the job market, increasing your chances of finding employment after graduation.
Cons of tech school
Limited academic options. Tech schools may offer fewer academic options and less flexibility than four-year colleges, limiting your choices if you decide to change careers or pursue further education.
Potential for overspecialization. Some tech school programs may focus too narrowly on specific skills or technologies, limiting your ability to adapt to changes in the job market or pursue alternative career paths.
Other factors to consider
Before enrolling in a tech school, we’d also strongly recommend carefully evaluating the following factors and considering your circumstances.
Accreditation. Accreditation is essential to ensure the tech school is reputable and offers a quality education. You can determine if a school has accreditation by checking the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) directory of accredited schools.
Program curriculum. Evaluate the tech school program's curriculum to ensure it aligns with your career goals and provides comprehensive training in relevant skills.
Completion rate. See how many students complete the program on average and compare it to how many enroll.
Job placement rate. Research the job placement rate and success of graduates from the tech school program in securing employment in their field of study.
Student testimonials. Read testimonials from current and former students to get an idea of their experience with things like the quality of instruction, career assistance, and job placement services.
Return on investment. Consider the potential return on investment by comparing the cost of tuition with the expected salary and career advancement opportunities after graduation.
Financial aid. Check if the school offers federal financial aid, such as grants, scholarships, loans, and payment plans.
How to pay for tech school
Tech schools are typically much more affordable than traditional four-year colleges. But that doesn’t mean they’re cheap.
Tuition at tech schools can range from a few thousand dollars to around $30,000 or more for longer programs. Luckily, you may not need to pay for the entire program out of pocket.
Here are some ways to get financial support to help pay for tech school.
FAFSA
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can help you qualify for federal grants, work-study programs, and loans to cover tuition, fees, and other educational expenses.
Resource: How to FAFSA
Scholarships
Some tech schools offer scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria related to the field of study. External organizations and companies may also provide scholarships to students pursuing technical education.
Resource: How to Apply for Scholarships: Your Ultimate Guide
Grants
Similar to scholarships, grants are financial aid awards you don’t need to repay. They may be awarded by the federal government, state governments, or private organizations to eligible students based on financial need or other criteria. To qualify for federal grants, you must first submit the FAFSA.
Employer sponsorships
Some employers offer tuition reimbursement programs to employees pursuing further education or training in relevant fields. Check with your employer to see if they have a reimbursement program.
Last option: loans
While loans should be considered a last resort, they can help fill the gap if other forms of financial aid don't cover all of your expenses.
Federal student loans typically offer more favorable terms and repayment options than private loans. However, you must complete the FAFSA to qualify for federal student loans.
Final thoughts on technical school
Attending a technical school can be an excellent choice if you're looking for specialized training in a specific field, want to enter the workforce quickly, and prefer hands-on learning over traditional academic settings.
However, it's essential to research and choose the right program that aligns with your career goals and offers quality education and training.
Are you considering technical school over a traditional four-year college? If so, you may want to read the following article next to make an informed decision: Is College Worth It? Pros and Cons of Going to College.
Special thanks to Ameer Drane for writing this blog post
Ameer is a freelance writer who specializes in writing about college admissions and career development. Prior to freelancing, Ameer worked for three years as a college admissions consultant at a Hong Kong-based education center, helping local high school students prepare and apply for top colleges and universities in the US. He has a B.A. in Latin American Studies from the University of Chicago and an M.A. in Spanish Linguistics from UCLA. When he’s not working, Ameer loves traveling, weight lifting, writing, reading, and learning foreign languages. He currently lives in Bangkok, Thailand.
Top values: Growth / Diversity / Empathy
