A four-year college may be the most popular choice for most students after high school, there are others who choose to attend a two-year college or trade schools. And while they have some similarities, there are some important differences to keep in mind between a four-year college and a shorter degree or certificate program.
Two-year colleges and trade schools focus on career-specific training in fields such as nursing, accounting, criminal justice, and electronics. Moreover, the cost to study in a two-year college and trade schools are relatively lower compared to that of a four-year college. And quality education need not be expensive. By doing research about how a two-year college and trade schools work operate, you will still get quality education at a fair price.
On average, tuition and fees at public two-year colleges are $2,792 per year. However, the fees still depend on what you are studying. Aside from that, you need to add the cost of housing, books and supplies, and travel and miscellaneous purchases. Just like in a four-year institution, the average expenses for books and supplies per year are $1,292 and $2,995 per year for personal expenses. When determining whether or not you can afford a school, add up these expenses. But since the time to obtaining a degree is shorter, a two-year college is still less expensive compared to a four-year college.
The cost of tuition and fees in trade school, in some cases, may be higher than the price of a two-year college program. In other cases, trade schools might be a better deal because it focuses on learning a skill rather than studying a major.
Whichever you may end up choosing, a two-year college or trade schools, both often offer flexible schedules. This means you may wish to work while taking classes and earn income as well as valuable real-world experiences.