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Is the traditional four-year college losing its grip? A growing number of students are exploring career tech programs, raising questions among parents who often envision a different path for their children. This shift is fueled by financial concerns and a desire for hands-on experience, leading many to consider vocational training as a viable and attractive alternative.
The Rising Tide of Technical Education
Nush Ahmed, a 22-year-old, defied her parents’ expectations by choosing a career technical program far from home. Her parents, immigrants from Bangladesh, believed a bachelor’s degree was the only route to success. However, Nush was determined to pursue a career in manufacturing, joining a growing trend of students opting for technical schools over traditional colleges.
“I was hoping that time she would go to either medical school or engineering college to become a doctor or engineer,” said her father, Shuhel Ahmed. “But she really wanted to go into to this career, so I finally decided to let her go.”
Survey Says: Teens Eye Non-Degree Paths
New data reveals a significant shift in student attitudes towards higher education. A survey by American Student Assistance indicates that nearly half of all students (45%) are not interested in attending college. While 14% plan to attend trade or technical schools, apprenticeships, or boot camps, a substantial 38% are considering these options.
Interestingly, parental support for non-degree paths lags behind that for traditional college. Sixty-six percent of teens reported parental support for their non-degree plans, compared to 82% whose parents encouraged college attendance. Even more telling, 70% of teens felt their parents would rather they forego education altogether than pursue a non-degree program right after high school.
Financial Realities and the Allure of Hands-On Work
Financial considerations play a crucial role in students’ decisions. Andrew Townsend, a high school graduate from Golden, Colorado, chose an apprenticeship as a manufacturing technician with Lexmark over college. He explained, “I can’t sit still in a class, and I want to get my hands dirty and get into work. It’s financially best for me right now.”
His father, Corey Townsend, supports his son’s choice, recognizing the financial advantages. “My family doesn’t have the most amount of money,” Andrew Townsend said. “Maybe if I want to go to college later on in life, that’s a choice. But for now I want to focus on myself and make my life better for me.”
The Cost Comparison: College vs. Career Tech
The financial contrast between traditional college and career technical education is striking. In-state tuition at public colleges averages $9,750 a year, while out-of-state tuition can soar to $28,386. Private college tuition averages $38,421. Meanwhile, the average cost of a complete trade school program was $15,070 during the 2022-2023 school year, according to data from the federal Education Department’s National Center for Education Statistics.
Government Initiatives and Shifting Priorities
The Trump administration has actively promoted career technical programs as valuable alternatives to traditional colleges. Initiatives like the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act provide funding to states and communities to enhance these programs.
A Father’s Perspective and a Daughter’s Success
Despite initial reservations, Nush Ahmed’s father now recognizes the immense opportunities her chosen path has provided. Nush, who earns around $60,000 a year at a precision manufacturing company and hosts a podcast highlighting young people in trades, exemplifies the potential success of technical education.
“With the way she has gone through this and how she is doing now, I would say to parents that if kids want to try a short-term school, they should let them do and then see how it goes,” Ahmed’s father said. “If it goes well, then great, and if not, there’s time to change. But they should let them follow their dreams.”