Whether or not to attend college is a big decision. College requires a significant investment of your time, your money, and your mindshare—it’s no wonder people question if it’s still worth it. Many individuals have pivoted to explore alternative options, like technical school or vocational school, but have similar questions in mind: Is higher education really needed for a successful trade career? Will a technical school actually pay off?

Technical schools, commonly called vocational schools, are postsecondary institutions that offer focused, hands-on training for specific careers, often taking far less time than a traditional four-year degree. This is because, rather than emphasizing general education, technical schools are geared to prepare students directly for the workforce. These programs prioritize job skills development and typically culminate in certificates, diplomas, or associate degrees.

For many individuals, technical school is a worthwhile investment. A career-focused education can open the doors to more job prospects, higher earning potential, and valuable, in-demand skills in just a matter of months. But is technical school worth it for you? This answer is highly personalized: It depends on your career goals.

Let’s explore this more below.

The benefits of technical school

If you’re considering a vocational school or technical school (or vo-tech school for short!), rest assured, there are many benefits involved. For example, students seeking fast entry into a specific career field, who do not need a college degree to secure a job, will often find that technical school is worth it.

Let’s explore some of the worthwhile features of technical and vocational schools.

Short route into the workforce

Technical schools offer a fast path towards employment opportunities, due to the nature of their curriculum. By cutting out general education requirements and focusing solely on career training, technical and vocational programs can be completed in a matter of months (and up to two years, at most). If you’re eager to enter the workforce and start earning a paycheck, this type of schooling could be a great fit.

Career-focused skills training

Technical schools emphasize hands-on, career-oriented coursework that will directly apply to your field of choice. This means you’ll be well-prepared to launch a career after graduation. If you pursue a welding certificate, for example, you’ll spend the entirety of your program honing technical skills you’ll actually use on the job, like thermal cutting, metal arc welding, pipe alignment, and more. Employers value this level of career readiness.

Straightforward admissions process

Admissions into a technical school is typically simpler than the traditional college application. Technical and vocational schools have very minimal prerequisites, with most requiring just a high school diploma or GED. Unlike many four-year colleges and universities, career-focused schools generally do not require standardized test scores like the SAT.

In-demand, high-paying career paths

While higher education is generally associated with higher-paying careers, the landscape has shifted over the years. Today, trades professions like machining, HVAC, electrical work, medical imaging, and dental hygiene are offering incredible compensation and benefits, considering the short investment in school. For example, let’s consider manufacturing. The industry needs skilled professionals with a certificate or associate-level training, and employers are rising to the occasion.

In Connecticut, manufacturers are enhancing paid leave policies, workplace environments, and tuition reimbursement programs to attract and retain candidates. Manufacturing workers in Connecticut now earn over $100,000 annually, on average, and can achieve this pay with just a few months in school.

Low-cost higher education

Compared to four-year liberal arts colleges and traditional universities, technical schools tend to be more affordable. The shorter timelines, fewer course offerings, plus little to no campus to maintain often equate to lower tuition costs. Money-wise, technical school tends to be a more accessible option for students who want postsecondary training without high student debt.

The potential trade-offs of technical school

While technical and vocational schools offer many advantages, they aren’t the right move for everyone. Some career paths (as well as growth opportunities) simply require a bachelor’s degree or higher. Some people prefer the well-rounded nature and versatility of general education courses. So if you fall into either of these categories, technical school might not be worth exploring at this time.

Let’s take a look at some of the limiting factors of vocational schools.

Limited course of study

Technical schools and vocational programs narrow in on predetermined career paths. Whether manufacturing, mechanics, medical technology, or web design, the program you choose will teach you the specific skills for that profession—not beyond it. This means you may not develop or practice the versatile soft skills that employers are also seeking, like leadership, communication, critical thinking, and time management. General education courses, as well as electives, enable students to build these types of skills and expand upon their career-specific training.

Limited program offerings

Those who apply to technical or vocational school already know what they want to do when it comes to a future career. They have their sights set on one program, which is great if a school offers that program directly. But what if you wish to pivot programs or pursue an advanced degree? Technical school programs are limited, which can in turn limit your own potential. Common technical programs include:

• Manufacturing and industrial programs
• Healthcare support professions
• Technology and digital fields
• Design and building careers
• Creative occupations
• Service-based trades

Limited growth opportunities

With a smaller number of programs and only short-stint programs available, technical schools do not always position students for long-term growth. Students cannot explore other class or program offerings, expand upon their interests with elective courses, or pursue upper-level degrees after completing their program. Bachelor’s and master’s degrees are not available in technical schools, despite being common requisites for career advancement.

In a similar vein, technical schools do not typically enable students to transfer easily. Often, the credits earned in technical school cannot be applied to a future college or university education. However, it’s important to speak with admissions to confirm the transfer equivalencies for your desired school.

Financial aid hurdles

While technical schools tend to be low-cost, they also lack a robust financial aid offering. Many of these institutions do not qualify for state or federal aid (which is available for most traditional colleges), and scholarships are generally limited for trades-based professions. As a result, vo-tech school students often need to pay out of pocket for their education, which can create a significant financial burden.

Goodwin: Higher education with a technical twist

While technical and vocational schools offer specialized career training, not every student’s goals fit into this narrow approach. Goodwin University provides the best of both worlds—combining career-focused education with courses that build the transferable skills employers are seeking.

As stated on our About page, “We tailor our programs to address the needs of employers, and we shape them to fit the lives of students. Classes are conveniently offered year‑round — days, evenings, weekends, and online.” We also partner with employers throughout Connecticut to ensure graduates are connected to prospective careers come graduation day.

Additionally, Goodwin offers programs at every level, from short-term certificates to associate, bachelor’s, and graduate degrees. This structure allows students to start a career quickly (within a matter of months), then continue their education and grow professionally as their goals evolve.

Ultimately, Goodwin’s goal is to make higher education accessible. Our admissions process is simple, with a high school diploma or equivalent, an online application, and an official transcript being the primary requirements. No extensive testing or essay requirements make the process quick and accessible.

Tuition is also transparent and affordable, helping students plan financially without surprises. Classes are offered in flexible formats, whether online or in-person, part-time or full-time, or even accelerated, to meet students where they are.

Is technical school worth it for you?

Remember when we said that this decision is deeply personal? That’s because the choice ultimately will boil down to your career goals. Think about what you want to do with your future: Does that career require a certain level of training or education? Do employers in the industry prefer candidates who have hands-on experience, certification, or studies under their belts?

If the answer is yes, higher education should be an easy “yes,” too. Finding a technical school, vocational school, or a career-focused college can be worthwhile, positioning you for a career you love in just a matter of months.

Just make sure the career you want is one that doesn’t require an advanced degree.

Interested in learning more about Goodwin University, which offers a fresh spin on technical education? Learn how our well-rounded, career-focused programs can kickstart your professional goals. Spoiler: It’s totally worth it!