Is Learning a Trade Better Than Going to University? A Realistic Comparison

Mike Rowe, the guy from "Dirty Jobs," and the current host of Somebody’s Gotta Do It, has been a promoter of learning a trade for years, and it doesn’t look like he’ll be changing his mind any time soon.

According to him, there are approximately 7.3 million open jobs in the US today, and most of them don’t require a university degree. What they require is a skill and the willingness to learn one. The challenge, he says, is that people prefer college education over apprenticeships.

This begs the question: Is learning a trade actually better than earning a college degree, or is it all hype?

Let’s compare both options realistically.

The Case for Learning a Trade

Even though learning a trade doesn’t get enough credit at high school fairs and career talks, it has a lot going for it. Let’s talk about why Mike Rowe could be right about the concept of learning a trade.

1. Quick Entry Into the Workforce

One of the biggest pros for learning a trade is how quickly it allows for entry into the workforce. While most students are still slugging it out with English 101 in their first semester, someone who went to trade school or attended skills-based classes could be getting set to earn their first paycheck.

This doesn’t apply to college-age people only. People changing careers in their 30s or 40s don’t need to spend long years in school to start their dream careers, as many trade programs take just a few months to complete.

Take someone who wants to become a home inspector in Arkansas, for example. They’ll need just 80 classroom hours of home inspection pre-licensing classes to meet the state’s license application requirements.

In fact, according to Trade X University, completing the pre-licensing course and passing the national exam is enough to get licensed and start working. It’s safe to say that no college degree or course is that fast.

2. Lower Training Costs

Student debt is one of the biggest drawbacks of university education in America. US News reports that the average student loan debt is around $30,000. Now, compare that with trade school programs, which typically cost far less, and where students can graduate with little or no debt.

Moreover, you’ll see a case for apprenticeship that can't be ignored. Plus, there are actually apprenticeship programs that pay you while you learn. Some also allow you to combine training with part-time or full-time work, so as not to miss a paycheck.

The result? Trade students can finish without the heavy debt that university students carry. They can not only start work sooner, but they also get to keep most or all of their earnings from the start.

3. Self-Employment & Flexibility Opportunities

Although doctors or architects can start their own practice, it usually takes years of work experience, lots of licensing, and high start-up costs. Many trades, however, offer a clear and direct path to self-employment and business ownership.

Once you’re a licensed master in your field, you can start your own business, set your hours, become your own boss, and directly reap the rewards of your labor.

This kind of independence appeals to a lot of people. And the earning potential? A highly skilled tradesman can easily clear up to $106,030 per year, especially working in an in-demand field like electrical work.

The Case for University

There’s a reason why going to college and having a bachelor's degree has been the gold standard for years. It opens doors that a trade certificate just won’t. Let’s see more reasons to choose this path.

1. Access to Professional Career Paths

No matter how skillful you are, some doors just won’t open without a university degree.

You want to be a doctor? Psychologist? Work at NASA? Trade certificates won’t get you in the door. You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree to even get considered. In fact, according to data from the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs that require at least a Bachelor’s degree is expected to grow by about 5.6% by 2034. Clearly, for most professional paths, a degree still matters.

More importantly, university graduates often find it easier to climb the corporate ladder. A degree can open doors into tech, government, non-profit, or consulting roles, even if they’re not directly related to your major.

2. High-Value Networking Opportunities

Another case for going to college is that it opens you up to high-value networking opportunities. In fact, for some, university is as much about who you meet as what you study. The person sitting next to you in class could be your future colleagues, business partners, or industry contacts.

A great example is Reddit. The founders, Steve Huffman and Alexis Ohanian, met in college, where they came up with the idea for Reddit during their senior year.

Today, we have the wildly successful "front page of the internet," worth billions, just because two people met on campus, became friends, and decided to try their hand at something new.

3. Structured Learning Environment

Some people learn best in a structured environment, and a college is the best place to find it. If you’re the type who needs someone telling you exactly what to read, when to read it, and what’s due next Thursday, then a university will fit you perfectly.

Everything is clearly decided and mapped out for you. You’ve got the syllabus, school hours, academic advisors, and a clear path from admission to graduation. This is the learning path for those who thrive best in an ordered system.

How to Choose the Right Path for You

As you can see, there’s a lot to be said for both the university and trade approach. College is still a preference for many, but with vocational training enrollment rising by 16% in 2023, trade programs are rapidly catching up.

So, how do you know which is the best pathway for you? Here’s a simple table to guide your decision.

Trade Program	University
You prefer hands-on, practical work	Your dream career requires a degree
You want to start earning as soon as possible	You enjoy academic work
You don’t like the idea of student loans	You’re comfortable with the idea of student loans
You prefer flexible work or self-employment	Campus networking matters to you

Final Thoughts

Deciding whether learning a trade is better than going to the university or vice versa is not as cut and dried as it seems. It’s more of a personal decision than anything else. The most important thing is choosing a path that aligns with your goals and aspirations.

It’s also worth noting that your path needn't be a binary one. You could consider a hybrid option. Learn a trade first, start earning, and then go to school for a degree. Or if you already have a degree and are working, you can actually pivot into the trade industry. Many are already doing so.