TRADE SCHOOLS
Over the past 30 years, the cost to attend a four-year college
has increased by 213 percent, leaving many college graduates
searching for ways to repay their student loans. Some high school
seniors are looking to avoid the hefty price tag of a four-year
degree and instead opting to attend a trade or technical school.
Trade school enrollment continues to increase since the early
2000s, but a steep decline in vocational education in the 1980s
and ‘90s led to a shortage of blue-collar workers across the nation.
Trying to gain back skilled workers has led to an increase in wages,
enticing students and parents alike to see past the old stigma of
choosing a trade school over college. Here are a few of the best
trades or vocations available.
• Air Traffic Controller – With a few years of intense training
and a certification by the FAA, air traffic controllers are highly
sought after. Individuals must have the ability to concentrate,
organize flight plans, inspect radio equipment, and are required
to be constantly vigilant to successfully execute their job duties.
• Radiation Therapist – An associate degree is required to land
a job as a radiation therapist, along with a licensure to practice.
If you’re interested in caring for other people, this job requires
administering radiation for cancer treatments.
• Dental Hygienist – Smile! Your career could be in making
teeth brighter. Dental hygienists work to clean teeth, take x-rays,
and educate patients on oral health. They are also ranked among
the most satisfied workers. You’ll need an associate degree to
pursue this career.
• Electrician – Training to become an electrician takes about as
long as it takes to get a bachelor’s degree and a license, but this
job training pays for itself along the way. If reading blueprints
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and installing or repairing wires and other electrical
components interests you, this career might be electrifying.
• Plumber – You’ll need your high school diploma and an
apprenticeship to become a plumber. Once you are licensed,
you can start to work, but you’re sure to need some physical
strength to take on this job.
• Diagnostic Medical Sonographer – After obtaining an
associate degree, sonographers go on to prep patients for
procedures, review and process images for physicians,
and administer ultrasounds. You’ll also be responsible for
operating imaging equipment.
• Elevator Installer – A career with high earning potential,
elevator installers repair and maintain elevators, escalators,
moving walkways, and lifts. A high school diploma and
apprenticeship is required for this role, so if you’re good with
power tools, this job might be a lift up for you.
TYPES OF COLLEGE LOANS
Getting into college is one of the most exciting times of a
student’s life and is the first step in shaping his/her career.
Many colleges and universities offer a myriad of grants or
scholarships to assist with paying for post-secondary school,
but often these are not enough. Student loans provide financial
assistance for students to cover the costs associated with
attending a college or career school, including tuition, supplies,
books, and living expenses. There are several types of loans
available including need-based, non-need-based, state, and
private.
Need-based loans are provided to students who are unable
to pay the amount needed to cover all costs to attend college.