Updated
|
Community College vs. Trade School
Is community college or trade school a better fit for your career of choice?

After you graduate from high school you find yourself thrust out into the world with an endless array of possibilities. For many people, the years after high school are filled with more school, typically at a 4-year university. Another option, however, is community college where you can receive an education (or at least take some of your classes) at lower tuition than traditional universities in preparation for your future. Another option many people consider is a trade school. But what is the difference between community college and trade school, and how do you know which option is right for you?

This video compares trade schools and community colleges.

What Exactly is Trade School?

Also known as a technical school or a vocational school, a trade school is a program that offers students hands-on experience related to a specific career. Some of the careers that you can look forward to with a degree from a trade school include skilled labor positions like electricians, machinists, mechanics, pharmacy technicians, dental hygienists, and nuclear technicians. Compared to four-year schools that require students to take electives or general education courses, the education you receive at a trade school is more streamlined and the curricula focus on developing a specific skill set and knowledge base to ensure success in your chosen career. Many trade school programs also require students to complete some kind of apprenticeship where they work with a professional

. . .read more

The Top Online Jobs to Help Students Earn Money for Tuition

Updated
|
The Top Online Jobs to Help Students Earn Money for Tuition
Explore flexible online jobs for community college students in 2026 and learn practical ways to reduce college costs while earning income.

In 1975, the total cost of tuition at a private nonprofit college was just over $10,000. Today, college costs are significantly higher, making it increasingly difficult for students to pay for their education. While community colleges remain one of the most affordable pathways to a degree, tuition, books, transportation, and living expenses can still add up quickly.

If you are worried about the cost of your own tuition, you may be considering taking a part-time job while you are in school. Traditional jobs come with set hours, however, which can be difficult to work around a class schedule. One option you might consider is an online job. There are plenty of online opportunities that offer flexibility and can help community college students earn meaningful income while continuing their studies.

Online Jobs for Students to Earn Tuition Money

Several decades ago, when college tuition was still relatively affordable, students could earn enough money with a summer job to pay much of their tuition during the school year. Today, however, that is rarely the case. More students are relying on a combination of employment, financial aid, scholarships, and cost-saving strategies to complete their education.

Attending a community college can dramatically reduce educational expenses compared to a four-year institution. If you are still evaluating affordability, you may want to review the latest information on average community college tuition costs in 2026. Community colleges continue to provide one of the strongest values in higher education.

Students should also understand the

. . .read more

How Much Education Do You Need for a High-Paying Job?

Updated
|
How Much Education Do You Need for a High-Paying Job?
Explore some of the highest-paying careers for community college students in 2026, compare in-demand degree fields, and learn how education, experience, and career planning can help maximize your long-term earning potential.

Before you apply to college, you need to think about what kind of classes interest you so you know which major to focus on. With so many options out there, however, it can be difficult to make a choice. While it is important to consider your interests and your skills, you also need to be practical. What career will earn you enough money to live the life you want?

What are the Highest Paying Careers?

When you start thinking about attending college, whether you choose a community college or a traditional university, you should have some idea of what kind of career you are interested in. What makes this so challenging is the fact that there is a nearly limitless array of options. With tuition costs continuing to rise, it is worth doing a little research to see if the career path you are on will provide enough income to support your long-term financial goals while helping you manage educational expenses. If you want to make sure that you will have financial security, consider going into one of the highest-paying career fields, including the following:

  • Engineering – According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, many engineering occupations continue to offer strong salaries and above-average job growth. Engineers can also increase their earning potential by obtaining additional certifications and licenses such as a Professional Engineer (PE) license.
  • Computer Science – With technological advances continuing across nearly every industry, careers in computer science remain
. . .read more

Healthcare Careers: Pathway To Medical School

Updated
|
Healthcare Careers: Pathway To Medical School
If you are considering medical school, you may be wondering how your application could be impacted by attending community college. Learn more about the pros and cons of community college degrees for med school applications.

There are many benefits associated with attending community college versus going to a traditional college or university. For one thing, tuition tends to be much more affordable at a community college and there is often greater flexibility in terms of taking classes online, at night, or in different locations. When it comes to certain career paths like medicine, however, having a degree or college credits from a community college can sometimes be a problem. Keep reading to learn more about getting into medical school with a community college degree.

What are the Prerequisites for Medical School?

Many students who know that they plan to pursue a career in medicine choose a pre-med degree or concentration with their undergraduate schooling. You can certainly get into med school with other degrees, but you do need to have certain prerequisites if you want your application to be considered. Each school may be slightly different but the general prerequisite requirements and recommendations for medical school are as follows:

  • One year each of biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics
  • Related lab work for each of the courses listed above
  • Knowledge of healthcare issues and volunteering and awareness of healthcare activities
  • Well-rounded experience with electives and extracurricular activities

In addition to these requirements and recommendations, you should think about what kind of degree you will pursue in undergrad if you don’t go pre-med. Science majors are the most common in medical school but many medical schools express an interest in well-rounded students by taking applicants from

. . .read more

Tips for Minimizing Educational Debt While in School

Updated
|
Tips for Minimizing Educational Debt While in School
Education becomes more expensive with each passing year so it is important to make smart use of your student loans and to minimize your debt while you are in school whenever possible.

Many people will tell you that you can’t get a good job without an education, specifically a college education. Unless you are lucky enough to receive a generous scholarship or help from family, you may be left paying for school on your own and you may need to take out a few student loans, or a lot of them. Unfortunately, the cost of tuition continues to rise each year and the average salary for an entry-level job just isn’t enough to pay off student loans for many people. If you are thinking about starting school, or if you already have, do yourself a favor and follow some of these simple tips for minimizing your educational debt while you are in school so that your loans are more manageable when you graduate.

Shocking Student Loan Statistics

According to the most recent reports for 2016, the total amount of student loan debt in the United States is about $1.23 trillion and that number is divided over more than 43 million Americans. The average graduate for the class of 2016 will be graduating with more than $37,000 in student loan debt, that number is up by a full 6% from last year. When it comes to student loans, there are a wide variety of different types and each type of loan has its own interest rates and rules for repayment. Direct loans make up the largest chunk of student loan debt with a total of over $840 billion divided over nearly

. . .read more

Recent Articles

As Four-Year Colleges Enter Short-Term Training, Should You Still Choose a Community College?
As Four-Year Colleges Enter Short-Term Training, Should You Still Choose a Community College?
As universities expand short-term workforce certificates, learn how community colleges compare on cost, flexibility, employer partnerships, and career outcomes.
What New Federal Aid Rules Mean for Short-Term Training Choices
What New Federal Aid Rules Mean for Short-Term Training Choices
Learn how new federal financial aid rules affect short-term workforce training programs and what prospective community college students should consider before enrolling.
Childcare, Transportation, and Food Support: Services That Drive Community College Completion
Childcare, Transportation, and Food Support: Services That Drive Community College Completion
Learn how childcare, transportation, food assistance, and other basic needs services help community college students stay enrolled and graduate.