More Teens Choosing Career Tech Over College
Career tech vs college: More American teens are choosing career technical education (CTE) over traditional four-year college paths. But while many young people see these hands-on career pathways as financially wise and personally fulfilling, parents remain unsure, a new report finds.
A Generational Divide: Vocational Dreams vs. College Expectations
Nush Ahmed, 22, chose a technical training program 800 miles away from her home in Buffalo, New York—against her parents’ wishes. Coming from a South Asian immigrant family, the cultural expectation was clear: college, and preferably medicine or engineering.
But Ahmed saw a different path. She enrolled at the Universal Technical Institute in North Carolina. Today, she works in precision 3D printing, earns around $60,000/year, and runs a podcast promoting trades.
“If kids want to try a short-term school, they should let them,” said her father, now a proud supporter.
Survey: College Interest Down, Tech Paths Up
A survey by American Student Assistance shows a growing disconnect between teens and their parents:
- 45% of students said they aren’t interested in college.
- 38% are considering trade school or apprenticeships.
- Only 66% of parents support non-degree paths, compared to 82% who back college.
- Shockingly, 70% of students said parents would rather see them skip education entirely than choose a trade program.
Why Teens Are Ditching College
For many, it comes down to cost and learning style.
Andrew Townsend, 19, from Golden, Colorado, skipped college to work for Lexmark as an apprentice through his high school’s CTE program.
“I want to get my hands dirty. It’s financially better for me right now.”
His dad, a construction worker, now supports the decision.
The Cost Comparison: College vs. Career Tech
- Average college cost (public, in-state): $9,750/year
- Out-of-state college: $28,386/year
- Private college: $38,421/year
- Average trade school program: $15,070 total
With student debt reaching historic highs, trade schools are becoming a more appealing and affordable alternative.
Policy Push: Trump Backs Career Education
Former President Donald Trump has consistently championed vocational programs. He signed the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, allowing more federal funding for trade education.
He recently announced a rollback of Biden-era reporting rules to streamline program funding at local and state levels.
“Real skills for real careers,” Trump said. “We need to fill gaps in our workforce.”
Parents Still Hesitant—but Mindsets Are Changing
Ahmed and her father represent a broader shift. Once resistant, he now advises other parents to let their kids explore alternative paths:
“If it goes well, great. If not, they can change. But they should follow their dreams.”
Source: USA Today
