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College Degrees vs Trade Schools: Benefits of Post-Secondary or Vocational Training

Knowledge is its own gift, but for those who are considering post-secondary schooling or vocational training, it is rarely the increased skills alone. Most likely, a higher paying job in your current field or a job change that will have you making more money in a new career is the true goal behind post-secondary and vocational training.

But is education the way to go when it comes to making more money? Absolutely! Check it out: The average income every year of someone who doesn't graduate from high school is about $13,800. Get a high school degree and that figure jumps up to $21,500. Attend just a little bit of school after high school and your annual salary will inch up a couple thousand dollars to almost $24,000. But get an associates degree in a vocational training specialty or post-secondary education and you will be bringing down almost $30,000. That's 50 percent more than you would make with a high school degree alone.

Think how that adds up: If you are 35 when you finish your post secondary education and work another 30 years until you are 65, you stand to pull in about a quarter of a million dollars more than if you held a high school degree only. If you are 25 when you graduate from your vocational degree and you work in your new field until you retire at age 65, you will make about $350,000 more over your lifetime.

And when you make more money, the benefits of post-secondary and vocational training pay off in a number of ways. Here are just a few that you can take to the bank:

  • Invest in a house and stop making rental payments.
  • Take a vacation with your family.
  • Pay off your credit card debt.
  • Save for your child's college.
  • Invest in a 401K or IRA.

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  • University of Phoenix

    At University of Phoenix, we believe everyone deserves access to higher education.

    Programs

    • B.S. in Business/Small Business Management & Entrepreneurship
    • California Teachers of English Learners Cert.
    • Doctor of Education in Ed. Leadership/Educational Technology
    • More...

    Location: Online

    University of Phoenix
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  • Everest University Online

    Manage your career and your life while earning your degree online.

    Programs

    • Criminal Justice (Associate's)
    • Computer Information Science (Associate's)
    • Criminal Investigations (Associate's)
    • More...
    Location:
    Santa Ana: , Santa Ana CA
    Everest University Online
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  • Capella University

    Achieve your potential with an online degree from Capella University.

    Programs

    • DBA - Leadership
    • PhD - General Information Technology
    • MS - Social and Community Services
    • More...
    Location:
    Minneapolis: Capella Tower, Minneapolis MN 55402
    Capella University
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  • USC School of Social Work

    The USC School of Social Work’s MSW@USC offers the opportunity to earn a Master of Social Work degree through the Virtual Academic Center without relocating to Southern California.

    Programs

    • Master of Social Work

    Location: Online

    USC School of Social Work
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  • Keiser University

    For over 30 years, Keiser University eCampus Online has provided student-centered, quality career education.

    Programs

    • Criminal Justice, AA (Online)
    • Psychology, BA (Online)
    • Business Administration - Management, BA (Online)
    • More...
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale: , Fort Lauderdale FL 33309
    Keiser University
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  • Virginia College

    Set your career in motion at Virginia College.

    Programs

    • MS - Cybersecurity
    • MBA
    • MS - Criminal Justice
    • More...
    Location:
    Birmingham: 300 River Hills Business Park, Birmingham AL 35242
    Virginia College
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  • DeVry University

    Make a difference with a graduate degree from DeVry University's Keller Graduate School of Management.

    Programs

    • Bachelor's - Business Administration - Accounting
    • Bachelor's - Computer Information Systems - Business Management
    • Bachelor's - Computer Information Systems - Database Management
    • More...
    Location:
    Chicago: , Chicago IL
    DeVry University
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  • Allied Health Institute

    Allied Health Institute is a post-secondary vocational school offering a variety of Diploma and Associate Degree programs in the field of Allied Health. By utilizing online learning, students have the flexibility to continue their education from the convenience of their own home. Our virtual classrooms will enable students to attend classes and communicate with instructors and classmates. Students can complete some programs without leaving their current employment or sacrificing family time.

    Programs

    • Electrocardiograph Technician
    • Medical Coding Specialist
    • Medical Assistant
    • More...

    Location: Online

    Allied Health Institute
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  • Kaplan University

    Advance your career with an online degree from Kaplan University.

    Programs

    • BS in Early Childhood Development
    • MS in Psychology - Addictions
    • AAS in Business Administration - Small Business Management
    • More...
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale: 6301 Kaplan University Avenue, Fort Lauderdale FL 33309
    Kaplan University
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  • Animal Behavior College

    Interested in a career as a professional dog trainer? Animal Behavior College is the place to start.

    Programs

    • Veterinary Assistant
    • Grooming Instruction
    • Certified Dog Trainer Instructor Course
    Location:
    Northridge: 9249 Reseda Blvd, Northridge CA 91324
    Animal Behavior College
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