With more and more people questioning the value of a traditional college degree, it’s no surprise that students are weighing their options and looking for new paths now more than ever. But don’t let a few dismal statistics fool you. College degrees are still attractive to employers, and most college students see value in their education.
However, alternatives to college—like apprenticeships—do exist. If you want to make an informed decision about the next chapter of your educational journey, it’s worth considering more than one option. Let’s explore college degrees and apprenticeships so you’re better prepared to choose between the two and build the best future for you!
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a working arrangement where you receive hands-on training from an industry professional while earning a salary. As an apprentice, you’d work 30–40 hours a week and take classes part-time at a technical college, university, or other training provider.
After completing an apprenticeship, you receive recognized credentials in your industry. For example, you might earn a certification in manufacturing, carpentry, plumbing, or electrical work. Apprenticeships are also available in fields like medical assisting and nursing, early childhood education, information technology, automotive repair, cybersecurity, and digital marketing and content creation.
Pros and cons of apprenticeships
Before you dive into an apprenticeship in any of these fields, you need to weigh the various pros and cons.
Pros:
- You get practical experience in a specific field.
- You receive a salary and boost your potential to earn more in the future.
- Apprenticeships often lead to full-time jobs with good benefits.
- You avoid college student debt.
Cons:
- Apprenticeships have a low starting salary.
- Apprenticeships can be hard to find, especially in certain industries.
- Future employers may still prefer people with college degrees.
- You don’t get to learn about and explore other career fields like you can in college.
Related: How to Figure Out What You Want to Do After High School
What is a college degree program?
College programs involve structured academic coursework to earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree. As part of an undergraduate degree program, you complete general education, major-specific, and elective courses to build robust knowledge and skills in your area of study. Degree programs are theory-based and allow you to learn more cognitive skills like critical thinking and problem-solving.
Pros and cons of college degree programs
As with apprenticeships, there are benefits and drawbacks to pursuing a college degree. Here are a few examples.
Pros:
- You can take a variety of classes in college to explore different career options.
- You can network with professionals inside and outside your field in college.
- Your college degree will give you higher earning potential.
- You have the chance to study and learn in new places.
Cons:
- You may amass large amounts of debt if you take out student loans to pay for college.
- Your degree may not prove relevant to your career after you graduate.
- You’ll usually gain less hands-on training in college compared to an experiential learning program like an apprenticeship.
- College degrees are less valued now than they were in previous years.
Related: How to Choose the Right College for You
5 major differences between apprenticeships and college degrees
Before you choose between an apprenticeship or a college degree, you must understand these five key differences between them.
1. The admission process
To get an apprenticeship, you typically need a high school diploma or GED, a résumé showing relevant work experience, and an interview with the employer. College admission, however, comes with additional requirements. On top of your diploma or GED and résumé, you’ll also need to submit your high school transcripts, admission essays explaining your interest in the college, and letters of recommendation. Depending on the institution, you may also need to send your SAT or ACT scores.
2. Costs and duration
The average cost of a college degree in the US is $38,270 per year. Costs also vary based on the type of institution. You’ll spend more or less depending on your choice of a public or private school and whether you study for two years, four years, or more.
Apprenticeships are more affordable than a college degree. As an apprentice, you only pay for the tools you need to perform the job. And since you’ll be earning a salary, it’ll be easier to cover those costs. As for duration, apprenticeships last for four years on average, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, but certain programs may range from one to six years.
3. Learning structure
In a college degree program, you’ll have a theory-based curriculum. This means you’ll learn about subjects through lectures, seminars, and workshops. You’ll then demonstrate your mastery of a concept by submitting assignments, engaging in discussions, and completing exams.
An apprenticeship allows you to get in-depth training in a specific field and apply your acquired knowledge and skills immediately through hands-on work. Some college programs may also incorporate experiential learning—such as co-ops, required internships, or other experiences outside the classroom—but many undergraduates need to search and apply for these opportunities on their own.
4. Credentials
Once an apprenticeship is over, you’ll receive a certificate of completion proving your skills and knowledge in a particular industry. To earn a certificate of completion, you typically must complete a specific number of on-the-job training hours, pass a series of exams, and/or demonstrate your skill proficiency required for your profession.
The credential for completing a degree program is an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, which is awarded by your institution once you meet your degree requirements by completing the necessary number of course credits.
5. Job outcomes
According to the US Department of Labor, 94% of apprentices are employed six months after completion. This means there’s a high chance of receiving a full-time job offer from your apprenticeship employer once you’ve gained the necessary skills. And a well-paying job at that! According to Apprenticeship.gov, apprentices earn $80,000 on average after finishing their program.
College graduates also have promising job prospects. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) found that in 2022, 76% of 25- to 34-year-olds worked full-time, and this percentage was higher for those with college degrees. For this same group, those who pursued higher education also had higher median earnings.
Related: Top 10 Career Fields in America: What You Should Know
4 tips to help you choose between an apprenticeship or a college degree
Besides costs and job outcomes, there are other factors to consider when determining whether to pursue an apprenticeship or a college degree.
1. Consider your career goals
Think about your long-term career goals. What do you see yourself doing in the next five to 10 years? If you envision working at a prestigious law firm, then pursuing a degree (or two) will be necessary. If you want to forego abstract work in favor of immediate, hands-on cybersecurity skills, then doing an apprenticeship in that field would be ideal.
2. Assess your financial situation
Finances should also play a major role in your decision. As the statistics above show, college is expensive, but scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid can reduce the burden on you and your family. You may still need to take out student loans to complete your program.
If college proves unaffordable, an apprenticeship model might work better for you. You’ll be able to earn while you learn and thus avoid thousands of dollars in debt.
3. Figure out your learning style
Ask yourself: How do you learn best? Better yet, ask: What are your learning goals? College would be the best choice if you prefer a structured and comprehensive academic approach—replete with assessments, research projects, and writing assignments. If you’d rather receive practical instruction and specialized training, an apprenticeship might appeal more to you.
4. Understand your unique circumstances
The aforementioned factors aren’t an exhaustive list. You’ll have other considerations—likely tailored to your unique circumstances—that will influence your decision. You may wish to travel, and going to college would align with that goal due to study abroad opportunities.
On the flip side, you might be entrepreneurial and eager to receive mentorship from an accomplished professional. An apprenticeship would be the best option, then, because you’d receive someone’s tutelage directly.
Related: 4 Great Ways to Start Thinking About Your Future Career
Can you complete an apprenticeship and get a college degree?
If you’re interested in both paths, there are some opportunities to pursue degree apprenticeships. These programs provide industry experience, a salary, and a college degree upon completion, with students spending 20% of their time studying and 80% working.
Although few US colleges provide them—most degree apprenticeships are offered in the UK—some institutions collaborate with apprenticeship programs to award college credit. This helps students progress toward a degree, though it doesn’t always guarantee one. Organizations like Reach University currently offer apprenticeship-based bachelor’s degree programs for aspiring teachers, and companies like Aon are beginning to embrace the model in the US.
As interest grows, degree apprenticeships may expand beyond business and education into other fields. If that happens, students could truly have the best of both worlds—gaining valuable work experience while earning a college degree.
Related: Which Tech Skills Education Path Is Right for You?
If you still aren’t sure whether to pursue an apprenticeship or a college degree, that’s okay—this is a big decision! Think it through, talk with your family, and consider your goals. That way, you can make an informed and aligned decision for your future and be better off for it!
If you’re leaning toward the college path, explore our featured schools and request more information to learn about programs, financial aid, and more.
