College or trade school?

[phoneman]

My son is getting ready to graduate. His passion is computers. He has finally figured out what he wants to do. He had taken writing computer code in school but he thinks that is what he wants to do for a career. He really wants to be in a class setting instead of online. Does anybody have any suggestions or any avenues u can send us down.

Much appreciated

[Ungawa]

Cant go wrong either way. If he goes to a trade school make sure it is not for profit school, in other words either a community college or state trade school ie. TSTC.

[ladrones]

Texas has many silver collar training programs:

http://watchdog.org/210607/silver-collar-workforce/

[Hunter_Man]

texas tech has a good IT program... depends on what he wants to do. programming, sysadmin type work, etc. I joined the AF and got into computers, which I absolutely HATE, but it pays the bills. I used my GI bill to go to college after I got out and graduated in 2010 with my BS in Information Systems Management. I'm now an IT engineer for the military. there's lots of avenues to pursue.

[Codie]

I went to a 4yr University here in Texas and My brother went to a 1 1/2yr trade school in Laramie, Wyoming


He is 4 yrs younger than me and has a very secure job making probably close to twice as much $ as I make so I think trade schools are a very viable option in todays world for getting to where you want to go. Good luck to him!

[Abcdj]

First question I would ask him. Does he like the Academic part of school or the technical trade side the most. Academic's are not for everyone!

Receiving a certificate in a technical trade or skill today is earning more beginning salary money than a degree from a University (on average). I heard this on a news report the other day. Could have misheard but I was shocked when I heard it!

If he is going to College. Only take 1 online class a semester. If he has a lot of self discipline and can avoid all the procrastination of putting things off then he could take more online classes. Classroom classes tend to be a bit easier and a lot less busy work than online classes.

I teach a online class and I give them all kinds of busy work that i wouldn't in a regular class

[spyder012]

Tuned in! I'm seriously thinking about transferring to a trade school due to the fact that it's way cheaper and in most cases it's easier to get a good paying job pretty quick. Was thinking about doing corrosion technology I'm just not too sure and don't have anyone to really talk to because all of my family attended A&M. Don't mean to hijack your thread

[Smokeater]

TSTC, (TSTI then) grad here. I was SO not the college type. Was ready to learn something and get to work!
I've read/heard several reports where the trades have better job placement (close to 100%) and make equal or more $ than the 4yr. (lots of silly 4yr degrees out there tho)
Couple years and an associates degree and hit the workforce!
Best of luck to him!!

[Codie]

I believe the smaller number of students involved with graduating programs at trade schools allows the school to give a more focused effort on finding their graduates good jobs and I know a lot of really good companies seek out employees from a lot of the trade schools.

[thegrouse]

I went to trade school right out of high school. I began making good money at age 20. I did change careers and go back to college but I could always make a living in that field if needed.

[phoneman]

He is not so much the academic type...but good at computers.... and he would procrastinate if giving the chance.

[wisco-hunter]

I would go trade to save money, but seeing that I went to college, I wouldn't trade anything for the fun that came with it (girls, booze, good friends, sporting events, and once again girls!!!). Either path he choses to take, good luck!

[Gummi Bear]

I believe in trade schools. College certainly isn't for everyone.

I went to college (didn't finish), and then went to a trade school. I hated college, but never missed a class when of trade school. I loved it.

Now, I teach first year electrical apprenticeship there (www.ntcef.org). It focuses on the construction trades

[Mike D]

I went to trade school right out of high school. I began making good money at age 20. I did change careers and go back to college but I could always make a living in that field if needed.

This. Got trade school to learn a skilled trade. Then go to college for a degree later.

If you learn a skilled trade you can always find work.

[Cullstuff]

Hes got 40+years of his life left to work. Let him have fun for a couple years at a traditional college! (If he wants to)