For many students, college feels like the expected next step after high school. Applications, campus tours, and financial aid forms have become part of the routine.
“But I feel like there is some sort of societal peer kind of pressure that does make me feel like I should be in college,” said Ayla Noble, a College of the Canyons student.
According to the Education Data Initiative, tuition at a public 4-year college increases at an average annual rate of 3.21%. Data also show that the average degree from an in-state public 4-year college is just over $108,000 a year, while private university students can pay over $260,000.
As a result, some students are weighing the long-term cost of a four-year degree against the potential return, as data also show that college degrees are becoming less valuable and, in most cases, aren’t even required.
At the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, careers in skilled trades offer another option. Apprentices earn while they learn, gaining experience in the field from day one.
“At LADWP and many of the other similar apprenticeships, especially in the electrical trade, are a four-year program as well,” said Dan Aeschleman, Chief Safety Officer for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.
“By the time many of our employees are done with their four-year training program, they’ve already bought their first home, they can start their families earlier if that’s what they choose, and we see that they’re financially several steps ahead of many college graduates.”
These jobs require hands-on training, technical skills, and physical endurance, but not a traditional diploma.
While some students are preparing for lecture halls this fall, others are training for careers that don’t require a degree at all, proving there may be more than one ladder to climb toward success. Experts say the key isn’t choosing between college and the trades.
“I like to ask them what interests them, what values do they have? Right, like let’s start from that perspective to figure out what degree you should try to go earn versus just getting one just to think you’re going to get a job,” said Albert Loaiza, a College of the Canyons Athletic Counselor
Success looks different for everyone. It’s about discovering the path that fits your individual goals.
