Should Black Students Skip College for Trade School?

Let’s be real — the main reason most people go to college is to get a job. We’re told that a degree equals success. But if the end goal is employment, why not skip the middleman and go straight into learning a trade?

For many Black students, the traditional college route can bring immense pressure and debt. Often without a guaranteed return on investment. In contrast, trade schools focus on teaching practical skills in a shorter amount of time and at a significantly lower cost. Professions such as electricians, welders, barbers, coders, and medical technicians offer the potential to earn a good income. They can start their own businesses, all without needing a bachelor’s degree.

Instead of chasing titles or trying to fit into a system that wasn’t built with us in mind, it might be smarter to ask: What kind of work would I enjoy doing? If you can find a trade you wouldn’t mind waking up for every day, why not learn it and start building your future right away?

This isn’t about knocking college — it’s about understanding your options. Trade school is job training. It’s focused, efficient, and often leads directly to income. In a time when many graduates are stuck under debt with no job in sight, that’s worth serious consideration.

On the other hand, applying for a job with a degree doesn’t guarantee anything. A diploma only says you completed a program — it doesn’t tell an employer if you’re reliable, if you show up on time, or if you’re good at the job. That’s the harsh truth.

Meanwhile, trades build character, discipline, and hands-on experience. Many skilled workers even go on to start their businesses, creating generational wealth without ever stepping foot on a college campus.