Trade School
what does trade school offer?
Trade school offers specialized, hands-on training for specific skilled trades.
Can I go to college while in the military?
Yes, you can go to military and go to college at the same time.
How much will I actually get paid?
You get paid for both your time on the job and your time spent studying.
What is the difference between the "Sticker Price" and "Net Price"?
Sticker Price: The total advertised cost of tuition, room, and board. For 2025–2026, this averages about $11,950 for in-state public schools and $45,000+ for private nonprofits.
Net Price: What you pay after grants, scholarships, and financial aid are subtracted.
What degree do I get after 2 years?
It is the "middle ground" degree between a high school diploma and a 4-year Bachelor’s degree. It proves you have mastered the basics of a subject or trade.
How much is trade school per year?
what is my retirement for the military
Military retirement generally provides a pension for life after 20+ years of service, usually calculated as a percentage of your highest 36 months of basic pay (High-3) or a 2% multiplier under the Blended Retirement System (BRS)
What level of qualification will I earn?
Apprenticeships aren't just for manual trades anymore; they span from entry-level to post-graduate equivalents.
How does a "Liberal Arts" education work?
Unlike a trade school or apprenticeship that trains you for one specific job, 4-year colleges often follow a liberal arts model.
Can I go to a "big" university later?
Yes. This is one of the most popular reasons people choose 2-year colleges.
How many trade schools are in IL?
There are over 100 trade schools in IL right now
how many years is int he military service
There is 2 to 8 years of the service.
Is a job guaranteed at the end?
While a contract doesn't always legally guarantee a role, the statistics are heavily in your favor. Employers invest thousands in training you to fit their specific workflow.
Public vs. Private: Which is actually better
Neither is objectively "better," but they offer different environments
Public Universities: Usually larger, funded by the state, and offer a wide range of majors and massive social scenes (sports, hundreds of clubs).
Private Colleges: Usually smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors. They are funded by tuition and donations (endowments) rather than taxes.
Is it cheaper than a 4-year college?
On average, tuition at a 2-year public college costs about $4,000–$5,000 per year, compared to $11,000+ at a 4-year public university.
what does trade school mean?
Trade school means a post secondary institution that provides specialized, hands-on training for specific skilled trades, allowing students to enter the workforce quickly.
what does the military mean?
military means relating to or characteristic of soldiers or armed forces.
What is the balance between work and study?
This is usually the biggest adjustment. You aren't "just a student"—you are a full-time employee with deliverables. You’ll need strong time management to ensure your portfolio work doesn't slip while you're busy with office or site responsibilities.
What is the "Hidden Cost" of attendance?
Tuition is only about half the battle. When planning for a 4-year degree, you have to account for: Room & Board: Often costs as much as, or more than, tuition itself.Books & Supplies: Can run $1,000–$1,500 per year.
Lifestyle: Fees for student activities, lab fees, and transportation home during breaks.
Who can get in? Do I need a high GPA?
As long as you have a high school diploma or a GED, you are in! You don't usually need a high GPA or high SAT/ACT scores to be accepted. They are designed to give everyone a chance to learn.
Can I work while I go to school?
Yes. Most students at 2-year colleges or in apprenticeships hold down a job at the same time.
what does the military offer?
The military offer steady pay, full medical/dental care (TRICARE), housing, on-base amenities, extensive educational assistance (GI Bill), and training.
Who will actually be teaching me on a daily basis?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that you'll be left to figure things out on your own.
What does "Admissions" actually look for?
For apprenticeships, employers look for "can you do the job?" For 4-year colleges, admissions officers often use Holistic Review: Academic Rigor: Not just your GPA, but whether you took the hardest classes available to you. Extracurriculars: They want to see how you will contribute to the campus "community.Standardized Tests: While many schools are now "test-optional," scores (SAT/ACT) can still help with merit-based scholarships.
What if I just want a job, not more school?
2-year colleges offer Certificate Programs in addition to degrees.