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trades vs. college ROI

pick a trade and a degree type below. we'll show you who earns more, who has less debt, and when the trade path pulls ahead.

1
pick a trade
→
2
pick a degree
→
3
see the math
⚡

your trade path

we'll fill in real salary data automatically
total tuition for your program
12 months
customize salary projections
what you'd earn right after training
🎓

college path

we'll set typical costs and salaries
$167,200
tuition + estimated living costs ($5,800/yr)
customize salary & loan details
federal student loans are ~6.8%
results
your roi comparison
⚡
trade path breaks even immediately
with lower upfront costs and earlier earning, the trade path pulls ahead from the start. college grads spend years paying off debt before catching up.
trade earning college catching up
start 10 yrs 20 yrs 30 yrs

cumulative net earnings over time

total money earned minus all education costs at each milestone. faded bars = still in debt from education costs.

trade path
college path
at year 5
trade
$0
college
$0
at year 10
trade
$0
college
$0
at year 15
trade
$0
college
$0
💰
$0
trade path advantage at year 10
⏳
0 yrs
head start earning income
🎓
$0
college debt (with interest)

lifetime earnings comparison (30 years)

trade path
$0
vs
college path
$0
trade path advantage
$0
more in your pocket over 30 years
methodology & assumptions
  • trade salaries are based on bureau of labor statistics (BLS) data and our trades database
  • college costs are based on average public university tuition plus estimated living costs ($5,800/year)
  • assumes 3% annual salary growth for both paths after initial progression
  • student loan repayment assumes standard 10-year repayment plan
  • trade training cost is a one-time upfront cost; apprenticeship earnings offset training during later years
  • does not account for taxes, employer benefits, overtime, or bonuses
  • college path assumes $0 income during school years
  • this is an educational estimate, not financial advice

ready to start earning sooner?

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also try: salary calculator →