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📊 Should I go to trade school or a 4 year college?

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Reviews of Should I go to trade school or a 4-year college?

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Finn

This calculator offers a striking side-by-side look at the financial head start a trade apprenticeship can provide over a traditional four-year degree. It does a great job of highlighting the opportunity cost of delayed earnings and the power of early investing. When running your own numbers, you'll want to adjust the default 50% savings rate—which might be a stretch on an apprentice's salary—and keep in mind that the model leaves out taxes and student loan interest. It's a solid starting point for weighing your educational paths before committing to major debt.

Reviewed v26.8.6

Aug 6, 2026

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