In recent years, more high school graduates are choosing to attend technical schools instead of enrolling in traditional four-year colleges. This shift is largely influenced by the rising costs of higher education and growing interest in career-focused training.
Nush Ahmed, a 22-year-old woman, is a perfect example of this trend. Despite her immigrant parents’ belief that college was the only path to success, Nush chose to follow a different route, one that has led her to a successful career.
This story highlights how more students are opting for trade schools or career technical programs, and how parents’ views are changing in response to these growing alternatives.
The Growing Popularity of Career Technical Education
Nush Ahmed’s decision to pursue a career in manufacturing instead of attending a traditional four-year college was a bold one, especially in her South Asian immigrant community, where most parents expect their children, particularly daughters, to attend college.
Her father, Shuhel Ahmed, initially hoped she would pursue a career in medicine or engineering, but Nush’s passion for technical education led her to a different choice.
Her story is not unique. More and more students are turning to career technical education programs (CTE) as a viable alternative to a college degree. According to a survey by the nonprofit American Student Assistance, interest in non-degree paths is increasing.
Around 45% of students are not interested in attending college, and 14% are planning to pursue careers through technical schools, apprenticeships, or boot camps.
Many students feel that they can get hands-on experience and enter the workforce sooner, without the burden of student debt that often comes with a traditional college degree.
The Financial Factor: College Costs vs. Career Technical Education Costs
One of the biggest reasons students like Andrew Townsend, a 19-year-old from Colorado, opt out of college is the financial burden. At public colleges, in-state tuition averages around $9,750 per year, while out-of-state tuition can cost over $28,000.
Private colleges are even more expensive, with tuition and fees averaging $38,421. In contrast, the average cost of a complete technical school program is significantly lower, at around $15,070 for the 2022-2023 school year.
For many students, the choice is simple: pursue a path that allows them to earn money faster and avoid the growing student debt crisis.
Andrew Townsend, for example, decided to skip college after being offered an apprenticeship as a manufacturing technician during high school.
He saw it as an opportunity to gain practical skills and start working right away, without spending years in the classroom.
Parents’ Support for Non-College Pathways
Despite the rising popularity of career technical education, many parents still view a four-year college degree as the only path to success.
According to the American Student Assistance survey, 66% of teens felt that their parents supported non-degree paths, but 82% of parents still strongly encourage their children to attend college.
Many parents are concerned about their children’s future and may not be aware of the opportunities available outside the traditional college system.
Nush Ahmed’s father was initially skeptical about her decision to pursue a technical education, but he now sees the value of her choice. Nush’s success in a technical career has shown him that alternative educational paths can be just as rewarding as a college degree.
The Role of Government in Promoting Career Technical Education
The U.S. government has also recognized the value of career technical education. During his presidency, Donald Trump pushed for stronger support for non-college educational options.
In 2018, he signed the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act into law, which provided funding for local communities and schools to improve career technical programs.
This initiative was aimed at helping students gain skills for the jobs of tomorrow, particularly in fields like manufacturing, healthcare, and information technology.
The Trump administration also reversed certain regulations that required technical education programs to change the way they reported student progress to receive federal funding, further promoting non-college education.
The growing interest in career technical education is reshaping the way students and parents view education after high school.
Nush Ahmed’s story is a powerful example of how a career-focused program can offer a successful and financially stable alternative to traditional college education.
As tuition costs continue to rise, more students are exploring trade schools, apprenticeships, and other technical programs.
Parents, too, are beginning to understand that success can come in many forms, and sometimes, the non-college path is the right choice.
