Salary vs. Cost of Living
Age 25 or older, changing careers, or leaving the military? Visit AdultSkilledTrades.com.
HomeExplore TradesFind your fitFind Your TradeCareer AssessmentCareer LaddersThe EcosystemSee the workTrade VideosSuccess StoriesWomen in the TradesBlog and VideoAll resourcesFind TrainingProgramsFind ProgramsBrowse DirectoryPre-ApprenticeshipsApprenticeship ProgramsHelp along the wayState Job CentersSupport ServicesDOL Apprenticeship DataPay for ItCheck eligibilityPell Grant CheckerFunding Eligibility CheckWorkforce Pell by StateFind moneyScholarshipsGrants and IncentivesFree Tuition StatesToolsGet hiredResume BuilderCover Letter BuilderAI Mock InterviewAsk a ProZero to ApprenticeReadiness ChecklistFirst 90 DaysPlan and compareSalary CalculatorCollege vs. TradesSalary vs. Cost of LivingFor Schools and ParentsFamilies and schoolsFor ParentsClassroom KitFor SchoolsEmployer ResourcesAboutSponsorshipFree BadgeAboutCommunity PartnersOur SponsorsPressContactMoreJob BoardGames

College vs. Trades. The Real Numbers

See the true financial difference: 4-year degree debt vs. trades apprenticeship earnings, year by year, dollar by dollar.

Solar Technician. Clean Energy Today career poster

Build Your Comparison

College Path
4-Year Degree
-
Net position after 4 years
Trades Path
Apprenticeship
-
Net earnings after 4 years
Trades Advantage After 4 Years
-
-

Year-by-Year Comparison

⏱

Break-Even Point

-

Ready to Skip the Debt?

Find trade programs near you. Many have paid apprenticeships, meaning you earn while you learn, with zero tuition debt.

Find Programs Near Me → Trades Scholarships

College costs based on 2024-25 NCES national averages (tuition + fees). Living expenses estimated. Trade earnings based on BLS apprenticeship wage progression and median salaries. Individual results will vary. College earnings assume $15K/yr part-time income during enrollment. Debt figures reflect total cost of attendance minus part-time income; does not include interest accrual.