Vocational schools are important because students learn job-specific skills in their classes. Instead of academic classes taught at four-year institutions, students take classes that are geared to a particular trade. These classes help train the students to be job-ready, and many believe that vocation schools have more direct teaching than research universities.
Tuition at a vocational school is less than at a four-year institution because vocational schools don't charge fees for room and board. Students usually pay per unit of class, which can be around $20 to 50. Many students are able to pay for their schooling at a vocational college, as opposed to getting loans to enroll in a four-year institution. Some four-year universities have developed a vocational school department within their campuses, and these usually cost $3,000 to 5,000, depending on the program.
There are different types of vocational schools. Community colleges are two-year institutions offering a terminal associate degree. Many students take classes at community colleges and then transfer to four-year colleges or universities. There are also trade schools, which have a more hands-on approach because they teach students more technical and manual skills.
Vocational school programs include automotive technician, nursing, medical assistant, cosmetologist, interior designer, paralegal and welding. Many schools have partnerships with local companies, which participate in career fairs and employ vocational school students after finishing their courses.
You may want to research several schools to learn more about programs they specialize in. It is also important to consider their level of accreditation and how employers view degrees from the institution. You may also want to inquire about the reputation of the services available at a particular vocational school such as counseling services, financial aid and career services. All of these will help give you a good picture of what the school is like and may make it easier for you to decide which vocational school you should apply to.