Technical School vs. Community College

Ok, as some of you know I’m looking to go to school. I’ve been doing some pretty extensive research on the courses offered and pricing of either school and both are quite similar. So regarding technical school vs. community college - I just can’t decide which one I should go for.

I’ve heard that a community college looks better on a resume and that your more like to be considered over a technical school. I’ve also heard that you get better training from a technical school because they specialize in your desired course. In addition, I've heard that employers look down upon tech. school grads as they were not “good enough” to get into college (As people that go to tech. schools {here anyway} are those who did poorly in HS) . Again this is all stuff I’ve heard, how accurate it is… I don’t know, that’s why I don’t know which school to really look into. If I’m going to do this, I want to do it whole heartedly and get the best education possible.

So, here I ask the smart multitudes of folk on here for their opinions. If you have any insight please let me know!! Which option would you choose and why?

Help me out and you might just get a shiny new cookieLOL

 

Go Girl...great to hear you're seriously considering studies.

Down here, TAFE ("Technical and Further Education") courses for Diplomas are highly regarded, and often TAFE students are sorted for attendance by Universities (College). Unfortunately, there is a certain amount of "snobbery" with some employers re type of school/education attended. However, I would turn my back on such employers as personally I have attended both TAFE and University courses, so it really boils down to just what you wish to study and whether the Tech School or College provides what you require.

If you decide to go Tech School, then ensure it is a properly accredited institution by your State.

Good luck and Cheers

LS

 

I would second legalsuit's advice on checking the course accreditation for either type of school you choose to go to. If in the future, you choose to go to a major college or university, you want to make sure the classes you take now will be recognized.
My 2c and Good Luck.:major

 

Thanks LS & lbmest for your suggestions. If I do decided on Tech School I will make sure they are properly accredited. If Im not mistaken some Tech Schools offer job placement assistance which would be great.

If anyone else has any other advice/comments/opinions I love to hear them!

 

Ask any prospective establishment what happened to their graduates over the last few years, i.e. how many found jobs in the field studied and how quickly.

Glad to hear you are looking forwards.

 

In my experience it depends more on what you are going to tech school for. And people need to remember that it is a world of difference between schools in other parts of the world and the "great" USA.

A lot of times, in my limited experience, 4 year degree in anything > community college in specific area > tech school in specific area > community college in general > tech school in general.

And when I say a 4 year degree in anything, I really do mean anything. I lost out on a programming/IT support position to a person that had a 4 year degree in English studies, when I don't have a 4 year degree but I have 8+ years experience.

 

Best of luck, Dy.

Depending on which field of endeavor you chose to study, it might go either way. The others are right, some employers, companies, may discriminate based on type of school attended. But the bottom line will still be -------- whether or not you can provide THEM with a serrviceable, useful skill.

You will win out, if you just persevere.

Hang in.

 

Out here, college is held in higher regard.

Its been my experience, out here at least, that colleges offer the same job placement, so thats not a plus for tech school, just...the same.

 

Over here, most of the institutions that were formally known as Technical Schools, are now called Technical Colleges. The College classification is a bit better accepted in circles.

I did do a Diploma course from what was called a Technical School, back in the U.K. in the seventies, and it was held in high value. But then again, times change, I guess. College is probably in a little higher standing.

 

Some points you may be interested in considering which expands on others' points made:

• Select applicable institution that provides what you want and check if there are any prep programs/courses you may need to do first prior to be eligible for entry. Don’t be afraid to aim high…you’ve already started doing that, so continue doing so!
  
  
• If planning on studying part time, try finding part time work in same/similar field/area of studies (even if at a low skill job entry level).
  Advantages:
  • Training/work on job aligns with studies.
  • Employer may contribute/pay for studies
  • Employer may allow study times for class attendance and exam periods
  • Allows you to position yourself for job advancement as you progress through your studies
  
  
• Cadet/internships are normally offered towards end of studies whether one is attending Tech School or Uni. Getting such jobs although normally offered as part of training can sometimes prove beneficial, because if done well, company would seriously consider you when graduate positions are open. Gaining such positions are always competitive.
  
  
• Placement positions for Graduate or apprenticeship positions are also competitive upon completion of any studies whether Tech School/College or Uni.
  
  
• Burning Monkey makes a strong point re type of education done and type of institute attended (whether Tech/Community College/Uni). And yes, there is a difference between what is accepted:
  
  • i.e Diploma vs Degree
  • i.e. Education vs experience
  
  Unless applying for a Graduate/apprenticeship position, offering a combination of proven education (degree) with work experience has dominantly won over those only offering experience, (something I’ve personally experienced in the past which provided incentive for higher learning and selectivity in type of institution).
  
  
• Down Under nowadays, double degrees are highly sought by employers (eg Arts/IT, Commerce/Law, etc with any combination); or experience with a degree/diploma. Friends overseas (USA) have stated there is a similar trend occurring.
  
  
• Lbmest made an important point – ensure whatever course done is recognised and applicable/fits requirements should you need to continue/further education.
  
  
  
• Adrynalyne makes a valid point also re employer preferences and this is particularly applicable when a College/uni education holds fuller/higher learning than a Tech School education.

Best of luck on your new endeavours.

Cheers

LS

 

I think the same thing is true here.

Thanks for all the advice guys, I do appreciate it, it gave me alot to think about. The next step is funding for the courses. Now if I could just find someone out here to pay for it all....

 

Thanks abz & laura.

Well I just filled out the FASFA and if you were born before 1985 you dont have give parental information. One thing I dont understand is the EFC (expected family contribution). Is the number they give you for that the amount they expect your family to contribute? Because of the EFC, they said Im not eligible for the Pell Grant rolleyes

where do they get that number from? I didnt make much this year and completely support myself. If that is what they expect your family contribute, it seems quite unfair. heck, I'll invite them to come visit my family.. they will soon change their minds

 

Dyamond, the linked document LauraR provided simply explains the EFC.

The EFC is needed as part of the analysis of the FAFSA which is used as a guide in determining and awarding Financial Aid - by considering if financial need is needed IF the sum of expected education contributions from parental and student is less than the estimated cost of attendance for an academic year.

There should also be available:

• financial aid such as “gift aid” which consists of scholarships and grants (ie free money that does not need to be repaid), and
  
• “self help aid” (ie consists of loans and work-study jobs).

In most instances, a student that has been determined to have “no need” for above type financial help, could be eligible to receive merit or academic scholarships.

You may also need to instead consider seeking a financial aid award package which is a combination of grants, loans, and/or work-study jobs. The Admission Centre of your selected institution can provide specific details either on the internet or person to person (face to face I found to be the best way of resolving issues and getting the best help)

There should also be deferred payment arrangements and discount for up-front payments which we have Down Under.

For example: Here it’s called HECS (Higher Education Contribution Scheme), where loans are available to eligible students enrolled in Commonwealth supported places to cover all or part of the student contribution amount. The HECS-HELP debt is recorded with the Tax Office to pay later through the tax system. (I took the preferred option when studying by paying up front which entitled me to a 20% discount off my studies fees, and then nothing to pay upon completion of studies)

Unfamiliar Admission requirements can be confusing and frustrating, so use the institution's staff as much as possible (preferably face to face), you should find them helpful in clarifying grey areas.

Cheers

LS

 

Did you look here at all?

http://www.majorgeeks.com/page.php?id=19

 

Actually no, but funny thing ITT is actually one of the ones I've been considering

@ Laura and LS - Thanks for the information regarding EFC, still doesnt make much sense to me. I mean, I undstand Im expected to contribute but you cant rightly expect someones family, what if they dont have any?? and another thing how they base everything off your gross pay.. I mean surely they must understand thats not what you really take home, no? /rant sorry LOL

 

Hi dyamond . I can only assume that the sum amount of the expected financial contributions for education from yourself and parents is not less than the estimated cost of attendance for the academic year...therefore you are not entitled to a grant/loan.

All institutions have consultancy agencies (some run by students) on campus who can help out. You should seek out such a group from your institution to sought out your queries, which is a common one, and they can assist you in finding solution/give directions/advice.

I'm thinking your best solution may end up being a combination package (work/study/loan - and preferably a deferred loan, one that you don't start to pay back until you've finished studies and started working)