Dream careers don’t always start in lecture halls.
These days, more people – from recent grads to career changers – are rethinking the idea that a four-year degree is the only path to a successful future and a fulfilling career. Rising tuition costs, a shifting job market, and a revived appreciation for skilled, hands-on work are all part of a growing movement toward trade schools.
Whether you’ve always been drawn to the beauty industry or you’re exploring options for a career change, the first step is choosing an education path that fits your goals, lifestyle, interests, and values.
So how do you decide between trade school and traditional college? Let’s break down what each path looks like and why more people are turning to trade programs like the ones we offer at Tricoci University to turn their passion into a career faster.
What Is Trade School?
Trade school – sometimes called vocational or technical school – is a streamlined path to learning the hands-on skills you need to thrive in a specific career. From cosmetology and esthetics to culinary arts, construction, welding, auto repair and beyond, these programs are designed for people who want to skip the general education classes and get straight into the work they’re excited about.
Unlike traditional colleges, which often take four years or more, most trade school programs can be completed in two years or less. And because the focus is on skill- building, not just theory, students spend more time practicing and less time in lectures. That means by the time you graduate the program, you can feel confident, capable, and ready to dive into your new career.
At Tricoci University of Beauty Culture, our programs are designed with real-world success in mind. With expert instructors and classes with plenty of hands-on experience, we help you build both the skills and the confidence you need to step into your future.
What’s the Difference Between Trade School and College?
The biggest difference between trade school and college comes down to this: time, cost, and how directly your education leads to a specific career.
Traditional colleges offer a broad academic experience. That might mean four (or more) years of lectures, papers, and general education courses that may or may not relate directly to your future job. For some people, that’s a perfect fit. But for many others, especially those who want to work with their hands, be their own boss, or just start earning faster, it may not be the best option.
There’s been a noticeable cultural shift in recent years: more people are stepping away from the traditional four-year college track. They’re choosing a different path. This shift has even earned a nickname: the Toolbelt Generation. It describes the growing number of people – across all ages – who are prioritizing hands-on careers, flexibility, and financial independence over lectures and hefty student loans. They’re choosing careers that feel secure in a changing world – work that’s creative, in-demand, and unlike many desk jobs, hard to replace with AI.
The other big advantage of trade schools is that the investment is typically lower – sometimes much lower – than a traditional degree. And the payoff can come quicker, too. With rising demand for licensed professionals and more people choosing flexible, fulfilling work over corporate ladders, a trade education can be a powerful, practical launch pad.
Trade school is focused, fast, and built for the real world. At Tricoci University, our curriculum is designed to help you master the technical and professional skills you’ll need for success in beauty and wellness careers. That means you won’t be sitting through classes on unrelated subjects. You’ll be learning haircutting, skincare techniques, barbering, and nail technology from day one.
Trade School vs. College: Pros and Cons
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to education and plotting a career path. What matters most is choosing the option that best fits your goals, lifestyle, and the kind of work you actually want to do.
Here are some pros and cons of each option to help you compare:
Trade School Pros
- Shorter programs – Many programs can be completed in 12 to 24 months so you can start earning sooner.
- Lower cost – Often significantly less than a traditional degree and with a faster return on investment.
- Job-ready training – Learn exactly what you need to succeed in your chosen career.
- Hands-on experience – Practical, real-world skills from day one.
- Career flexibility – Many grads freelance, open their own business, or grow in high-demand fields.
- Direct path – You’re not waiting four years to enter the workforce.
Trade School Cons
- Narrower academic scope – You focus on a specific trade, not a broad range of subjects.
- Possibly limited credit transfer – If you later decide to pursue a traditional degree, some credits may not carry over.
- Perceived prestige gap – Some still undervalue trade careers, even though they’re in high demand, offer solid earning potential, and are far less likely to be automated by AI.
College Pros
- Broader education – Exposure to a wide range of subjects and ideas.
- Potential for advanced degrees – Easier path to grad school or academic careers.
- Credit transferability – Courses often transfer between institutions.
- Higher earnings for some fields – Certain professions (like law or medicine) require advanced degrees.
College Cons
- Higher cost – Tuition, fees, and housing can add up fast.
- Longer timeline – Most degrees take 4+ years to complete.
- Less hands-on experience – Many grads leave without job-ready skills.
- Delayed income – You may not start earning until after graduation.
- Uncertain ROI – A degree doesn’t always guarantee a job—or a paycheck big enough to cover student loans.
What Are Some Examples of Trade Schools?
Trade schools exist for all kinds of hands-on, high-skill careers – everything from automotive tech to baking. But if your passion lies in beauty, wellness, and personal care, there’s no better place to build your career than a licensed, accredited beauty school like Tricoci University of Beauty Culture.
Here are just a few examples of trade-focused programs:
- Cosmetology, Barbering, Esthetics and Nail Tech – These programs prepare students for rewarding careers in beauty and self-care. From skincare to haircutting, lash lifts to fades, these are trades that blend creativity, technique, and business savvy.
- Culinary & Hospitality Arts – For those who want to build a career in food, beverage, or event service.
- Skilled Trades – Fields like HVAC, welding, and electrical are also seeing major growth — and like beauty careers, they require precision, training, and real-world experience.
At Tricoci, we focus on the beauty industry, but we’re part of a larger movement helping people develop valuable skills for real-world jobs. It’s no wonder trade schools are seeing double-digit growth year after year.
Explore Tricoci’s Programs
At Tricoci University of Beauty Culture, our programs are designed for people who want to work toward a career that combines creativity, skill, and independence. We offer focused programs, tailored to give you the technical training, real-world experience, and business knowledge you need to build a lasting future and a fulfilling career path in beauty.
Cosmetology
Our cosmetology program goes beyond the basics. You’ll learn everything from cutting and coloring to styling and texture services. You’ll also learn how to work with diverse hair types, follow state regulations, and deliver standout client experiences. The program helps prepare you to graduate ready to work in top salons or start your own.
Esthetics
If skincare is your passion, esthetics could be your path. Our esthetics program covers facials, waxing, makeup, and advanced treatments, while also teaching you how to build a loyal clientele, understand skin science, and even start your own skincare business.
Barbering
Barbering is both an art and a craft. Our barber program teaches precision cutting, fades, shaves, grooming, and styling, with a curriculum that respects the tradition of barbering while preparing you for a modern, fast-moving industry.
Nail Technology
Our nail tech program covers the latest trends in manicures, pedicures, nail art, and enhancement techniques. You’ll get hands-on practice with professional tools and products, preparing you for a future in salons, spas, or your own nail business.
Is Tricoci the Right Fit for You?
If you’re looking for a beauty school that’s more than just a place to get licensed, Tricoci University is it.
We’ve been changing lives for over 20 years as a top cosmetology school. We combine expert instruction with hands-on training and a modern curriculum that prepares you for a real career, not just a test. We’re here for the dreamers and the doers. We’re here for the ones who want to turn talent into income, passion into purpose, and a love of beauty into a lasting profession.
With campuses across Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin – and flexible scheduling options to fit your life – Tricoci makes it easy to take the next step toward the future you want.
Ready to see what’s possible? Schedule a tour or connect with our admissions team to start exploring your options.