The trend toward vocational schools over traditional four-year colleges is gaining momentum. From 2019 to 2024, enrollment in vocational programs increased by 5%, while bachelor’s degree enrollment fell by 4%.
Vocational roles are seeing rising hiring rates and competitive wages, often comparable to those with bachelor's degrees. This shift is partly due to pandemic-related reevaluations of blue-collar work and increased job security concerns about AI.
Despite higher median weekly salaries for bachelor’s degree holders, vocational skills are in high demand, especially in trades like construction. Economic downturns might affect wage growth, but skilled trades remain valued.