The Jordan Harbinger Show 1102: College vs. Trades | Skeptical Sunday
11 snips
Jan 12, 2025 
Nick Pell, a writer, researcher, and Anglo-Saxon poetry enthusiast, joins to debate the merits of college versus trade school. He explores the financial burden of student debt, revealing that while college graduates earn more, they often face hefty loans. Pell highlights the burgeoning demand for skilled trades, emphasizing a significant shortage in plumbing and manufacturing jobs. He advocates for apprenticeships and community colleges, suggesting these paths can lead to job security and financial success without the traditional college expense.
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College vs. Trades Earnings
- While college grads earn more ($77,000/year) than trade school grads ($67,000/year) and high school grads ($47,000/year), they accrue significant student loan debt.
- The average student loan debt for a bachelor's degree is $37,000.
Student Loan Burden
- The average student loan payment is $503/month, potentially impacting major life decisions like starting families or buying houses.
- Nick Pell never paid his student loans, expecting eventual forgiveness due to perceived unfairness.
Apprenticeship Success Story
- Nick Pell's father, a high school dropout, became a successful ironworker through an apprenticeship, highlighting the viability of this path.
- While demanding and requiring connections, apprenticeships offer valuable experience and excellent benefits.