College vs. Trades: What’s the Best Path for Black Students Today?

For generations, earning a college degree represented a pathway to success, financial stability, and upward mobility for Black families. However, following the pandemic, there was a noticeable drop in Black college enrollment, though recent trends indicate a modest recovery. This shift is largely influenced by soaring tuition fees, stagnant wages for graduates, and the administration’s tightening of student debt policies. Increasingly, Black high school graduates are turning to trade schools, which they perceive as more financially viable alternatives to four-year degrees. Recent data from the National Clearinghouse highlights a 20% rise in trade school enrollment since 2020.Dr. Alaina Harper of OneGoal emphasizes the importance of personal choices in education, stating, “Every single pathway is a career pathway.” She underlines the need for robust support systems in schools to provide informed guidance on diverse career options, ensuring students feel empowered instead of pigeonholed. Ultimately, embracing varied educational pathways and fostering determination is crucial for Black students’ futures.