How to Transition from a Trade School to a Traditional College

Okay, so you’ve nailed trade school. Maybe you’re a pro at fixing cars, wiring houses, or cutting hair—whatever it is, you’ve got skills people wish they had.

You’re out there making stuff happen, hands dirty, feeling good. But now you’re wondering, “What if I went to college?” Maybe you’re dreaming of a bigger paycheck, a shot at running your own show, or just seeing what’s on the other side of the fence.

Going from trade school to a traditional college can feel like trading your toolbox for a backpack—it’s a whole new world, but it’s not as scary as it sounds. I

Why Even Bother with College?

Step 1: What’s Your Endgame?

Step 2: Do Your Trade Credits Count?

Transferring trade school credits to a college isn’t always straightforward. You might expect them to transfer easily, but it really depends on the school.

Trade programs focus on hands-on skills, while colleges tend to emphasize academic coursework like general education subjects.

Some credits may transfer if your trade school is accredited but don’t assume everything will count.

For example, when I took my mechanic certification to a college advisor, I was hopeful—only to find out it would only count for two credits. It was frustrating, to say the least.

If you’re considering transferring, start by reaching out to your trade school to request your transcript.

Then, contact the college’s admissions office and ask which credits they’ll accept. If you have any old class materials, like syllabi or coursework, bringing them along might help.

Some trade schools have agreements with colleges that allow a smoother credit transfer process.

My friend Sarah was lucky—her school had a partnership, so half of her credits carried over automatically.

If your school has a similar arrangement, it could save you time and effort. If not, at least you’ll have a clear understanding of what to expect before you start.

Step 3: Pick a College That Gets You

@nichesocial Do the research to be sure you can actually see yourself at the schools you’re applying to! #collegesearch #collegeapplications #collegeapps #collegelist ♬ original sound – Niche: The College Search App

Community colleges are often the best option—they’re affordable, flexible, and filled with people who’ve worked real jobs before heading back to school.

You can earn an associate’s degree in about two years, and if you decide to continue, transferring to a larger university is always an option.

That’s exactly what I did—I started at a local community college, saved money, and then moved on to finish my full degree.

When looking at schools, try to find programs that align with your trade.

If you’re coming from an auto tech background, look for colleges with strong automotive or engineering programs. If you worked in construction, a degree in construction management might be a great next step.

Or, if you’re considering a completely different career path, community colleges offer plenty of options to explore.

Visiting the school in person can help, too. Talk to advisors—they’re there to help.

I remember walking into an office straight from a garage shift, still covered in grease, and the advisor didn’t blink. He sat down with me and mapped out exactly what I needed to do.

Step 4: Brace for the Weirdness

College, on the other hand, is a whole different ballgame. Instead of hands-on work, you’ll spend more time reading, writing, and sitting through lectures.

On my first day, I was handed a poem to analyze, and all I could think was, Can I just rebuild the desk instead?

It takes some getting used to, but the good news is that you already have real-world experience. That gives you an edge. When I took auto tech classes in college, I crushed them because I had already done the work in the field.

The social scene is different too. Most students are fresh out of high school, while you might have a few years (or more) of work experience under your belt.

You’ll notice the difference—whether it’s in conversations, priorities, or just the way you approach school. But don’t let that get to you.

You’ll find your people, whether it’s other returning students, night class folks, or just like-minded classmates who respect your experience.

Step 5: Figure Out the Money

We’re live! 🙌​

The 2025–26 FAFSA® form is now available. Head to https://t.co/wdDmg7cr0I to start your form today. pic.twitter.com/CJxj1kO8rc

— Federal Student Aid (@FAFSA) November 21, 2024

College costs more than trade school—no getting around that.

But before you panic about tuition, start by filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online. Yeah, it’s a bit of a headache, but it can unlock grants (free money), loans, and scholarships that make school way more affordable.

If you’re a veteran, check if you qualify for the GI Bill—it can cover tuition, housing, and even books. My buddy Dave knows a guy who went from welding to earning a degree practically for free thanks to it.

Scholarships aren’t just for high school seniors. There are plenty designed for adult learners, trade school grads, and career changers.

I scored a $500 scholarship from an auto industry group just for having experience in the field. It wasn’t a fortune, but every dollar counts.

If you can, keep working while you study. I fixed cars on weekends to help with expenses, and yeah, it was tough balancing both, but it kept me afloat.

Whether it’s a side hustle or part-time work in your trade, earning while learning makes the financial strain a little easier to manage.

Step 6: Make College Work for You

Once you’re in, don’t just drift through—get involved and make connections. Your trade school work ethic gives you a huge advantage.

Join clubs, student organizations, or networking groups related to your field.

I joined an engineering group, and by the summer, I landed an internship that later turned into a full-time job.

Talk to your professors, too. They love hearing about real-world experience, and if they know your background, they might connect you with opportunities.

If you’re worried about keeping up academically, take advantage of campus resources like tutoring centers.

I hadn’t done serious math in years, but the free tutoring center saved me more than once.

Remember, you’re not starting from scratch—you’re building on the skills and knowledge you already have.

Bottom Line

Switching from trade school to college isn’t a cakewalk, but it’s not brain surgery either.

Figure out what you want, dig into the details, and roll with it.

You’ve already conquered one tough thing—trade school—so this? You’ve got it. Start small, maybe call that college tomorrow.

Your next chapter’s waiting, and it’s gonna be a wild ride. What’s your first step?