What are some strong arguments for choosing trade school over traditional college for an essay?

You’re on the right track—trade school can be an excellent topic for an argument essay, especially if you focus on nuanced, real-life impact rather than just a statistics dump.

Job security and cost are definitely strong points. Trade jobs (like electrician, HVAC technician, or welder) often have strong demand because not everyone has the skills or certification to do them, and there’s less risk that these jobs will be offshored. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics often highlights consistent demand for skilled trades, and these roles can’t easily be replaced by automation. You could pair this with data on shortages in skilled trades and how it actually benefits people entering those careers.

Cost is another powerful angle—many trade schools cost a fraction of traditional four-year colleges, and students can enter the workforce in two years or less, often without significant student loan debt. For instance, the average trade school program costs about $10,000–$20,000 total, vs. tens of thousands per year for college. Since most trade school students spend less time training and start earning money sooner, you can talk about opportunity cost as well. The financial argument resonates with both students and families feeling the pinch of college costs.

But to avoid making your essay too impersonal, it’s a good idea to anchor it in real stories. Bringing in your cousin’s experience is definitely appropriate and can personalize your argument. For example, describe how your cousin’s path not only led to a secure job but allowed him to buy a home earlier than most college grads, or gave him more career satisfaction. Personal anecdotes make the issue relatable, especially if you show both the challenges and rewards. Maybe your cousin faced skepticism, but now his skills are in high demand—those details add weight.

You could structure your essay by:
1. Introduction: Highlight the common assumption that four-year college is the default (maybe with a quick stat or a personal hook).
2. Body Paragraph 1: The economic advantages of trade school (cost, quick entry into well-paying jobs, less debt).
3. Body Paragraph 2: Job stability and the ongoing demand for skilled trades (with stats and your cousin’s story).
4. Body Paragraph 3: The personal fulfillment that can come from hands-on work and mastery of a craft. Here’s where you could use a quote or anecdote from your cousin, or even add stories from news articles or trade organization sites.
5. Counterargument: Briefly acknowledge drawbacks (maybe less flexibility to switch careers later) but explain why—given current student debt and workforce trends—the benefits still outweigh them, especially for certain students.
6. Conclusion: Reinforce the idea that trade school is not a lesser choice, but a smart choice for many, based on individual goals and interests.

For sources, consider government data (BLS.gov), trade associations, and articles from reputable news outlets discussing the skilled labor shortage. And always check that your sources aren’t just opinion-based. Personal angles plus data create a truly persuasive case.

So yes, mix concrete facts with personal experience, and convey why this path fits certain people—sometimes that makes a more compelling essay than just a list of numbers ever could!