The Vocational alternative: Grads see high salaries, low debt

College graduates tend to be confident that college was a good decision, but student debt has made alternatives like vocational schools attractive.

For those less inclined to four years of traditional higher education, CNBC recites the benefits and costs.

A shorter program at a trade school and a cheaper cost are big benefits. Most trade programs take two years to complete, and sometimes less, depending on the specialization. The average loan to cover trade school comes is about $10,000, whereas the average college graduate borrows about $30,000.

For students who are more interested in working than spending more time in school, the lower costs and educational time make vocational schools attractive. Depending on the job, they can also see a quick return on their investment.

Diesel service technicians and mechanics, for instance, earn a median salary of about $44,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Electricians, dental hygienists, and construction managers also do well, with median salaries ranging from $51,000 annually to $75,000.