By Liang Cheng and Rob McLay
In 2025, students have more choices than ever to shape their futures, outpacing any previous generation. Options include university degrees, trades, healthcare diplomas, apprenticeships, micro-credentials, online courses, and technical careers. The crucial question is: which path best aligns with your goals, values, and the current job market?
The team at Global Nexus Education can help students and families make well-informed choices about their educational pathways and career futures. Global Nexus not only specializes in educational advising but also has strong expertise in labour market trends and a deep understanding of the future of work, helping international students from around the world—including China, India, and the Middle East—navigate the Canadian education landscape and build successful careers.
This guide details the true worth of each pathway, helping students and families from all backgrounds make informed and confident decisions about studying and working in Canada.
UNIVERSITY: STILL VALUABLE BUT NO LONGER THE ONLY TOP OPTION
A university degree continues to offer substantial long-term advantages, especially for students who:
– Enjoy academic learning
– Are interested in research, policy, science, or leadership roles
– Plan to pursue professional fields like law, medicine, teaching, public health, or engineering
– Want broader intellectual development, writing skills, and critical thinking
Research consistently indicates that, throughout their lives, university graduates generally earn higher incomes than those without degrees. According to recent Statistics Canada data, bachelor’s degree holders in Canada had a median income of $61,600 in 2021—44% higher than the overall median income (RBC Economics, 2024). Within Ontario’s 35-44-year-old population, those with a bachelor’s degree earn on average an additional $33,140 in salary per year compared to those with only a high school diploma (OCUFA, 2024).
However, this trend is evolving, and currently, the worth of a university education largely hinges on:
– The specific program: Computer Science, Engineering, and Nursing deliver the fastest return on investment, with breakeven timelines of 4 years or less (CourseCompare ROE Index, 2025)
– The cost of tuition and living expenses: The average cost of a four-year university education in Canada reached $101,319 in 2025—the first time ever crossing the $100,000 mark (Embark, 2024)
– How quickly graduates enter the workforce
– Whether the degree aligns with in-demand fields
The narrowing wage premium is notable: after adjusting for inflation, tuition rose 12% between 2012 and 2017 for undergraduate studies, while median income for graduates rose just 4% from 2017 to 2022 (RBC Economics, 2024). This means the financial return on university education, while still positive, has diminished compared to previous generations.
The ROI Reality Check
According to CourseCompare’s 2025 Return on Education Index, Canada’s top-performing university programs include:
Highest ROI Degrees:
1. Bachelor of Computer Science (ROE Score: 135) – 3.87 years to break even (this is debatable given new projections)
2. Bachelor of Nursing – 4 years to break even
3. Bachelor of Engineering – 4.5 years to break even
4. Bachelor of Business Administration – 5 years to break even
Lower ROI Degrees:
– Psychology, Political Science, Biology, and English typically require 6+ years to break even and often need further education before delivering strong returns
Notably, in 2025, Canadian youth unemployment hovers near 14%, the highest in more than a decade outside the pandemic, even as Canada faces chronic labour shortages in healthcare, STEM, and skilled trades (Conference Board of Canada, 2025). This disconnect highlights a critical mismatch between what universities produce and what the labour market needs.
The takeaway:
A university education still offers a solid route, but it no longer guarantees success. Students need to choose their programs carefully and realistically, considering both passion and market demand. Only 48% of Canadians in a 2025 national survey said post-secondary education is “definitely worth it,” with 39% unsure—a striking shift in public confidence (CourseCompare/Ipsos, 2025).
TECHNICAL DIPLOMAS AND COLLEGE PROGRAMS: A FAST TRACK TO STRONG CAREERS
By 2025, numerous stable and high-demand careers in Canada and the US originate from applied technical programs instead of traditional university degrees. Diploma programs typically take 1-3 years to complete, cost significantly less than university degrees, and focus on hands-on, industry-relevant skills.
Examples of in-demand programs include:
– Medical imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, MRI)
– Nuclear medicine technology
– Medical laboratory technology
– Paramedicine and emergency medical services
– Pharmacy technicians
– Biomedical engineering technology
– Computer systems & cybersecurity
– Early childhood education
– Public health inspection
– Dental hygiene
– Paralegal studies
Why Diplomas Are Surging in Popularity
According to CourseCompare’s 2025 ROE Index, diploma programs consistently outperform many university degrees in short-term return on investment:
Top-Performing Diploma Programs:
1. Automotive Service Technician (ROE Score: 136) – 2.75 years to break even
2. Construction/Building Technician – 3 years to break even
3. Pharmacy Technician – 3.5 years to break even
4. Registered Nursing (Diploma) – 3.8 years to break even
These programs typically offer:
– 1–3-year training periods: Much shorter than 4-year degrees
– Lower tuition: Average diploma tuition ranges from $15,000-$25,000 total compared to $100,000+ for a four-year university degree
– Smaller class sizes: More personalized attention and hands-on learning
– Direct access to in-demand jobs: Graduates enter the workforce immediately
– Starting salaries that match or exceed many university degrees: Dental hygienists earn $60,000-$80,000; medical lab technologists earn $55,000-$75,000; pharmacy technicians earn $45,000-$65,000 (Immigration News Canada, 2024)
– Co-op and work-integrated learning: Most programs include practical placements that provide Canadian work experience
For students looking for a practical, hands-on career with low debt and fast workforce entry, these programs are excellent choices. Additionally, diploma holders can often continue to university later if they choose, with many programs offering credit transfer pathways.
The Practical Advantage
Canada’s evolving economy has created a fundamental shift. The Conference Board of Canada found that for every dollar spent on post-secondary education, there is a 40% return on investment—but this varies dramatically by program type. Colleges and polytechnics, which focus on applied learning, are increasingly recognized as essential to meeting labour market needs, yet they receive nearly 20% less provincial funding per student than universities despite producing graduates for high-demand fields (Globe and Mail, 2025).
For students and families, this means diploma programs represent exceptional value: lower investment, faster returns, and direct pathways to stable employment.
THE TRADES: HIGH EARNINGS, HIGH DEMAND, ZERO SHORTAGE
Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, HVAC technicians, welders, and various skilled trades remain among the most stable and well-compensated professions in Canada, particularly during periods of housing shortages, construction booms, and industrial growth.
The Labour Crisis Creates Opportunity
More than 700,000 tradespeople are expected to retire by 2030 in Canada, creating a massive skills gap (BuildForce Canada, 2024). Between 2025 and 2030, Canada expects unprecedented skilled-trade job openings due to retirements and economic expansion. This demographic reality, combined with ongoing infrastructure investment, means trades offer exceptional job security.
Key advantages of trades in 2025:
– Paid apprenticeships (earn while you learn): Unlike university students who accumulate debt, apprentices earn wages from day one, typically starting at $20-25/hour and increasing substantially with experience
– Minimal student debt: Most trades require minimal upfront costs beyond tools and safety equipment
– Union protections and strong benefits: Many trades offer comprehensive benefits packages, pension plans, and job security through collective agreements
– Flexible career mobility: Options for self-employment, contracting, specialization, or management
– High demand across all provinces and territories: Unlike some degree programs, trades skills are portable and needed everywhere
– Wages outpacing inflation: Skilled trades salaries have grown significantly while many degree-holder salaries have stagnated
The Numbers Tell the Story
According to 2025 data compiled by CourseCompare and industry sources, here are realistic earnings for experienced tradespeople in Canada:
Top-Earning Trades (2025):
– Powerline Technicians: $90,000 – $120,000
– Elevator Mechanics: $80,000 – $110,000
– Millwrights: $75,000 – $105,000
– Industrial Electricians: $85,000 – $100,000
– Instrumentation and Control Technicians: $80,000 – $100,000
– Plumbers (Journeyman): $75,000 – $100,000+
– HVAC Technicians (Commercial/Industrial): $65,000 – $90,000
– Welders (Specialized): $70,000 – $95,000
– Boilermakers: $75,000 – $95,000
– Refrigeration Mechanics: $70,000 – $95,000
Real tradespeople often earn even more than these averages suggest. A commercial HVAC/refrigeration mechanic in Ontario reports earning $125,000 annually at $58.22/hour; a brick and stone mason in Ontario earns $95,000-$120,000 on commercial projects; plumbers in British Columbia start at $80,000 (CourseCompare reader comments, 2025).
The average skilled trades salary in Canada is $78,062 per year, with top earners making up to $124,764 (Glassdoor Canada, 2025). These figures often surpass what many university graduates earn, particularly in their first decade of work.
Trades vs. Degrees: The Financial Reality
Consider this comparison:
– A university graduate with $30,000+ in debt earning $50,000-$60,000 at age 22-23
– A trades apprentice who started at 18, earned throughout training, has no debt, and is earning $80,000+ as a journeyman at age 22-23
Trades can provide higher earnings and greater stability compared to many university degrees, especially for students who like building, problem-solving, technology, and hands-on work. Provincial governments are also prioritizing trade immigration programs, recognizing these roles as critical to Canada’s economic future.
HEALTH PROGRAMS: FAST ENTRY INTO A FUTURE-PROOF SECTOR
The healthcare industry continues to grow faster than almost any other sector. By 2028, the United States alone is projected to have a shortage of 100,000 healthcare workers, while Canada faces similar challenges with healthcare employment representing over 17 million people and growing (Mercer, 2024; HRSA, 2024). Students don’t need to attend medical school to build a successful healthcare career.
In-Demand Health Roles (2-4 Year Programs):
Diagnostic and Technical Roles:
– Medical lab technologist: $55,000-$75,000
– Diagnostic imaging technologist (X-ray, ultrasound, MRI): $60,000-$85,000
– Radiation therapist: $70,000-$90,000
– Nuclear medicine technologist: $65,000-$85,000
– Respiratory therapist: $60,000-$80,000
Direct Care Roles:
– Paramedic: $55,000-$75,000
– Registered Practical Nurse (RPN): $50,000-$70,000
– Occupational therapy assistant: $45,000-$60,000
– Physiotherapy assistant: $40,000-$55,000
– Dental hygienist: $60,000-$80,000
Community and Mental Health:
– Mental health worker: $45,000-$65,000
– Public health promotion specialist: $50,000-$70,000
– Addictions counselor: $45,000-$65,000
– Community health worker: $40,000-$60,000
Why Healthcare Careers Stand Out
Healthcare careers offer:
– High employment stability: Healthcare hiring remains steady even during economic downturns
– National and international mobility: Credentials are often portable across provinces and, with some additional requirements, internationally
– Purpose-driven work: Healthcare professionals report high levels of job meaning and satisfaction
– Opportunities to advance: Clear pathways to specialization, leadership, or further education
– Growing investment: The digital health market alone is projected to grow from $288 billion in 2024 to $946 billion by 2030 (Grand View Research, 2025), creating new roles in health informatics, telehealth, and health data analysis
The Workforce Shortage Reality
Health workforce shortages are creating unprecedented opportunities:
– Nursing shortages: Projected shortage of 200,000-450,000 RNs for direct patient care by 2025 (McKinsey, 2022)
– Nursing assistants: Deficit of 73,000 by 2028 (Mercer, 2024)
– Allied health: Shortages across respiratory therapy, medical imaging, and lab technology
– Mental health: Over 169 million Americans live in mental health professional shortage areas, with similar challenges in Canada (HRSA, 2023)
These pathways are perfect for students who want fulfilling careers without spending 8–10 years in school. Many health diploma programs also offer clear pathways to advanced practice roles through bridging programs or bachelor’s degree completion options.
MENTAL HEALTH & COMMUNITY SUPPORT ROLES: A GROWING PRIORITY
The demand for mental health professionals is increasing dramatically across Canada and globally. One in five adults experiences mental illness each year, yet approximately 122 million Americans (and millions of Canadians) live in areas with mental health provider shortages (HRSA, 2023; NAMI, 2023).
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this crisis, with 40% of Gen Z workers feeling stressed or anxious all or most of the time, much of it work-related (Deloitte, 2025). More than 60 million people—23% of U.S. adults—experienced any mental illness in 2024, and 25% reported unmet treatment needs (Mental Health America, 2025).
Students can find meaningful career paths through:
– Counselling diplomas: 2-3 year programs preparing graduates for roles in community agencies, schools, and private practice
– Addictions and recovery certificates: Specialized training for substance use disorder treatment
– Community social services programs: Broad preparation for work in diverse social service settings
– Child and youth care diplomas: Focus on supporting children, youth, and families in various contexts
The Growing Demand
The behavioral health workforce faces substantial projected shortages:
– Psychiatrists: Significant shortages projected in 2038
– Psychologists: Additional 136,350 needed by 2038 to meet unmet need
– Counselors and therapists: Pronounced shortages across specialties
– Marriage and family therapists: Growing demand with supply challenges
These roles allow graduates to support schools, families, shelters, hospitals, and community organizations, often after only 2–3 years of training. Starting salaries typically range from $40,000-$65,000, with experienced practitioners earning $60,000-$85,000+. Many jurisdictions now offer Medicaid reimbursement for peer support specialists, creating new pathways for individuals with lived experience to enter the field.
Mental Health in the Workplace
The workplace mental health crisis is driving additional demand. In 2025, 77% of organizations struggled to recruit full-time employees, and companies increasingly recognize mental health support as essential to retention (Modern Health, 2025). Workplace mental health specialists, employee assistance program professionals, and corporate wellness coordinators represent growing career opportunities.
SO HOW SHOULD STUDENTS CHOOSE?
There isn’t a single “perfect path.” Instead, students should base their decisions on three key questions:
1. What type of learner am I?
– Do you thrive in academic environments, enjoy research and abstract thinking? → University programs may be a good fit, particularly in STEM, healthcare, business, or fields requiring advanced degrees
– Do you prefer hands-on, applied learning and seeing immediate results? → Trades and technical diplomas offer faster, more practical paths with strong earnings potential
Recent data shows that 89% of Generation Z and 92% of Millennials consider a sense of purpose important to job satisfaction—but they’re also prioritizing financial security, with 48% of Gen Z not feeling financially secure (Deloitte, 2025). This “money, meaning, and well-being trifecta” means students need pathways that deliver both purpose and financial stability.
2. How quickly do I want to start working and earning?
– 8–12+ years: Medicine, law, or academic research (PhD)
– 5-7 years: Fields requiring master’s degrees (many psychology, social work, or specialized business roles)
– 4 years: Many university degrees (with immediate workforce entry)
– 2-3 years: College diplomas, health tech programs, associate degrees
– 1–4 years: Trades apprenticeships (while earning income throughout)
Time to workforce entry matters significantly when calculating return on investment. A tradesperson who starts earning at 18 and has zero debt at 22 has a substantial financial advantage over a university graduate starting at 22-23 with $30,000+ in debt.
3. What lifestyle and salary expectations do I have?
– Trades and technical health roles often provide strong earnings ($60,000-$100,000+) without heavy debt, excellent job security, and flexibility for self-employment
– University degrees may lead to higher long-term ceiling salaries in certain fields (medicine, law, engineering, senior management), but with more debt and longer time to break even
– Diploma programs offer the sweet spot: moderate debt, quick entry, solid starting salaries ($45,000-$75,000), and often strong advancement potential
According to Statistics Canada’s 2025 data, graduates with a master’s degree earn a median income of $76,400 two years post-graduation—30% more than bachelor’s degree holders at $58,700. However, this must be weighed against additional time and cost (University of Waterloo, 2025).
Additional Considerations
Geographic factors: Location significantly impacts both educational costs and career opportunities. Students in Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick pay the highest tuition ($8,000-$9,600 annually), while those in Quebec and Newfoundland pay the least (Statistics Canada, 2024). Similarly, trades salaries vary substantially by province, with Alberta and British Columbia typically offering higher wages due to resource-based industries.
For international students: Canada has become one of the world’s top destinations for international education, with over 900,000 international students in 2024, with India representing the largest source country. International students from China, India, and the Middle East should consider several Canada-specific factors when choosing their educational path:
– Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility: Most college diplomas (1-2 years) qualify for PGWP, allowing you to work in Canada after graduation. Two-year programs provide up to 3 years of work authorization, significantly improving your chances for permanent residency
– Credential recognition: Trades certifications like the Red Seal are nationally recognized across Canada and provide clear pathways to employment. Many health professions also have well-established credential recognition processes
– Language requirements: While university programs typically require IELTS 6.5-7.0, many college diploma and trades programs accept IELTS 6.0, making them more accessible
– Immigration pathways: Canada’s Express Entry system and Provincial Nominee Programs actively prioritize skilled trades, healthcare professionals, and STEM graduates. Understanding which programs align with immigration priorities can significantly impact your long-term settlement plans
– International tuition considerations: While domestic tuition has caps in some provinces, international student fees continue to rise and are not subject to the same restrictions. Diploma programs often represent better value for international students due to shorter duration and faster return on investment
– Cultural transition support: Smaller class sizes in college and trades programs often provide more personalized support, which can be valuable for international students adjusting to a new education system
Many international students successfully use diploma programs or trades as stepping stones to permanent residency and then pursue further education at domestic tuition rates if desired. This strategic approach can save considerable money while building Canadian work experience.
Credential inflation: Entry-level positions increasingly require years of experience that weren’t expected from earlier generations. Global job postings for roles requiring 0-2 years of experience declined by 29% since January 2024, with junior tech roles down 35% (Randstad, 2025). This makes efficient, targeted education even more important.
The value beyond earnings: While this guide emphasizes financial returns, higher education provides broader benefits. University education correlates with better health outcomes, lower incarceration rates, stronger civic engagement, and enhanced critical thinking (University of Ottawa, 2024). These societal goods have value beyond immediate salary figures.
THE REAL MESSAGE FOR 2025 AND BEYOND
Students shouldn’t feel pressured to pick the “best” option since multiple strong and respected choices exist. The goal is to select the path that aligns with:
Your natural strengths and learning style: Are you more theoretical or hands-on? Do you learn best by reading and analyzing, or by doing and building?
Your financial reality: Can your family support 4+ years of education? Will you need to work throughout your studies? How comfortable are you with student debt?
Your long-term goals: Do you want to start a family early? Travel? Start a business? Specialize deeply in one area? Different paths support different life goals.
The evolving job market: Labor market needs are real constraints. Canada faces chronic shortages in healthcare, skilled trades, and STEM fields while producing too many graduates in disciplines with limited job prospects. Smart career planning acknowledges this reality.
Your timeline for independence: If earning income quickly matters to you—whether to support yourself, help family, or achieve financial goals—shorter programs and trades offer faster pathways to self-sufficiency.
The Bottom Line
University continues to be relevant for the right students in the right programs. Trades thrive with unprecedented demand and strong compensation. Health and technical diploma programs offer stability, purpose, and practical training. All these paths can lead to rewarding, prosperous careers.
The right choice is the one that fits you—your aptitudes, your circumstances, your values, and your vision for your future. With so many viable pathways available in 2025, students can confidently choose the route that best serves their unique situation rather than defaulting to outdated assumptions about what constitutes “success.”
Global Nexus Education is here to guide you through these critical decisions. Our team specializes not only in educational advising but also brings strong expertise in labour market trends and a comprehensive understanding of the future of work. We have extensive experience supporting international students from China, India, the Middle East, and around the world as they navigate the Canadian education system and build pathways to successful careers. Whether you’re exploring university degrees, college diplomas, or skilled trades, our advisors can provide culturally informed, data-driven guidance tailored to your unique goals and the realities of Canada’s evolving job market.
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NOTE ON AI ASSISTANCE
This blog post was developed by Liang Cheng and Rob McLay with assistance from AI tools for content enhancement, research synthesis, and translation. All information has been fact-checked against original sources, and the final content reflects the authors’ professional expertise and editorial judgment.