While almost every sector of higher education has fewer students registering for classes, many trade programs are thriving. Trade programs are often more affordable than a traditional four-year degree, students note, and, for many, skilled trades offer a more obvious path to a job. Mechanic and repair trade programs as well as culinary programs and construction trades have been seeing growth.

There are at least 23 states that offer free community college tuition to some students. (There are usually some requirements that apply, like residency and age.)

🇺🇸 The states offering free community college currently include Arkansas, California, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia.

Check out your state's requirements OR consider sharing this information out to others that can use it!

Source: Nerdwallet; National Student Clearing House
📸: John Amis, AP