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As the school year continues and the last day of school gets closer, most students are faced with a looming concern: the future. Full of mystery and uncertainty, the future is the source of lots of apprehension and anxiety for students, especially those nearing their graduation date. Though it may feel like the only option for after high school is a four-year college, there are actually a plethora of options for possible pathways for students after graduation. Here are some of those less talked about options.
1. Community College
Community colleges are a great option for those seeking to continue education after high school but not for a typical four-year experience or bachelor’s degree. These schools offer associate’s degrees and certificates that many four-year colleges do not. They are also much more affordable, with tuition being almost a third of the price of a typical four-year university. The average tuition per year of a student attending University of Southern California can range anywhere from $68,237 - $90,453, while a student at Bellevue College can expect a tuition of just $7,929 after financial aid. Community colleges prepare students for the workforce and have opportunities to transfer students to four-year colleges.
2. Military
Another alternative to a typical four-year university is joining the military after high school. Only needing a high school diploma, anyone can enlist. The military provides opportunities to learn lots of effective skills that can be applied in many areas, as well as earning college credit. Enlisting in the military also comes with many educational benefits, providing professional training and job opportunities including careers in news and media, engineering, healthcare, law enforcement, and more.
3. Trade School
Trade or vocational schools are great options for people looking to specialize in a specific area and quickly join the workforce. Vocational schools tend to be less expensive than four-year colleges, and they focus on hands-on training in high-demand fields. Trade school graduates can enter the workforce more quickly than college graduates and go into careers including dental hygienists, welders, construction managers, technicians, medical assistants and many more.
These are only some of the many options available for students after graduating high school. Others include taking a gap year and directly entering the workforce. Though college can be the right pathway for some, there are options for everyone!
