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AFTER HIGH SCHOOL – EDUCATION OPTIONS

Education Options

There are many educational options, including certificates, certifications, licensing, apprenticeships, associate and bachelor’s degrees; however, these options are not one-size-fits-all. It is essential to understand the differences between these options as well as the pros and cons.

Apprenticeship Programs

Apprenticeship programs, a part of the public workforce development system, are proven and structured “earn and learn” models. They provide paid, on-the-job learning with related technical classroom instruction in various career fields.

Thousands of employers, employer associations, and labor-management organizations offer programs. More information is available at the Office of Apprenticeship within the Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.

VOCATIONAL, TECHNICAL, OR TRADE SCHOOLS

Vocational schools (also called career, technical, or trade schools) can be a great way to get training for a variety of jobs. These schools offer an option for students interested in postsecondary education and technical training for various skilled jobs. These include:

  • Automotive technician
  • Computer-aided drafting and design
  • Computer programming and network security
  • Construction laborer and inspector
  • Criminal justice
  • Culinary arts
  • Hair stylist and cosmetologist
  • Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)
  • Medical and Dental Assistant
  • Paralegal
  • Plumbing
  • Landscaping
  • Truck Driver
  • Web Design

Trade schools can be highly valuable for those students who know exactly what profession they want to work in. Vocational programs tend to be relatively short and offer employment opportunities in many practical fields.

Benefits of enrolling in a reputable vocational school can include:

  • Classes that develop a particular skill set
  • Offers associate’s degrees, diplomas, or certifications in a trade
  • Can cost less than many 4-year universities
  • Partnership with local companies, trade unions, and professional organizations to provide classroom and on-the-job training

Research suggests that individuals who possess a postsecondary certificate earn more than high school graduates when they work in the field for which they studied.1

1 “Education pays, 2024,” Career Outlook, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025.

COMMUNITY COLLEGE / JUNIOR COLLEGE

Nearly half of all undergraduates in the United States benefit from the accessibility, affordability, and flexibility that community colleges offer.2 Community colleges help make education more attainable and reduce the costs for bachelor’s degrees by allowing you the opportunity to transfer your credits over if you decide to continue your education.

These schools play a crucial role in higher education across the country. Their open admission policies, relatively low tuition, and accessible locations make them a vital pathway to postsecondary education and job training for many students.

2Columbia University’s Community College Research Center

College or university (four-year program)

For those interested in a four-year college degree, it can broaden your understanding of the world around you. Depending on your educational and career goals, it is essential to choose a college or university that aligns directly with your major, field, or career aspirations.

Many four-year institutions (colleges and universities) might have more challenging admission requirements than vocational schools or community colleges. While all colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees, some larger schools offer more majors and degree options, such as:

  • Bachelor’s
  • Master’s
  • Doctoral

Liberal arts colleges offer a broad range of courses, including literature, history, languages, mathematics, and life sciences, and can prepare you for a variety of careers or graduate study.

There are also specialized colleges and universities:

  • Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs)
  • Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs)
  • Religiously affiliated colleges
  • Single sex colleges
  • Arts colleges
  • Tribal Colleges
  • Conservatories

Public colleges usually offer lower tuition rates than private colleges, especially for students who are residents of the state where a college is located.

School research – things to check

Once you have identified your career pathway and your options, you are ready to decide on which program or school to enroll in. A helpful tool, The College Scorecard, allows you to search for schools by program and location, providing information on size, cost, graduation rate, and median earnings 10 years after entering the school. Before committing, consider:

  • Admission requirements: Do you need a GED or high school diploma? Are there age or residency requirements?
  • Cost: When evaluating schools, consider the total cost of the program, including tuition, enrollment fees, a computer, books, and other class materials. Additionally, consider the extra costs associated with attending school, such as transportation, housing, childcare, and meals.
  • Program or Degree Length: How many semesters, quarters, or months are required to complete the program?
  • Qualifications of Instructor: Are the faculty well-known or well-versed in the field?
  • Program Success Rate: “Success rate” refers to the percentage of students who start a program and complete it within a specified timeframe – for example, typically six years for bachelor’s degrees. Reading the marketing materials from the school or program is a good start, but you should also do some additional research of your own.
  • School Accreditation: Accreditation is the process of evaluating colleges, universities, and trade schools to ensure they meet quality education standards.
  • Graduation Rate: What percentage of students complete the program? How long does it take?
  • Job / Salary: How many graduates find full-time paid jobs in their chosen field? What is the starting salary? How long does it take? Are areas or programs more successful than others?
  • Financial Aid: What percentage of students borrow money to pay for school? What is the student loan repayment and default rate?
  • Facilities: Are the facilities up to date?

Preparing for school

If you’re thinking about education beyond high school, here are things you can do to prepare yourself:

  • Take challenging courses in high school. Work hard to learn as much as you can and get good grades. Begin thinking about future career possibilities.
  • Participate in a variety of extracurricular and volunteer activities. In addition to benefiting you, your high school, and community, these can improve your chances of being admitted to post-secondary schools and earning scholarships.
  • Talk with your parents or guardians. They may be able to help you in several ways, such as evaluating schools, studying for placement tests, and visiting schools with you.
  • Meet with your high school counselors. They can advise you about school admissions applications. They can also give you details about registering for placement tests, write recommendations for you, and provide encouragement.
  • Prepare for any tests that may be required. Note the registration deadlines carefully. Generally, you should register at least six weeks ahead of a test so you have time to study and avoid late registration fees.
  • Visit the schools that interest you. If possible, visit during the school year when classes are in session.
  • Contact admissions counselors at the schools you are interested in. Like high school counselors, they can provide you with information about admissions, scholarships, and school-specific details, such as the tests they require to apply.
  • Stay organized in your school search process. Create a file folder for each prospective school and keep track of all important dates on a single calendar.

For more information, go to: After High School – Education Options – Hands on Banking – Financial Education.