College is not always the best option or the right choice for everyone. There are many alternatives to college for high school graduates including trade schools, apprenticeship programs, entering the workforce, and joining the military. See below for some benefits of these options and more information on them.
Trade Schools
Trade schools are focused on providing students with specific skills that can be directly applied to a career in certain fields, called the trades. Common trades include agriculture, repairs, automotive technology, and natural resources. Typically you would earn a certificate that can be used to get jobs in your field.
Trade schools have lower tuition costs, require less time in school, provide practical training, and have smaller class sizes. One of the downsides of trade schools is that it offers fewer career options afterward, but if college is not an option/you don’t want to go to college or there is a trade that you enjoy, trade school could be the right choice for you! Click here to learn more!
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships allow people to learn valuable skills in their area of interest while working and getting paid. Apprenticeships offer people structured training, supplemental education, and mentorship while getting paid and allowing for future career advancements and a competitive income. Click here to learn more!
Entering the workforce
High school graduates may decide to enter the workforce post-graduation for many reasons such as being tired of school, not enjoying school, financial reasons, or they want to take a break before returning to school. Some benefits of entering the workforce include: earning money, instead of spending it all, gaining life experience and independence, and you can take time to put more thought into your future career. Click here to see some available jobs for you!
Military
Some high school graduates may decide to join the military after graduation for various reasons. The military offers a lot of benefits, but it also requires sacrifice. The different branches of the military are vastly different and you can learn more about each of them on their websites. Click here to see the qualifications for joining the military.
Study Abroad
Another option after college is to take a gap year and explore other parts of the world. This can help you learn more about yourself, broaden your experiences, and give you time to figure out the next step. A simple way to do this is by participating in a study abroad program. There are private organizations that are not affiliated with a university to facilitate this.
Community College
A community college offers Associate’s degrees. They may offer programs similar to a trade school. Community colleges are typically cheaper than universities. Degrees offered at community colleges can be used to enter the workforce after graduation or to obtain a Bachelor’s degree at a later date.