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Alternatives to 4-year colleges

Traditional 4-year colleges (or universities) that lead to a bachelor’s degree aren’t always the right path for everyone, and that's okay because there's more than one pathway. While it's true, 4-year colleges are a means to enhance academic knowledge and even help prepare for professional avenues, they don't necessary cultivate all skills that could lead to a meaningful career.   

Alternative paths such as apprenticeship, internship, certificate programs, and business ownership are growing increasingly common. Other popular options are:

1. Community colleges

Community colleges offer 2-year associate degrees and certificates that help you prepare for certain careers and, if needed, position you to transfer to a 4-year college to earn a bachelor's degree. They’re often a more affordable choice with relatively lower tuition.

2. Vocational schools (or trade schools) and career colleges

Vocational schools (or trade schools) and career colleges offer specialized training in a particular industry or career. They differ in their scope of study. Vocational schools offer study pertaining to cultivating skills or specific training for trades like electrical and plumbing. Program lengths tend to be somewhat shorter, with skills-based (or hand-on) training.

Career colleges differ from vocational schools (and even community colleges) mainly in structure and education offerings. With career colleges there is a greater emphasis on hands-on experience and education catered towards your career path, trade, or industry like IT or business administration.

Both typically offer certificates or associate degrees.

3. The military

The military can be an attractive path for many students after high school with perks that include a competitive salary, free health care, room and board, paid college tuition through the GI Bill, and retirement with benefits after 20 years.

Reasons you may choose not to go to a 4-year college

There are a several of reasons why you may not want to go to a university.  The most common reasons that deter some people are the cost and potential for debt, lack of overall financial support, the time commitment required, family obligations, and uncertainties about career interest. 
 
A lack of desire due to previous poor academic performance, health conditions, concerns about learning capabilities, or even skepticism about the need for a degree or higher education are also factors.
 
Conversely, taking a "gap year" can be valuable or beneficial. A gap year is ordinarily when a student takes a year off, typically between high school and university. Some students choose to do so to travel, to work and save money for their education, volunteer and gain life experiences, or even to allow more time to make career decisions and choose where they want to study.
 
Remember, whatever the reason, there are other options available if you choose to go another route. Not attending a university does not always mean you cannot be successful in your career.

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This information is general in nature and provided for educational purposes only.

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