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.