After graduation from high school, for many graduates the next stage of their lives is to pursue a career or enter the workforce in some form or fashion. Older learners or those who are already in the workforce may be in search of shorter or more streamlined programs. Traditional four-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, universities are a means to enhance academic knowledge and even help prepare for professional avenues, they don't necessarily cultivate all skills that could lead to a meaningful career.
Some graduates simply don't have a desire to attend a university but still recognize the need for some type of continued education. For others, university costs and the fear of overwhelming student loans are deterrents from moving forward. Previous poor academic performance, health conditions, concerns about learning capabilities, time or even skepticism about the need for a degree or higher education can cause hesitation too.
Increasingly common alternatives to universities are: apprenticeship, internship, certificate programs, and entrepreneurship. Other popular options are:
1. Community colleges
Community colleges are a popular alternative, offering two-year associate degrees and certificates that prepare for certain careers. They can also position you to transfer to a university to earn a bachelor's degree. They’re often a more affordable choice with relatively lower tuition in comparison to universities. Like universities, community colleges offer associate degrees and certificate programs that can lead to lucrative earnings.2. Vocational (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. Both typically offer certificates or associate degrees.
Vocational schools offer study pertaining to cultivating skills or specific training for trades like electrical and plumbing. Their programs offer skills-based or hands-on experience through different avenues like field-work—a fostering environment for the application of their learned skills in real-world scenarios. Students are also able to bypass general education classes and instead, focus directly on pertinent education for their career path. Bypassing general education classes means shorter program lengths; however, vocational schools typically have higher tuition fees or cost comparison to community colleges—but not universities.
3. The military
- Army: Protects the country on land and air
- Marine Corps: Known for being the first on the ground in combat situations for sea and land
- Navy: Known for protecting the country by sea
- Air Force: Known for protecting the U.S. air space and skies
- Space Force: Protects the U.S. nation in space
- Coast Guard: A federal law enforcement agency (not a military branch), known for protecting U.S. waterways, ports, shores, and the coasts—search and rescue missions too.
The military can be an attractive path for many people 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.