This view has been changing for quite some time now. Even though a college education is still as important as it has been for many years, the prohibitive costs of tertiary schooling have made people more amenable to other options after the high school diploma. Though online high schools have made it easier for more people to finish high school and the GED had helped provide more opportunities for a college education, many individuals are considering other alternatives to college degrees. Others cite the fact that since there are many other career paths that don’t require a college degree, then why waste time and money going through the college system. Let’s discuss the 4 options open to a high school graduate and how each option could affect one’s life after high school.

1. Go to work right after finishing high school

Some consider working as a rite of passage. Working right after high school means that you’re taking your place in society as an adult. Holding down your own job not only requires you to be more responsible, it also places you into a position that demands experience rather than book smarts. Yes, a mailroom job may not be much at first, but an entry-level job inside a big company can be an opportunity for you to move up. Some of the most successful individuals worked their way up this way and they have never looked back since.

2. Enroll in a trade or vocational course after high school

Learning a trade can be an illuminating once you understand the benefits. For one, being skilled at a trade can be a starting point for consulting jobs around your community; there’s always a need in skilled trades. You could also save on expenses if you happen to be handy around the house. Now you wouldn’t need to hire someone to tinker with those small jobs. Lastly, there are high-paying jobs in the skilled category. These jobs even rival careers that require a college education.

3. Enroll in a 2-year Associate degree after high school

A compromise between learning a new trade and a 4-6year college education is obtaining an associate degree. This type of education compresses academic units in such a way that you’ll be able to work in the field within a shorter duration. You will only need 2 years to finish the program. After completion you will have a good mix of academic knowledge and experience that can be impressive to employers early on. For example, a Pre-Kindergarten Associate degree can be taken by those who want to enter the field of early childhood education and later obtaining a teaching degree after.

4. Enroll in a 4-year College degree after high school

Of course, going to college is still a good choice. The 4-years of study can bring you a better return because you’ll be able to get jobs of a higher pay scale after you graduate. This is the trade off you get with the time and money you spend on a college education. It is a benefit that most will still see valuable even in these changing times.

Associate Degree Programs Info

An associate’s degree is a useful qualification to possess. Unlike an undergraduate degree in college, an associate degree program takes only two years to complete. You can get your associate degree from a community college, junior college and even some four year universities. A large number of students are also pursuing their associate degrees online.

These degrees usually teach you the basic skills. In fact, if you were to attend university, your associate degree program would be considered equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor’s degree program. Many students pursue associate’s degrees at community college and then move on to bigger universities to pursue an undergraduate degree. For some others, an associate program is enough for them to establish themselves in their chosen field.

An associate degree program is made up of three important parts  - general requirements, major requirements and electives. To be successfully awarded an associate degree, students must complete two years of study or what is equivalent to 60 semester credit hours.

Types of Associate Degree Courses

Just like undergraduate programs, there are various types of associate degrees as well. One can pursue associate’s degrees in several fields depending on their preferences. The types of associate degree courses available to students are:

• Associate of Arts (AA) degree

This degree is usually taken up by students to help them gain entry into a four year undergraduate course.

• Associate of Applied Sciences (AAS) degree

This degree prepares students for careers or if they wish, they can pursue it further at university.

• Associate of Science (AS) degree

Like the AA degree, the AS degree prepares students for transfers to four year universities.

• Associate in Occupational Studies

These associate degrees are designed for students looking for an academic qualification to help them enter the work force. These degrees focus on the practicalities of the chosen occupation of the students so they may enter the work force work ready. Students can of course choose to go on to university after this if they so wish.

Associate Degree Programs: Advantages

Associate degrees are an excellent option for students interested in further study and have some distinct advantages.

• They can be achieved in a shorter period of time (a maximum of two years full time study).
• Associate degrees usually cost much lesser.
• Students unable to attend classes often pursue associate degree program as they offer the options of evening classes.
• They are a good way of achieving work readiness.
• Associate degrees often help students assess their suitability for certain professions or career choices before transferring to universities.

An associate degree is, for many students a more convenient way of gaining an education without the stresses and expenses of a full time undergraduate course. Now, with the introduction of online associate degree programs, it is even easier for students to pursue an online associate degree.