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.