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What should my next steps be after I graduate high school?

I am 16 and unsure of where to go after I finish high school. I think a community college takes less time, but a University seems like there are more opportunities. The only problem is, I don't have money to attend a Major Institution. How should i go about choosing my next school?

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Jeff’s Answer

Hi Z --

There's often pressure to jump right into a four-year college/university but community college is an awesome route to take. It's more flexible, cheaper, and you can still apply to colleges/universities after you complete your Associate's degree. You'd likely enter a four-year college as a Junior so two more years and you'll have a Bachelor's degree.

All to say, you can still graduate from a four-year college/university in the same amount of time if you decide to go to community college but for less money.

Jeff recommends the following next steps:

Find community colleges that have partnerships with four-year colleges (making the transition easier)
Find federal programs that will reimburse you for community college
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Meghan’s Answer

Hey there, Z! It's completely normal to feel unsure about your next steps after high school. Congrats on this milestone, it's a significant achievement and a stepping stone towards your future ambitions.

Let's break down the difference between community college and university. Both can be the right choice, depending on your aspirations and circumstances. Community colleges usually offer Associate's Degrees, which are 2-year degrees. This can be a fantastic choice for various professions. Here are some careers you can pursue with an Associate's Degree:

Healthcare:
- Registered Nurse: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
- Radiologic Technician: Associate's degree in radiologic technology
- Dental Hygienist: Associate's degree in dental hygiene
- Physical Therapist Assistant: Associate's degree in physical therapy assisting
- Respiratory Therapist: Associate's degree in respiratory therapy
- Medical Laboratory Technician: Associate's degree in medical laboratory technology
- Pharmacy Technician: Associate's degree in pharmacy technology (some states/countries)
- Occupational Therapy Assistant: Associate's degree in occupational therapy assisting

Technology:
- Web Developer: Associate's degree in web development or a related field
- Computer Support Specialist: Associate's degree in information technology or a related field
- Network Technician: Associate's degree in network technology
- Computer Programmer: Associate's degree in computer programming or related field (although many positions now require a Bachelor's degree)

Business and Finance:
- Paralegal: Associate's degree in paralegal studies
- Bookkeeper: Associate's degree in accounting or a related field
- Human Resources Assistant: Associate's degree in human resources or business administration
- Administrative Assistant: Associate's degree in business administration or related field
- Real Estate Agent: Associate's degree in real estate (though licensure is also required)

Skilled Trades
- Electrician: Associate's degree in electrical technology (some positions)
- HVAC Technician: Associate's degree in HVAC technology
- Automotive Technician: Associate's degree in automotive technology
- Welder: Associate's degree in welding technology (some positions)

Arts and Design
- Graphic Designer: Associate's degree in graphic design (though many positions now require a Bachelor's degree)
- Interior Designer: Associate's degree in interior design (some positions)
- Photographer: Associate's degree in photography (some positions)
- Education and Social Services
- Preschool Teacher: Associate's degree in early childhood education (some states)
- Social Services Assistant: Associate's degree in social work or a related field

Others
- Police Officer: Associate's degree in criminal justice (some departments)
- Firefighter: Associate's degree in fire science (some departments)
- Veterinary Technician: Associate's degree in veterinary technology

You can acquire an Associate's Degree in any of these fields by attending a community college. If your dream job requires a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD, you can start at a community college for 2 years and then transfer to a 4-year institution. This is a popular path and can save you a lot of money. It's important to discuss this with a counselor at your chosen community college to understand the transfer process. Ideally, you should also talk to a counselor at your potential university to ensure your credits will transfer.

If you're leaning towards starting at a 4-year institution like a university, you might qualify for financial aid or scholarships. A counselor at your chosen university can help you explore these options. Your high school teachers or counselors can also guide you towards financial aid and scholarship resources.

Remember, there are plenty of options available, and your choice will depend on your unique goals. I went straight from high school to a 4-year university, but my niece is studying at a community college and will earn an Associate's Degree in physical therapy assisting. Both paths are equally valuable. My dental hygienist, for example, got his degree from a local community college for free. Graduating debt-free is a huge advantage. Keep in mind that, except for scholarships, you'll probably have to repay any financial aid you accept. Depending on your career, this could take some time. So, starting at a community college could be a good idea, especially if you're still exploring your interests. It's a fantastic chance to delve into various subjects and discover your passion. You can always transfer to a university later.

Best wishes on your journey, and feel free to ask any more questions! I'm proud of you for seeking advice. It shows maturity and will help you make the right choice for your future.
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Jen’s Answer

Hi Z,

If you're not sure what you want to do yet after high school, you are not alone. The good news is - you have time to figure this out.

Consider first - what are some professions you think you'd enjoy? Do you have a passion right now? If not, that's okay! If you have a resource near you or online to get some career counseling that would be a good start. If there's a career that really sparks your interest, research what the required schooling is for that and it will help you on your next step after high school.

If you generally aren't sure WHAT you want to but know you want a college degree, I recommend looking into some general education tracks at your local community college. Please makes sure wherever you get credits that it's an accredited school. This will give you the flexibility to take these credits and transfer them to a major school if you go that route. Or, will simply allow you to have an accredited school to add to your resume once you enter the job market.

I understand finances are a huge part of researching higher education. Can you look into merit based scholarships at a local in-state college? can you look into FAFSA forms to see if you qualify for grants or loans? https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

Good luck!
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Irene’s Answer

I personally went to a 4 year institution, but I know a lot of folks who went to a 2 year college (aka community college) first, and they went on to have great careers. It's a major cost savings opportunity. I would definitely choose a community college that is close to you (so hopefully you can save money on commuting and housing). If there is a 4 year institution that you want to attend, then you should also look for a community college that offers an easy transfer process (ie. your credits will actually apply towards credits towards a major, etc).
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Michelle’s Answer

Hi Z,

It sounds like you're thinking about a lot of good options for what might come next after high school! Community college does generally take less time and money, which makes it an attractive option for furthering your education while keeping costs down.

It's also possible to go to a university without paying full price, though! Housing costs are a big part of college prices, so one way of keeping costs down while attending university is to live at home and commute to your university. Some universities also offer scholarships and/or financial aid to help make it more affordable, so looking into those programs can help you figure out the true cost of college.

If you have an idea about what you might like to do after college, like a specific career path you're interested in, that might also determine which choice is right for you. As an example, my sister wanted to become a firefighter, and our local community college had a great firefighter training program that worked with some local fire districts, so that was a great option for her. But if you're interested in something like becoming a lawyer or a doctor, you'll likely need a 4-year degree -- although you can also start with community college and transfer to a 4-year university later if you decide that's right for you.
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Seong’s Answer

It’s amazing that you’re thinking about your career path and the pathways you can take! Choose a path that works for you and gives you the most options and flexibility. It’s totally okay to go to a 2-year school and decide from there whether you want to take the step to transfer into a 4-year school, whether immediately or after some time has passed. It’s also perfectly acceptable to attend a non-traditional program (like a coding bootcamp or a trade school). If you have a sense for what you want to do, focus on the schools that will help you knock out the basic requirements and put you on a path to getting that job or getting you as many transferable credits into a 4-year school.

I couldn’t have finished college without financial aid. There’s no way I could have afforded it. When I got my financial aid package, I asked for more (and they said yes). Do you know if you’re eligible? Check out the FAFSA application and visit the financial services office of a school you may be interested in. I also worked while I was in school, and full-time every summer. Word of caution: If you take out a loan, make sure you understand the terms and payments that you will need to make! It’s easy to get sucked into the excitement of being in college and not thinking about the financial cliff that’s out there post-graduation.

As you decide on your next steps, be true to yourself and your situation. Sometimes what you’re “supposed” to do isn’t what will give you satisfaction in your life and career.
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Ruth’s Answer

There are lots of ways to make higher education affordable. Community college is certainly one option, but 4-year institutions aren't always as expensive as you think. There are a few things I would think about and look at the options involved to make the most informed decision.
- What are your long term goals or things you might want to do "when you grow up?" Do those require a college education? Do they require a 2 year or 4 year degree?
- If you start out at a community college, what does transferring to a 4-year institution look like? The community college should have information about the kinds of schools students transfer to, how easy it was for them, and the kinds of supports they offer to help you do it.
- Are there more affordable 4-year college options? Sometimes smaller schools have excellent financial aid that includes generous grants (you don't have to pay those back). When I went to college, my college was "need blind" which meant they offered me all the financial aid the FAFSA said I would need. It was less expensive for me to attend a very expensive sticker price college than my state university.
- Do you want to go into a profession that would allow for loan forgiveness? If you want to be a teacher or work in the non-profit sphere or be a physician in a rural area, there are programs that will either pay for your education with a work commitment afterward or a loan forgiveness program.
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Carol’s Answer

If you're working with a tight budget, your smartest move is to kick off your educational journey at a local community college. Here, you can cover essential general education courses while also working part-time to build a savings fund for a four-year college. Set your sights on transitioning to a 4-year institution after your sophomore year at community college. Be proactive and inquire about scholarship opportunities from multiple sources. These could include your community college, the mayor's office, the 4-year college you're aiming to join, your workplace, and any other individuals you meet beyond your family circle.
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Hallie’s Answer

As someone who went to both a community college and a large university, I'd say that community colleges are a great choice to start out with. I know there can be some FOMO when it comes to the university experience, however, community colleges offer the same degrees at a much more affordable rate. I went for my Associates Degree at a local community college and was able to get that without any debt. This was partially due to my state's programs, as well as having the flexibility to work due to the college having more class time options. I was not able to get any scholarships and this was the best option at the time in terms of finances. After graduating with a 2 year degree, I was able to go to a larger university and still get that experience even though it was a little late. At the end of the day it is about what you can afford, what you want to do, and how you feel! If you can get enough scholarships, then great. But if you need time to build up your GPA, save money, and figuring out what you actually want to do, then community college is great for that.
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Aloc’s Answer

I understand and hear where you're coming from, I think paying for a major university can put some amount of toll on your personal and educational goals, unless if you have a good financial support. Community Colleges offer a great bridge between where you are and where you'd like to eventually be. It depends on how you set yourself up, for example, researching on an Associate program which would be accepted by a University, some Community Colleges offer joint acceptance to a State University which might be a good fit for your Major, providing you with courses and credits which are bound to transfer, saving you invaluable amount of time.
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Michelle’s Answer

Hello there!
Community colleges are great! I'm aware of numerous people who began their educational journey at a community college for the initial two years. Afterward, they made a successful transition to a University for the remaining two years, ultimately earning a bachelor's degree. Don't forget to explore the opportunities for financial aid!
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Meagan’s Answer

Deciding your path after high school is a personal choice that depends on your interests and available resources. Everyone's journey is unique.

If you enjoy hands-on work and find traditional schooling difficult, consider exploring local trade schools. Careers in fields like electrical work, carpentry, and vehicle mechanics can be quite rewarding/lucrative.

If you're certain about your future career and can financially support a four-year college or university education, this could be your path. This choice also opens up opportunities for internships in your freshman and sophomore years, helping you focus your studies.

If you're unsure about your career path, starting with general education at a community college is a viable option. Once you've identified your area of interest, you can transfer to a university or college to specialize.

Alternatively, if you're completely unsure about your future, you can start with an entry-level job in an industry that interests you. This hands-on experience might help clarify your career goals. If you gain clarity after a few years, you can pursue part-time education at a college/university or upskill through certification programs like the ones offered by Chegg (https://www.thinkful.com/). Some companies even offer education benefits, so you may not have to bear the cost alone.

In conclusion, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. The best path is the one that suits your unique needs and aspirations.
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Layne’s Answer

It is great that you are planning ahead and thinking about the costs of higher education. I would encourage you to look at community colleges. Community colleges are a great starting point for many students, and many students transition from community colleges to larger colleges and universities after one to two years. This helps both with finances and preparing for the college and university environment. Also, while costs are daunting, whatever institution you consider, ask about financial aid, scholarships, and other opportunities. Also, many local organizations offer scholarships and aid as well. Look in your community and ask the colleges and universities you are considering.

Layne recommends the following next steps:

Research how many students plan for college with community colleges
Ask all the institutions you are considering about financial aid, scholarships and other opportunities
Research your local community organizations (Rotary, etc.) for aid and scholarship opportunities
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Soyoung’s Answer

If you're considering attending a university, it's worth exploring the various scholarship opportunities that could assist you in managing tuition costs. There are need-based scholarships, such as FAFSA, the federal student aid, and potentially state-specific ones too. Additionally, there are scholarships specifically designed for minority groups, if that's relevant to you. Merit-based scholarships are also available, rewarding accomplishments in academics, arts, sports, and more. Attending a university often paves the way for more opportunities and higher average earnings, which can assist in repaying any student loans you may acquire.

However, remember that there's a world of opportunities awaiting you after community college too! Starting with community college, working to build up your savings, and then returning to school if you feel it's necessary is always a viable option. You'll also have the chance to take license exams to further specialize in your chosen field. This journey is yours to shape, so embrace the possibilities and make the most of every opportunity.
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