While college is the obvious next step for many high school graduates, it isn’t the only one. Today, about 55% of high school grads choose not to attend college or are uncertain if they will ever attend. Whether college seems out of reach financially or you’d prefer to start adulthood in a different way, consider some alternatives to help jump start your career.
If you’re ready to dive headfirst into the workforce, vocational training, apprenticeships and online degrees can set you on the fast track. If you’d rather take time to explore your interests first, consider a gap year or volunteer work. It’s important to note that college isn’t the only route to a successful career.
Community colleges typically offer 1-2 year programs that earn you a certificate or associate’s degree. Because programs are shorter and students often commute from home, community colleges are generally much more affordable than their four-year counterparts. According to Education Data Initiative, in-district commuter students in North Carolina can expect to pay just over $4,100 annually. Some more lucrative professions may require a two-year degree rather than a four-year program, including dental hygienists, paralegals, vet techs and air traffic controllers.
Community college can also be an affordable way to fulfill general education requirements. Many four-year programs and community colleges require some of the same introductory classes. If you’re looking for a more affordable way to earn those credits before taking classes within your intended major, consider spending a year or two at a community college and transferring to another college or university. Just be sure to do your homework and ensure those credits will count.
Community colleges in North Carolina include Alamance Community College, Wilson Community College, Central Carolina Community College and Cape Fear Community College, among others.
Online programs, or distance learning, are gaining popularity for undergraduate and graduate students alike. These programs, which tend to be more affordable and flexible than typical four-year colleges and even some community college programs, can be beneficial to working students and those raising families. They’re best for self-motivated individuals who like to learn at their own pace and can use that flexibility to their advantage.
Online programs offer a range of certificates and degrees, from associate’s to master’s degrees. Some schools only offer online classes, while others offer a mix of both online and in-person, a trend that may become more common as social distancing practices continue. As with community colleges, you may be able to transfer credits from an online program to a traditional four-year institution, but be aware of accreditation requirements. College accreditation is often regional and designed to ensure programs meet certain educational standards. Accredited institutions typically will not accept college credits from unaccredited programs. Be sure to choose your online program carefully if you expect to transfer to a four-year college or university down the road.
Vocational training, technical colleges and trade schools are career-oriented programs that teach practical skills you’ll need in the workplace. In a vocational program, you’ll only take classes that pertain to your field of choice. These are ideal for students who have a clear career path in mind, particularly those who aren’t interested in desk jobs and would prefer to work with their hands, such as welders, HVAC technicians and auto mechanics. These types of professions can come with a lot of job security—there’s a growing demand for trade workers, as these industries tend to skew older and will have vacancies when current workers retire.
In 2022, a two-year vocational program cost an average of $33,000, but many students can complete their training in less time. In North Carolina, trade schools include Forsyth Tech, McDowell Tech and Pitt Community College. Many vocational schools are private and for profit, making tuition more costly, so be sure to shop around and look for programs that offer federal financial aid packages.
Start earning money immediately with paid career-training programs, known as apprenticeships. Apprenticeships can range from 1-6 years long. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there are currently about 600,000 apprentices in the country.
These programs combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, and some begin accepting students as young as 16 years old. An apprenticeship could be a good solution for you if you’re interested in becoming an electrician, carpenter, construction worker or truck driver, for example. A number of other fields may also offer apprenticeships, including hospitality, healthcare, manufacturing, transportation and telecommunications.
Starting wages for apprentices in North Carolina are about $19 an hour on average. Note that apprenticeships can be highly competitive and have waitlists, so start your planning process early. Online resources like Apprenticeship.gov can help you find opportunities near you.
If you’re interested in computer coding, website development or app development, consider a “coding bootcamp.” These short, intensive programs typically run less than four months, and graduates earn a certificate. Coding schools can be online or in person.
According to Course Report, there are over 600 coding bootcamps worldwide, including more than 100 in the U.S. and Canada. While tuition may vary, the average bootcamp costs about $14,000. Many bootcamps help their students prepare resumes, build portfolios and find job opportunities, with 83% of alumni working in relevant fields, according to Course Report. Graduates earn starting salaries of around $69,000 annually.
Because these programs are private and have no government oversight, they’re not accredited for federal student aid. If you’re interested in attending, research programs thoroughly to ensure they’re reputable and will meet your needs.
If higher education isn’t the answer for you, or if you’re not ready to dive into an undergraduate program, there are other ways to get ahead in the workforce.
Everyone’s path is different, and it’s wise to weigh your options. If higher education isn’t the answer and you’re ready to dive into the workforce, we can help you manage your personal banking with savings accounts, checking accounts and other financial products and services. Contact us today or visit one of our North Carolina branches to learn more.
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