What are my options after high school?

After years of hard work and dedication in school, it’s time to ask yourself, “What’s next?” While many may choose to go the “traditional” route of a four-year college, there are several other options for high school grads.

Each choice below offers its own unique benefits and opportunities for education and growth. So, explore wisely, seek guidance, and choose what will be best for you and your future!

10 options after high school

Whether you’re ready to head off to college, you don’t know what to do career-wise, or the idea of college overwhelms you, check out all of your options for what awaits you after high school.

1. Attend a four-year college or university

When many hear the term college, they tend to think of a four-year university—a popular option. In fact, 45% of the class of 2022 enrolled in traditional four-year institutions.

A four-year college or university is an undergraduate degree program that leads to a bachelor’s degree in a specific area of study. You declare a major to study over the course of four years to prepare for a job or graduate school after college. This could be a great option, especially if you plan to pursue a career that falls under one of these popular majors:

• Business
• Health Professional
• Social Sciences and History
• Engineering
• Biological Sciences
• Psychology
• Communication
• Computer Sciences
• Visual Arts
• Education

Besides earning a degree, four-year colleges are a great way to participate in opportunities like joining extracurriculars, making friends, and living independently away from home. It’s an experience that many students remember fondly forever.

2. Go to community college

Some students may decide to opt for a community college. These two-year schools earn students an associate’s degree, and tuition is typically less expensive than at four-year schools. They can be a great option if you don’t need a bachelor’s degree for the kind of work you hope to do.

After earning an associate’s degree, many students either start working immediately or transfer to a four-year college, where their transfer credits can speed up the time needed to finish a bachelor’s degree. If you are planning on entering a bachelor’s degree program, just be sure that your future college accepts credits from the two-year program, or you will have to restart.

As long as you have your high school diploma or GED, you are eligible to attend community college. Some common associate's degrees include:

• Nursing
• Business Administration and Management
• Computer Science
• Criminal Justice
• Accounting
• Dental Hygiene
• Information Technology
• Marketing
• Veterinary Technicians

3. Complete a trade or vocational program

A trade school is sometimes known as a vocational program. These schools help prepare you for specific career fields that don’t necessarily require an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Instead, you would focus only on coursework related to your chosen career to prepare you for a specific job, such as an electrician. If you are looking for a faster, more affordable education, you may consider going to a trade school. Some programs may only take one year to complete!

Some common occupations you could go to trade school for might be:

• Computer Technician
• Electrician
• Plumber
• Mechanic
• Cosmetologist
• Construction Worker
• Medical Assistant
• Culinary School – Chef, Cook, etc.

4. Get an online degree or certification

If you’re not interested in college, trade school, or apprenticeships but still want to further your education, you always have the option of earning an online degree or certification. This is a great option if you want to fit school around your life, such as working or taking care of a family.

Online degrees and certifications are designed to be completed when you have time, though some may have a deadline of a few months. There are two options you can look into:

• Self-Paced: This is where you don’t have a teacher or professor who is directing your pace—it’s all on you.
• Instructor-Guided: This option offers an instructor to provide structure, deadlines, and feedback. They hold you accountable, but they also tend to be more expensive.

5. Enlist in the military

If you’re not ready to attend college right after high school, enlisting in the military could be an option worth exploring.

The U.S. military offers a steady salary, health benefits, job training, and a high level of job security. Plus, if you decide to attend college later, there are significant financial benefits, such as the GI Bill, that help cover tuition and other education-related costs.

If you are interested in joining the military, there are six branches you can choose from:

• Air Force
• Army
• Coast Guard
• Marine Corps
• Navy
• Space Force

6. Join the ROTC

ROTC stands for Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. It is a military program through colleges that helps you pay for school, while also training you to serve in the U.S. Army, Navy (including the Marine Corps via the Marine Option), Air Force or Space Force. If you decide to join an ROTC program, you will be required to complete the academic program requirements, as well as commit to several years of active duty after graduating college.

7. Take a gap year

A gap year is when you take a year off from school before starting college. Maybe you are undecided on what you want to do long-term, you need an academic break, or you just want to get some work experience to save up for college. A gap year can be a great opportunity for growth, but it’s best to weigh the pros and cons so that you are confident you are choosing what’s right for you.

Popular options for gap years include:

• Signing up for a program that allows you to travel the world and explore other cultures and countries.
• Traveling to gain new perspectives, learn about different cultures, and develop independence.
• Working to save money for college or gain real-world experience.
• Spending time with friends and family before entering the next phase of life.

8. Join the peace corps

The Peace Corps is an independent US government agency that began in 1960 when John F. Kennedy challenged students to serve their country by living, learning, and working within a community overseas.

Today, volunteers serve in over 60 countries, with a commitment typically around two years.

As a volunteer, you’ll get to work on local projects, receive a stipend, be fully immersed in a new culture, build relationships, and leave a lasting impact on the community. This experience can be life-changing, helping you develop invaluable skills that can benefit your personal growth and future career.

9. Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is where you enter a career field under someone’s wing as they show you the ropes of the trade. During this time, you will be technically employed, but you will earn less than more experienced employees.

Some apprenticeship programs can take several years to complete and may require you to attend trade school first. Common fields that offer apprenticeships include plumbing, carpentry, masonry, electrical work, automotive repair, and welding.

10. Enter the workforce immediately

Of course, you are by no means required to take any of the paths above or go to a traditional four-year college. You can enter the workforce immediately after graduation, and the good news is there are many fields available. However, it is worth noting that individuals who further their education tend to make more than those who don’t. Success looks different for everyone.

You could choose to:

• Pursue an entry-level job and start earning money now.
• Start a business—anything from selling handmade goods to opening a landscaping business.
• Explore creative paths like YouTube, TikTok, photography, or graphic design.
• Work a part-time job while figuring out your next best step.

Factors to consider in post-high school plans

There are plenty of reasons someone might want to take an alternate route after high school graduation. Here are some common ones:

• Finances. College can be expensive, so it’s smart to look into financial aid like scholarships and grants, and compare the cost of education with potential earnings. Creating a budget and long-term financial plan can help you avoid unnecessary debt.
• Uncertainty around your major. If you’re unsure about your interests, taking time off can help you decide before committing to a program.
• Your career path doesn’t require a degree. There are plenty of career paths out there that you can enter straight out of high school, like learning a trade, starting your own business, or pursuing a creative endeavor.

What if I still don’t know what to do after high school?

If you’re uncertain about your next steps after high school, seek advice from counselors, family, or mentors. They can help you explore interests and options. It's normal not to have everything figured out yet. Take your time, weigh your choices carefully, and remember that your first decision isn't final; many people switch paths throughout their careers.

If you want to learn more about different career options and educational requirements, tools like College Raptor’s Career Finder can help guide you.