1. Trade/Technical School
If you have a particular industry you are interested in – culinary, cosmetology, automotive or medical assisting – you can attend a trade or technical school in one of those areas. You will get hands-on training using the equipment you will encounter when you are finished with the program. Most programs are 18 months.

Cost – varies by program, school and campus.
Earn – Certificate or Associates Degree.

2. Community College
You can earn an associate degree that will propel you into a career or prepare you to transfer for a bachelor’s degree. Most community colleges are more affordable and flexible. If you have no idea, the career path you want to pursue, start at a community college and get your general education requirements out of the way and then transfer to a four –year school to finish.

Cost – average cost is about $2,402 / year
Earn – Certificate or Associates Degree

3. Public College or University
Usually low tuition prices for in-state students because tax-payers help support these types of colleges. There are different types of campuses-small rural schools to big university centers. Affordable, Diverse, and Locations are big selling points.

Cost –Average cost is $6,585/year
Earn – Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, or Doctorate Degrees

4. Private College or Universities
Private colleges are more selective and smaller than Public Universities. The price tag at Private schools is also higher. Small class size, professor attention and financial aid are huge selling points for these schools.

Cost – Average cost is about $25,143/ year
Earn – Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, Doctorate Degree

5. Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (ROTC)
If you take ROTC classes in college, you learn military values, history and leadership. Once you graduate from the ROTC program, you will be commissioned as an officer in the armed forces. Many student earn scholarships – receiving full tuition and academic fees or room and board paid for.

Earn – Commission as an officer and a guaranteed career after college.

6. Gap Year
A Gap year is when you take a year off after high school and before college to explore a passion, volunteer, travel or work. You can join a structured program or find your own work and travel opportunities.

Cost – Structured programs are usually semester – long programs typically run about $8,000 to $14, 000.

Please feel free to contact me at any time if you have questions or concerns.