Helping Student Explore Education & Training Options
According to the You Science Post-Graduation Readiness Report, of the 500 high school graduates surveyed:
75% did not feel ready to make college and career decisions.
57% reported having five or fewer conversations with staff about opportunities after graduation during their high school experience.
80% said they would have felt more engaged during school if they had better understood their aptitudes and potential career opportunities.
Together, these statistics reveal the importance of helping students explore their postsecondary options.
Students often stick to familiar paths when planning for life after high school, frequently following in the footsteps of friends and family. This can be a great starting point, but it may also limit their chance to explore their own unique interests and talents. As an educator, my goal is to expand their horizons by introducing them to a diverse array of educational, training, and career possibilities.
High school student career readiness statistics
Key Education and Training Paths for Life Planning
College or University Path: A More Traditional Route
Perhaps the most traditional route after high school is the college or university path. Recently, however, an online survey of 1,675 people aged 18 to 30 found that 54% were unsure about or did not plan to attend college. Respondents cited concerns about the cost, the stress of college life, uncertainty about career goals, and a desire to prioritize earning money through work.
For students who choose to pursue college, careful planning is essential. They can save on costs by attending a more affordable public, in-state school or take on higher expenses by choosing a private or out-of-state institution. Depending on their goals, students may aim for Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral, or Professional degrees, which can take anywhere from 2 to 7+ years to complete. Many colleges now also offer expanded certificate programs, allowing students to focus on career-specific skills more quickly and affordably. To make the best decision, students should ask themselves:
Does my desired career require a degree?
Am I willing to commit 2-7+ years to formal education?
Am I interested in a well-rounded course of study?
Can I afford the tuition? Am I willing to seek financial aid? Am I willing to take on student loan debt? If so, how much?
Is it important to me to have the “college” experience? Dorms? Athletics? Campus organizations and events?
Weighing the pros and cons of college
Trade and Vocational Schools: Focused Career Education
Trade and vocational schools provide career-specific education outside of the traditional college or university setting. These programs focus on hands-on training and often lead to a certificate, credential, or licensure. Unlike college degrees, they skip general education courses, making them shorter—typically lasting a few months to a few years.
This shorter duration usually means lower costs, though many students still rely on financial aid or loans to pay for tuition. When considering vocational schools, students should ask themselves:
Does my desired career require a certificate or license?
Am I willing to spend 6 months to 2 years in full-time, unpaid schooling?
Am I interested in a very specific, focused course of study?
Can I afford the tuition? Am I willing to seek financial aid? Am I willing to take on student loan debt? If so, how much?
Do I enjoy hands-on activities? Do I learn best by doing?
Advantages and disadvantages of trade schools
Apprenticeships: Combining Work and Training
Apprenticeships are a highly applied form of training for skilled trades and occupations. They combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, leading to an industry-recognized credential. According to the Department of Labor, there are over 950 occupations that are recognized as “apprenticeable.”
During an apprenticeship, participants work under a skilled mentor and follow a structured training program. They also earn a progressive wage that increases as their skills improve.
Apprenticeships can be based on hours worked, demonstration of skills, or both. Federal guidelines for Registered Apprenticeship Programs recommend at least 144 hours of classroom instruction per year.
Students considering an apprenticeship should ask:
Does my desired career fall under one of the 950+ occupations eligible for apprenticeship?
Am I willing to spend 1-5 years in a highly structured paid training program?
Do I think I’ll be happy in this career? Will I be limited by a very specific skill set?
Is it important to me to earn money while I learn?
Do I enjoy hands-on activities? Do I learn best by doing?
Over 950 registered apprenticeships available in the U.S.
Internships: Exploring Career Paths
Internships offer students the chance to gain real-world experience and explore career options before committing to a specific education or training path. They are typically shorter than apprenticeships and may not lead to an industry-recognized credential. While some internships are unpaid, they can still provide valuable insights into a field and help students build their skills and network.
For students looking to gain experience, internships can be a good stepping stone. However, with so many opportunities for paid work experience available in today’s job market, students should weigh their options carefully.
Military Service: Education and Training Opportunities
The military offers various options for education and training across its branches: (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, or Space Force). These opportunities include education before, during, and after service, along with specialized training in Military Occupational Specialties (MOS).
Education and training before, during, or after military service
Education Before Service
Students can pursue college education before military service through Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program. ROTC participants receive basic military training and take military science courses while in college. ROTC scholarships often cover tuition, fees, and room and board in exchange for commissioning as an officer after graduation. Depending on the branch and Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), graduates may also qualify for loan repayment programs or even Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
Education During Service
Active-duty service members are eligible for tuition assistance, with most branches covering up to 100% of tuition costs for courses costing $250 or less per credit hour. This support applies to vocational programs, undergraduate and graduate coursework, and distance learning. Another option is attending one of the five United States Military Academies, where students earn undergraduate degrees while receiving physical and leadership training to become officers.
Education After Service
The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides education benefits for service members who served 90 or more days after September 10, 2001. Benefits include:
Up to 100% tuition and fee coverage
Monthly housing allowance
Up to $1,000 annually for books and supplies
These benefits can be used for college degrees, vocational training, apprenticeships, licensing exams, flight training, work-study, and more.
All of these options are in addition to the education and training service members receive in their MOS (the specific job or skill set within the military). Just a few examples of MOS ratings that translate nicely to civilian careers are corpsmen, analysts, interpreters, air traffic control operators, military police, and more. Veterans also have access to scholarships upon separation from service.
Students considering the military for education and training should ask:
Am I willing to commit 2-8 years per enlistment period?
Do I want tuition support before, during, or after my military service?
Am I willing to give up control over where I live? How do I dress? What do I do? When I do it?
Do I want to serve my country?
Is it important to me to earn money while I learn?
Postponing Education: Taking Time Off After High School
Finally, there is the possibility of temporarily postponing education and training after high school. This is tricky. On one hand, rushing into a postsecondary decision risks wasting time and money on education or training that doesn’t align with a student’s future goals and interests. On the other hand, taking time off can make it hard to regain momentum, as many young adults are drawn to the allure of their first post-high school job and newfound independence (often overlooking the long-term livability of their wages!). If a student is contemplating a hiatus before pursuing further education, they might consider:
Employment: Get a job and earn money while gaining experience.
Gap year: Take a year off to prepare for college (saving, recharging, etc.)
Travel: Study abroad or explore the state, country, or world!
Volunteer: Give back to the community while exploring interests.
Entrepreneurship: Start a small business or work as a freelancer.
Learn: Take adult education classes and brush up on skills for admissions or entrance exams.
Guiding Students Toward Postsecondary Success
As students think about what comes after high school, it’s important to remember that there’s no single “right” path. Whether they choose college, trade school, apprenticeships, the military, or another option, there are plenty of ways to move forward—and each comes with its own set of opportunities and challenges. The goal is to help students explore what interests them and what aligns with their strengths and future goals. If you're not sure where to start, this lesson on postsecondary education and training options is a great resource. It’s packed with helpful info and ready-to-go materials, like presentation slides, activities, and answer keys, to make the process easier for you and your students. Check out the preview to see how it can support your work in guiding students through their next steps.
As you help your students navigate these important decisions, your guidance can make all the difference in setting them up for success!
Classroom resource for exploring postsecondary options
