In recent years, the rising cost of college tuition and the burden of student debt has led many to question the value of a college degree.
For some, alternatives to traditional four-year colleges may offer a more practical and affordable path to success. One alternative to college is trade schools, also known as vocational schools. Others include taking a gap year or enrolling at a local community college for an associate's degree.
Various surveys reported that 14% of Americans planned to cancel education plans because of the coronavirus pandemic and indicated an increased interest in attending college online, a community college, or enrolling in a trade school.
Financially, attending a university is out of reach for the majority. With college tuition costs rising yearly, more and more students are looking for alternatives to traditional four-year colleges.
There are many reasons to consider these options, including the chance to save money, the opportunity to learn hands-on skills, and the ability to start working immediately after graduation.
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York found that 39% of recent college graduates, and 32.7% of all college graduates, work in jobs that don't require a college degree. So for some, college isn't as important when they can find jobs right away without it.
There are many different methods to enter the workforce and acquire the skills necessary to advance your career.
Apprenticeships are one of the most effective ways to learn a skilled trade and technical skills.
By working alongside a more experienced colleague, an apprentice can gain first-hand knowledge of the day-to-day workings of their chosen field.
In addition, apprenticeships offer the opportunity to earn a salary while learning rather than accruing tuition debt.
The US Department of Labor's Office of Apprenticeship reports that people who do apprenticeships stay employed at a rate of about 93% and earn an average annual salary of $77,000 after completing their apprenticeship.
A community college is a two-year postsecondary educational institution where students can acquire certificates, industry training, and associate's degrees.
There are two types of associate's degrees, Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Sciences (AS).
Community colleges typically have smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention from professors. As a result, community college is often the best option for students who are unsure about their major or want to save money on their education.
After completing their two years at a community college, students can transfer to a four-year school to obtain their Bachelor's degree (BA or BS).
The online college provides a flexible and convenient way to earn a degree.
With online courses or classes, you can attend school from anywhere in the world and at any time of day. You also can take courses at your own pace, which can be helpful if you are working full-time or have other commitments.
Whether you are looking to earn a degree for career advancement or personal enrichment, online college is a great option.
After the pandemic, community colleges started offering more online certificate programs. In addition, many tech-oriented programs at community colleges are online.
Online classes aren't quite the same as in-person schooling. Here, we'll review a few tips to help you do well in an online school:
Stay on top of your deadlines with the help of planners and voice assistants on your phone that can remind you when something is due.
Your working hours may be demanding. However, finding a balance is essential, be sure to allocate your study time.
Decide when you need to finish or start work on a given day. Establish deliverables for yourself and check them off by the end of the day. Build your schedule around your goals.
Narrow down what needs to be done first so you can get those out of the way on time.
Don't overwhelm yourself with a huge pile of work, or you'll never get anything done. Instead, break it up from one task to the next.
After you've done some work, don't be afraid to enjoy a nice meal or buy something nice for yourself. Small treats will help fuel you to maintain a healthy mindset.
Stay proactive when it comes to your education. For example, write notes during lectures, ask questions when you have them and speak up during class discussions.
Don't forget to network. School is the best place to form new connections. Students learn from each other, and if you need more help, reach out to your professor.
Educational institutions host webinars and events. In addition, they have libraries that you can access to acquire more knowledge.
Libraries offer free resources for all students and exist to assist every student's research and learning journey.
For many people, starting their own business is both appealing and daunting.
On one hand, entrepreneurship offers the opportunity to be your own boss, set your own hours, and pursue your passions. On the other hand, it takes a lot of hard work, personal investment, dedication, and risk-taking to be successful.
As a result, entrepreneurs may often feel alone and must regularly adapt to meet every new challenge.
In recent years, there has been an influx of trade schools offering two-year programs that promise high-paying jobs upon graduation.
These schools typically focus on teaching students the practical skills needed to succeed in a particular field, such as carpentry, plumbing, or welding.
This vocational education focuses on practical, hands-on learning in labs, classrooms, and studios rather than theoretical knowledge. As a result, students who complete a vocational school often have an advantage when finding a job in their chosen field.
However, there are key differences between trade schools and community colleges.
Both community colleges and trade schools have small class sizes, and trade schools have the smaller of the two.
Trade schools are a versatile option for many people, especially those who know the trade they’d like to study. Trade schools are specialized for students to focus on technical fields of their choice in construction, HVAC, automotive, wind energy technology, and more.
Overwhelmed by options? Check the reputation and graduation rate of the schools you're interested in and continue your research to find the right program for you.
In today's job market, a college degree is no longer a guarantee of employment. Many companies are now looking for candidates with real-world experience. As a result, more students are choosing to pursue alternatives to college.
These alternatives can take many forms, but they all have one thing in common: they offer students the opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge employers are looking for.
There are many benefits to considering alternatives to college. Students who choose these options can often get a headstart on their career options, learn new skills, and save money on tuition.
With so much to offer, it's no wonder that more and more students are exploring these options.
Many students enrolling in online certificate programs, community colleges, and universities must work at least one part-time or full-time job to pay for expenses and still find time to study.
While this can be very stressful and anxiety-invoking, it is doable when you keep our advice on managing school and a job in mind.
Set your priorities for work and school straight. Make a plan to have enough time to finish everything and meet deadlines.
Keep your educational and professional goals in the front of your mind, and don't lose sight of them. Eliminate distractions but reward yourself and indulge in breaks whenever appropriate.
Eating well and getting enough sleep are crucial for optimal performance at work and school. You work hard, and your body needs to keep up.
Over-exerting yourself may feel productive in the short term, but there is always a better answer to help you succeed in the long run. Work smarter, not harder.
While you're tempted to take personal time off (PTO) to go out and have a great time, think about the schoolwork you could be catching up on.
Check out a few questions about continuing your education here.
Alternative education allows students to develop skills that will help them succeed after graduation.
For example, students who enroll in a technical program like cosmetology or computer programming can use those skills to land a good-paying job.
Other popular choices include nursing, law enforcement, and firefighting. Some students even go back to school to study subjects that interest them, such as art history or music composition.
Whatever your interests, alternative education allows you to pursue them without having to worry about student loans.
You can get various general courses and acquire a degree and skill sets that increase your value in the eyes of employers. There's also a built-in community of like-minded peers and experienced professors.
Yes, if you find one that suits your chosen career. For example, Pinnacle Career Institute offers a variety of training programs and online class flexibility.
PCI’s programs feature boot camps to practice your skills at the end of the online course work.
Deciding whether to go to a four-year degree college or take an alternative career path is a huge decision that will affect the rest of your life.
There are many factors to consider, such as your interests, goals, and financial situation.
If you're unsure what you want to do with your life, college may be a good option, as it will give you time to explore different subjects and figure out what you're passionate about.
Trade school is great for those who've decided on their career path and are ready to work immediately. Learn more about our programs at PCI today.