There are many alternatives to enrolling directly in a 4-year degree program, below are some popular options I would be happy to help you explore! Additional options also include the military, starting a business, or going directly into the workforce.
Community College
- Typical length: One or two years
- Credentials: Associate degree or certificate
Offer two main paths for students: transfer preparation and career training. The transfer route is for students seeking to eventually earn a bachelor’s degree or higher at another college or university; classes in this track are academic in nature. The career training route is for students who want to enter the workforce immediately after graduation; these classes typically teach specific skills that you can apply on the job.
Apprenticeships
- Typical length: One to six years
- Credentials: Nationally recognized industry certification
Full-time paid career-training programs where students learn on the job in addition to some classroom instruction. Fields offering apprenticeships include construction trades, manufacturing, health care, finance, telecommunications, and transportation.
Trade School
- Typical length: One to two years, or less
- Credentials: Certificate
Prepare students to enter a particular career directly after completing training. Trade schools are available in fields including welding, auto mechanics and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC).
Gap Year
- Typical length: Three months to two years
- Credentials: Personal growth
Gap years are semester or year(s) long breaks before college during which students engage in various educational and developmental activities, such as traveling, volunteering, or focusing on personal growth. AmeriCorps and Peace Corps are popular programs that would fit into this category.
Coding Bootcamps
- Typical length: Short-term, usually less than four months.
- Credentials: Certificate.
In-person or online short-term, intensive training programs in web and mobile development, design, or security.