Options after High School
After high school, people often go their separate ways. Straight paths diverge into hundreds of possibilities. From going straight to college, straight to trade school, to instead going into the military—there are dozens of choices for the future. However, there has been a rise in high school students making the decision to go to trade school recently. The question is why? Why do some people choose trade school over college?
Vocational schools, also known as trade schools, are designed to teach students the skills required to prepare them for a specific career rather than a universal education. This can often include nursing, plumbing, dentistry, and other trades similar to those. The process of applying to a trade school is surprisingly pretty simple, at least compared to applying to college. Typically, trade schools look for a high school diploma and some may have specific additional requirements, but the process is not as selective as applying to a university. Of course, trade schools also cost money to attend, but not as much as college. In Indiana, most trade schools cost between $5,000 and $15,000 for the entire program, as opposed to tens of thousands of dollars for college which follow you in debt even after you graduate.
Trade schools can be much more affordable than college and often students who go through trade schools make more money than those who go to college. The reason that the pay for these trade jobs is higher than expected is that the number of people who have the skills required is so low. Take for example, an elevator mechanic; the salary for an elevator installer and repairer can exceed $80,000. There are so few people that have the skills, that the pay is so high.
Then, of course, there’s also college: arguably the most popular option. It’s the path that is paved for students through school. From kindergarten to 12 grade, we are told that college is the best choice for the future, which is why it’s the choice that students are usually the most comfortable with.
There are of course are hundreds of scholarships available to decrease the amount paid for college. We talked to Riley High School counselor Ms. Cruse for some insight into the options students have after high school. “There are many local scholarships that are shared amongst all Seniors via email. This bulletin includes all the requirements for each scholarship listed” Cruse told us. You can also look for school-specific scholarships on the university’s website.
We also asked Cruse why students choose options other than college. She elaborated for us: “Students may choose not to attend college for various reasons including the cost, job opportunities to earn money quicker, or not wanting to continue education. We are seeing a lot more job opportunities without a college degree that are paying livable wages. Some students like this idea rather than paying money to attend college and have four or possibly more years of education.”
Despite the hundreds of options you have, there is no wrong answer (unless the option gets you in trouble!). All that really matters is that you are able to live satisfied and without stress.