Education Options after High School

By Tricia Dahlman
Career Information Specialist
iSeek Solutions

Life after High School

Did you know that more education pays off in higher wages? Average earnings grow from $416 to $595 per week with a high school diploma. Earnings increase to $962 per week with a college bachelor's degree.

Other benefits of helping your child prepare for life after high school include:

• With more education, your child is less likely to become unemployed.
• Training after high school gives your child better opportunities for career advancement over those with only a high school diploma.
• If your child has a solid plan before high school graduation, his or her chances for success in postsecondary education increase.
• College freshmen with no career goal or academic major when they enter college are more likely to drop out.

Start in Middle School

It's not too early to start planning. Talk about the classes your child will take in high school, and which middle school classes are needed to get ready. This high school plan will help make a smoother transition into postsecondary education or training.

Education and Training Options

There are many options for education and training after high school. The best fit for your child will depend on his or her career goals. Common options include:

• On-the-job training - Some careers your child will learn on the job. The employer provides this type of training, which can be short or long and is specific to the job.
• Apprenticeship training - This training combines paid work experience and classroom training to prepare for a specific occupation. Apprenticeship programs last between one amd five years. At the end of the program, your child is industry-qualified and has skills that employers want.
• Military training - The U.S. military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard) prepares people for jobs similar to civilian careers. Your child signs a contract for duty to join. He or she would receive basic pay, allowances and benefits. Your child may also be eligible for additional education and training assistance.
• Certificate programs - Certificates are six-month to one-year programs that prepare your child for a specific field.
• Associate degree programs - Technical, community and some private career colleges offer associate degrees. Your child would likely need at least two years of study beyond high school.
• Bachelor degree programs - Most professional occupations require a bachelor's degree. Your child would likely need four years beyond high school at an accredited college or university
• Beyond a bachelor's degree - Many occupations, like architect, lawyer and doctor, require education beyond a bachelor's degree. With a post-high school plan, you and your child will be prepared for how to reach these career goals.

Sources:  Bureau of Labor Statistics and ISEEK

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