high school seniors and graduating

Options After Graduation

The biggest question students face when leaving high school is what will be next. When students leave high school, they go in many different directions. Postsecondary options are varied and may include public or private universities, colleges, community colleges, career/technical schools, vocational/trade schools, apprenticeship programs, military enlistment, and joining the workforce.

Colleges & Universities

It is important to attend a school that matches your educational and career goals. There are a variety of postsecondary schools that offer different programs, and certificates and/or degrees. Below are descriptions of various types of post-secondary schools.

Colleges and universities are either public or private institutions.

  • Public Institutions
    Public institutions are funded by their state through tax dollars, and are generally less expensive than private institutions.
  • Private Institutions
    Private institutions are funded through tuition, endowments, and donations; they are not tax-supported. The tuition at private institutions tends to be more expensive than public schools. Although, private institutions’ tuition is higher, don’t rule them out. Private colleges can often offer enough financial aid to make their school affordable for students to attend.
  • Four-Year Colleges and Universities
    Colleges and universities are more selective in accepting students than the previous two types of schools. Colleges and universities may be public, private nonprofit, or private for–profit. There are also, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and religious affiliated institutions. A wide variety of courses and programs are offered at these institutions that leads to a Bachelor’s degree, typically within four-years. Many also offer graduate programs (following completion of a Bachelor’s degree) with opportunities to earn a Master’s degree, Doctorate, or Professional degree. Some institutions also offer a two-year Associates degree.

Community & Technical Colleges

  • Two-Year Community/Junior Colleges
    Community/Junior Colleges are open to anyone with a high school diploma or GED. Community/Junior colleges are public institutions that offer two-year liberal arts programs and/or specialized job training programs. Students will receive a certificate or an Associate’s degree upon completion of the academic program. Most programs are designed to prepare students for employment after graduating. Many community colleges also have extracurricular activities such as athletic programs, as well as theater, music, and art activities.
  • Vocational, Technical, Business, and Trade Schools
    Vocational, technical, business, and trade schools are typically open to students with or without a high school diploma and to all that apply. Some schools are privately owned and operated, and others are public schools. Some schools specialize in only one area, while others provide a wide variety of programs. The length of a program will vary between a few weeks, months, or couple of years.

    After completing the programs, students will receive a diploma, a certificate, a license, or an Associate’s degree. Some of the credits earned at these schools may transfer to four-year colleges or universities. The main appeals of these programs are their concentrated curriculum, job training focus, and short course length, which prepares students to enter the job market.

Military

The U.S. military has six branches of service: Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Space Force. The requirements to join are similar for all six. The main differences are in age limits, test scores, and fitness levels. Men and women meet different fitness standards. Besides the requirements listed here, a branch may have other requirements.
For more information and how to enlist contact a recruiter below:

Workforce

Attending college directly after high school isn’t for everyone. Some students are tired of school or never really enjoyed it in the first place. Others may want a break before they return to full-time education. And for some high school graduates, working instead of attending college is a monetary decision. Joining the workforce after high school can be a good idea when you have a plan.

If your post-secondary plans include entering the workforce after graduation, the Atlanta Metropolitan area has several agencies that can assist you with your career goals.