5 Alternatives to College For Young Adults
Did you know that college isn’t the only path after high school? I certainly wish I’d been told this. I had only turn 18 a week before I went to college, so I could have used a year (at least) to grow up before jumping into college coursework. Miraculously, I managed. For the students I work with, more and more are miserable and wish they’d known what else was out there. College is optional 5+ years of schooling, two years of which will be in general education classes (i.e. English, Math, Science, etc.). If high school was hard or your child was burned out, what better a path than to give them a break. College isn’t going anywhere. They can always enroll later. What they do need, however, is a plan. Without a plan you’re setting them up for getting stuck at home. Below are some options to consider as alternatives to college (whether they live at home or not).
Apprenticeship or Trade School. Most of these trainings can be completed within 3, 6, or 12 months. If you want a degree in it, most of the Associate Degree paths are two years. No matter, within a year your child will be making $60,000+ (depending on which path they take). This is a great option for someone who really needs solo time to work, and is good with their hands. Some of these paths include: HVAC, Welding, Electrical, Cosmetology, Construction, and Plumbing - just to name a few.
Accelerated Programs or Tech Bootcamps. Most of these options are intense, but they’re done within 3-9 months. They are focused on tech-related skills such as Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, Data Analytics, etc. Some young adults are afraid this is something that AI is taking over, and yet it’s still a path you can pursue right out of high school. Entry level in Cybersecurity is $60,000-85,000.
Working full-time. Living at home and working a full-time job (no matter the industry) is an option. Taking a break after the grind of high school sometimes helps to reignite an eventual spark for “continued learning” down the line. Don’t get me wrong, this option could still include taking a college class locally, but the focus is full-time work. This means that 40+ hours per week your child is working out of the home. They need to be paying you rent (ideally weekly, not just monthly) where you can set that aside to help them save. Most parents are generous in providing “cheap” rent, but then find themselves in a pickle when their loved one either stops paying and/or loses their job and can’t pay. Additionally, you can have them start to take over other bills too (i.e. cell phone). This just provides the safety of them still “living at home” yet their are leaning heavily into the independent adulting skills.
“Working” a Service-Oriented position. Technically you could lump this under the “gap year” category, but truthfully it can be it’s own path. Another example of this could be Student Conservation Association, AmeriCorps, or Peace Corps. I knew a lot of classmates who went and did this. It allowed them to travel (around the US or abroad), commit to what they agreed to do (i.e. 2-year in Peace Corps, or 12-month with AmeriCorps), and have This is not a money-maker, but it’s a heck of an experience! It’s a way to hone life skills, expand your professional network, and it will significantly boost your resume. Better than doing nothing, eh? Additionally, sometimes these types of positions come with a carrot dangling at the end. For someone who completes an AmeriCorps commitment, you earn an educational grant upwards of $7,000.
Gap Year Experience. I’ve saving this for last for a reason. It doesn’t have to be for a year per say, but it is an option. It’s a time for intentionality in growth and learning. Of all the options listed above, all of them could technically fall under the “gap” umbrella. It can include college coursework, or not. It can include service, or not. It can include cultural immersion, or not. It can be outdoorsy, or not. It can be one experience, or a year (or more) of pieced-together experiences that are working towards goals set by the young adult. It’s intentional, and it’s an opportunity for endless growth. That’s the best part about taking a time for a gap.
Technically this isn’t all-encompassing. I want to be clear that there are hundreds of other things a young person can do that exists out there. This was my way of trying to boil it down simply into 5 digestible categories to explore. At the end of the day, college isn’t going anywhere. You don’t have to force a square peg in a round hole with going to college when the reason to go to college isn’t clear. It’s an expensive decision to make when there is burnout, and a lack of clarity. If they aren’t going to college, just make sure they have a plan. Beyond that, I just want you to know there are alternatives and there are people available to help your child figure it out.
For questions or comments contact Joanna.
