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When the majority of the work force is college educated, it makes it nearly impossible to get a decent paying job without a degree. Traditional college is not for everyone – for a wide variety of reasons. Some people are single parents or caring for an aging parent, and some people just don’t do well in a traditional classroom environment. Today, there are a wide range of options for people that need non-traditional options. Here are five things you can do when traditional college is not for you.
1. Online Degrees
Perhaps one of the best options for people who aren’t interested in the traditional college experience is to pursue a degree online. This allows them to do coursework from anywhere and they can fit their classes in around their schedule rather than the other way around.
2. Technical Schools
Some people are good with their hands and would prefer going to a technical or trade school, rather than a traditional college or university. With an increased demand for people in technical fields, schools like the Interactive College of Technology are rising in popularity. Many students prefer colleges and degrees of this type because most, if not all, of the course work focuses specifically on their area of interest rather than forcing students to take a wide range of classes like most major colleges and universities.
3. Foreign colleges and universities
Many students that chafe under the restrictions and teaching methodologies in the US thrive in a different learning environment. Just as most everything else changes from culture to culture, so do opinions on how to best educate young people. When considering college options, don’t just limit yourself to the US.
4. Community College
Community college is a great way to get started earning a Bachelor’s degree, or even just get certified in a certain field. Community colleges tend to be closer to where you live, which means you don’t have to live on or commute to a huge campus. They also tend to be much more economical, with a wider range of financial aid available.
5. Military
In many cases, having military experience can take you just as far, if not farther than having a degree. In many cases, what employers are looking for is not specific training in their field, but rather a good track record of being able to stick with something and follow through.
Sometimes, it’s just a matter of timing. Many young people graduate from high school without any real idea of what they want to do, which makes spending upwards of $50,000 on a college degree somewhat useless. Not to mention they may keep changing majors so many times it just adds extra years and extra zeroes to the price tag. Regardless of the reasons that traditional college may not be right for you, there are a wide range of other options.
This article was contributed by guest author Lizzie Weakley.