Navigating Your Future: Exploring Post-Undergraduate Education Options

For many high school graduates, the path after graduation seems straightforward: a four-year college degree. However, rising college costs, the potential for student loan debt, and the fact that a bachelor's degree may not be necessary for every desired career have led many to explore alternatives. Recent data indicates a shift in attitudes towards higher education, with more students considering different pathways. A YouScience survey of students who graduated high school between 2020 and 2023 revealed that 55% of respondents from the class of 2023 chose alternatives to a four-year college degree. Also, initial college data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center indicates a 5% decrease from fall 2023 to fall 2024 in freshman enrollment.

Completing your bachelor’s studies may often feel like the end of hibernation. You think you have been awake the whole time, but it is only after graduation that you are obliged to face a world of choices. So what do we always do when we feel troubled by many choices? Well, we tend to look after what other people have chosen, and we research available opportunities out there. In a world full of stiff competition for jobs and degrees, having a good understanding of the options available to you will certainly assist you in making better and well-informed choices. The way we make our decisions determines the success we have in life. Therefore, before deciding on any of the degrees listed above, make sure to have a clear mind and reflect on your goals for the future. Studies have shown that the prospects of having a brighter future are higher if you possess advanced qualifications.

Alternatives to a Four-Year Degree

If you're looking for alternatives to a bachelor's degree, here are some pathways to consider:

Faster Specialized Training: Earning an Associate Degree

More than a quarter of 2023 high school graduates in the YouScience survey chose to pursue a two-year degree, making it the most popular alternative among respondents. pursuing associate degrees rose 4.7% from 2023 to 2024, according to National Student Clearinghouse data. Experts see community college as a low-cost option that can help students explore careers. They're typically less expensive than four-year schools and allow students to earn credentials faster. While a bachelor's degree typically requires four years of study, students can earn an associate degree in two. Earning an associate degree can have a significant economic impact. If you’re unsure about starting a bachelor’s degree program, earning an associate degree is a great way to kickstart your education and enter the workforce before enrolling in a more advanced degree.

An associate’s degree is typically a 2-year program focused on foundational knowledge and skills, ideal for quick entry into the workforce. An associate degree program contains more general education courses, so when you transition into a bachelor’s program, what will be left to complete are the courses directly linked to your major.

Read also: Launching Your Career

"What we found is that for older learners and workers, it becomes increasingly important that the program is shorter term, that it's streamlined, relevant, that it's applied," says Andrew Hanson, senior director of research at the education research and public policy nonprofit Strada Education Foundation. "They want a program that's going to take them to that next step, they've got a specific goal in mind in most cases, and they just want the skills." Online options are available for those who can't attend on campus.

Earning an associate degree tends to pay off. Workers with only a high school diploma earn a median of $1.6 million over their lifetime while those with an associate degree have median lifetime earnings of $2 million, according to a 2021 report from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. Bureau of Labor Statistics, an associate degree can lead to a job that earns more than $62,000 annually.

There are two main types of associate degrees: Associate of Science (AS) and Associate of Arts (AA). An AS degree can prepare you for jobs available across many industries, including marketing, information technology and accounting. AS degrees are generally narrowly focused and prepare students for science and math-related careers. AA degrees are broader and focus on fields outside of math and science such as liberal arts, business administration, criminal justice, and culinary arts. Some students who earn an associate degree transfer to a four-year program to earn a bachelor’s degree. Others complete associate degrees and then go straight into the workforce. You can explore colleges that offer associate degrees with College Search.

Attending Vocational or Trade School

Seven percent of 2023 graduates surveyed by YouScience said they pursued career and technical education, commonly known as vocational programs and trade schools. These programs typically cost less than two- or four-year degree programs and train students for careers such as auto mechanics, electrical line work and welding. Some programs are offered through community colleges and others are run by for-profit schools. Graduates typically receive a certificate rather than a degree.

YouScience CEO and founder Edson Barton says for many students, vocational or trade school makes sense, but they need to know available options. In the survey, 30% of 2023 high school grads reported being unaware of career and technical education programs. “We have students who have the talents and aptitudes to do the careers we need them to do in the future,” he says, and their needs "aren’t always wrapped around four-year colleges.”

As some experts claim, skilled trades are making a big comeback, with some even giving Generation Z the alternate title of the Tool Belt Generation. CNBC adds that 25% of all skilled-trade new hires were 18- to 25-year-olds in 2024. Trade school programs offer students the chance to specialize in a job. They range in length from one to two years and teach students everything they need to know about performing a specific job. Instruction is a mix between classroom learning and real-world work experience. Examples of trade school jobs include dental hygienist, health care technician, electrician, and legal assistant.

Completing a Certificate Program

Whether to launch a business or enter a specific profession, certificate-based programs may be viable options, and some can be completed in months or even weeks. For example, the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania offers an online entrepreneurship specialization that includes five four-week courses that require students to devote one to three hours a week to studies. The program costs $79 per month and teaches skills and concepts to help students go from creating an idea to pitching it to investors. Many certificate programs are available online.

Although some forms of financial aid, such as Pell Grants, are unavailable for programs shorter than 15 weeks, Jones says students may find private or institution-based scholarships or financial aid for certificate programs in high-demand fields such as health care, information technology, construction, transportation and manufacturing. Other schools may have other certificate programs that qualify for scholarships.

Earning a professional certification is a powerful way to enhance your skills and boost your career. Top certificate programs can offer specialized knowledge in a variety of fields, and many can be pursued while working or continuing your studies. For example, if you’re interested in IT, you could pursue a Certificate in Network Security Management, which provides the vocational skills needed for entry-level positions in IT security and network security.

Attending a Coding Boot Camp

Attending a coding boot camp is another short-term option for students looking to develop that skill set. “If you want to be a computer programmer or a front-end developer, you don’t need to go to Stanford," Barton says, referencing a California university that is a leader in the field. Program quality may vary, so do your research. Depending on what is taught, coding boot camps can range from six to 28 weeks, with the average running 14 weeks, per Course Report. The average boot camp costs around $14,000 and typically is ineligible for federal financial aid, which may be a barrier for some students.

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Working and Starting a Business

The second most-popular noncollege route for students, according to the YouScience survey, was working toward a career. For some, that means starting a business. Some students develop a creative and entrepreneurial mind at a young age, and by the time they graduate high school have started a business or feel ready to launch one. There are no degree requirements to be an entrepreneur. However, without a traditional business education, students pursuing this path should seek advice from successful entrepreneurs and become aware of the details and risks associated with starting a business.

If you have just obtained your bachelor’s degree and already have a clear idea of what you want to do, it might be a sign to consider becoming self-employed. There are a few different paths you can take on your way to self-employment, depending on your career choice. Becoming self-employed primarily depends on your entrepreneurial skills, among other factors. Starting your own business can be an exciting way to take control of your future. If you have a great idea, product, or service, launching a business allows you to build something from the ground up. With the right planning, research, and commitment, entrepreneurship can lead to both personal fulfillment and financial success.

Freelancing is another great way to become self-employed after your bachelor’s degree. As a freelancer, you have the flexibility to work with multiple clients, set your own hours, and choose projects that match your skills and interests. Whether you’re in writing, design, web development, or marketing, freelancing allows you to turn your expertise into a source of income.

Enlisting in the Military

Joining the military allows students to serve their country and can be a valuable way to gain skills and experience. It can also provide educational benefits that make earning an undergraduate or graduate degree more affordable. Joining the ROTC will enable students to attend college without paying any college costs. There are a variety of careers within the military for those who graduate through the ROTC, like health care, aviation, finance, engineering, chemistry, law enforcement, and transportation. Students can also enlist right after high school and have access to education benefits while on active duty or as a veteran. Get more information about enlisting at Military.com.

Students who are interested in enlisting should speak with a local military recruiter and ask plenty of questions, Jones says. "I think that sometimes students and families are reluctant to speak with recruiters because they feel that they will be pressured into enlisting or relentlessly targeted for recruitment, but the recruiter is truly the best source for information," she says. "The recruiters I work with are always willing to speak with families. Come to the meeting prepared.

Apprenticeships

Department of Labor, apprenticeships are offered through an employer or the program sponsor, such as a labor union. Apprentices work in their chosen field, which offers the opportunity to learn on the job, possibly receive classroom instruction and study under a mentor during employment. An apprenticeship is somewhat similar to a trade school degree; however, the education involved can take three to five years. Though the learning commitment is longer, apprentices start getting paid on day one and learn exclusively on the job.

Personal Discovery: Volunteering and Taking a Gap Year

Experts encourage students to think about the educational and work experiences needed to reach career goals. If they're unsure of their next steps after high school, another option is volunteering. Some students may be required to volunteer in high school to accumulate a certain amount of service-learning hours in order to graduate, but experts say students should welcome nonrequired opportunities to volunteer. Doing so is a way to make a positive impact in the community and help organizations accomplish their missions, while bolstering their resumes for eventual jobs or college applications.

Volunteering is a great option to consider when deciding what to do after obtaining your bachelor’s degree for many reasons. Secondly, with volunteer work, you can get an insight into the day-to-day operations of your profession and the skills you need to be successful in your chosen career. In the set of hard and soft skills you develop in volunteer work, you will also find some versatile ones applicable to various professions and industries.

Another way students can discover a passion or future college major is by taking a gap year, an educational break where students typically intend to start college after some time traveling or working. Structured service programs like the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps can help students develop new skills, lead to career future opportunities and provide a living stipend and education benefits. Some students find a passion that they end up pursuing in college or professionally.

“These opportunities create a richness of learning to where, when you do land on a college campus, you are much more motivated and have a sense of purpose," says Erin Lewellen, CEO of the nonprofit Global Citizen Year, which organizes gap-year experiences and service learning opportunities for students. "You might not know exactly what you want to learn, but you’re on a journey that’s fueled with more information, which I think helps you maximize college and your next opportunity.” Even if college is not your next step, a gap year can help prepare you for an alternative. COVID brought back the Gap Year as some students and their families suffered from economic and health setbacks. During the gap year, students may opt to participate in special gap-year programs, take on an internship, do a more in-depth college search, or work part-time. The gap year is for exploration, and there are no rules about what a student can or can't do. They just need to do something.

Continuing Education: Degrees Beyond the Bachelor's

Completing your bachelor’s studies may often feel like the end of hibernation. You think you have been awake the whole time, but it is only after graduation that you are obliged to face a world of choices. So what do we always do when we feel troubled by many choices? Well, we tend to look after what other people have chosen, and we research available opportunities out there. What comes after a bachelor’s degree is a variety of paths to consider, including pursuing further education, gaining work experience, starting your own business, or taking a gap year. Why stop at just one qualification when you can elevate your career with a prestigious master’s degree? After completing your bachelor’s, a master’s can significantly enhance your skills, credibility, and career prospects. By pursuing a master’s, you can also specialize in a specific area, allowing you to build deep expertise and create a clear, focused career path.

Master's Degrees: Specialization and Advancement

After a bachelor’s degree, you might start thinking about a master’s degree, especially if you’re aiming for specialized roles or leadership positions. A master’s program lets you dive deeper into your area of interest and can significantly boost your earning potential. A master's demonstrates expertise in a subject area, Talbot said. Graduate degrees usually take around 2 additional years to attain, but this can vary based on the degree. Many institutions allow students to enroll in a graduate program in a field unrelated to their bachelor’s degree. This may require some extra credit hours, though.

There are different types of master’s degrees, just as was the case with B.A. degrees. The M.A. (Master of Arts) or the M.F.A. The M.S. The M. Res. M.Phil. The M.B.A. Master’s degrees, like Master of Science (MS) or Master of Arts (MA), are available across a wide variety of subjects. Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs are among the most well-known master’s degree programs, with opportunities to study finance, accounting, international business, criminal justice, information technology management and more.

While it’s true that jumping into a master’s right after your bachelor’s may leave you with less time to gain work experience, or you might need to balance part-time work alongside your studies. You should also be aware that tuition fees can be a significant financial commitment, and it’s important to consider how you’ll manage those costs.

Doctorate Degrees: The Pinnacle of Education

A doctoral degree allows you to pursue advanced career pathways. The skills you learn during your doctorate program will allow you to better apply the principles of that field to the problems you face in everyday situations. Because students learn to think this way, you will find that many who achieve doctorate level degrees shape the minds of those around them through teaching, consulting, or other means.

The doctorate and professional degrees signify mastery of a subject and often come with the title “doctor.” Although the 2 are similar, there are some important differences. Completion can take anywhere from four to eight years, depending on the field of study. Many doctoral students work either full time or part time while they study in the program. This, along with the field they are studying, will significantly affect the time it takes to complete their degree. Doctoral degrees can take up to 7-years of intense study to complete. And, according to Talbot, after completing doctoral degree coursework, you could potentially need to sit for comprehensive subject matter exams.

A doctoral degree, is the highest level of education one can attain. It typically requires several years of rigorous study, research, and the completion of a dissertation or licensing examination.

Ph.D.: Research and Theory

A Ph.D. program is a doctorate degree that has slightly different requirements than other professional doctorates. A Ph.D. is focused on your own research and advancing theories in the field. At the end of your Ph.D. you must present your findings, typically in front of a committee, via a dissertation. A dissertation is an academic paper that summarizes all your research and findings in response to your original theory or question. When is a Ph.D. A Ph.D. degree is the most advanced and research-focused form of a doctoral degree.

Professional Degrees: Career-Specific Training

Professional degrees are specialized degrees designed to prepare students for specific careers such as doctor, lawyer, or veterinarian. Most professional degrees can take three to five years to complete. These degrees often have specific requirements and may require professional licensure or certification. A professional degree is an application-oriented degree, meaning it prepares students for a specific working position. Examples are Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), and Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) in the field of medicine, and Juris Doctor (JD) and Doctor of Judicial Science (SJD) in the field of law.

Other Doctoral Options

Depending on your industry and career goals, there are several types of doctoral degrees to consider. Doctor of Business Administration (DBA): A doctoral degree tailored to business professionals looking to explore, examine and address business issues. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): An academic doctorate available to a range of fields.

Additional Post-Baccalaureate Options

After completing your bachelor’s degree, joining a bootcamp is a fast and immersive way to gain practical skills in high-demand areas like coding, data science, digital marketing, and UX/UI design. Whether you’re looking to break into tech, enhance your business acumen, or switch careers, bootcamps provide focused training that can prepare you for the workforce quickly.

After completing your bachelor’s degree, taking online courses is a flexible and accessible way to continue learning and gain additional skills. Taking online courses can help you specialize in a specific area, earn certifications, or explore new fields of interest. The best part is that you can learn at your own pace, often from the comfort of your home, allowing you to balance work or other commitments while enhancing your knowledge.

After a bachelor’s degree, getting a part-time job is a great way to gain practical experience, earn income, and build valuable skills while figuring out your next steps. A part-time job can also help you develop important soft skills like time management, communication, and teamwork-skills that will serve you well in any future career.

Navigating Your Path: Key Considerations

It’s not for everyone, and that’s okay. Pursuing a degree is a big life decision. Not everyone needs or wants to continue immediately after earning an associate’s degree, and that’s completely okay. Still not sure which direction to go? That’s perfectly normal. Think about your financial situation, time availability, and whether continuing school fits into your current lifestyle. It can also help to talk with career counselors, academic advisors, or even professionals currently working in the roles you’re aiming for.

If you are thinking about pursuing a degree, the first step is determining which degree option is best suited to your needs," Talbot said. Each career also has its own unique job requirements, and there are often benefits to remaining in the workforce, building your resume and working toward a college degree simultaneously.

*Cited job growth projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Though the path after high school graduation looks different for everyone, one component remains the same: scholarships. A common misconception about scholarships is that they are just for students pursuing a four-year degree. However, that could not be further from the truth. There are scholarships for students in trade school, the military, community college, and four-year universities. Students can even find gap year scholarships! Students - and their parents - can create a Fastweb profile to see which scholarships they qualify for. By indicating which school or degree option they intend to pursue after high school, they will be matched to corresponding scholarships. We recommend that students apply to 1-2 scholarships per week to maximize their chances of winning. Ready to get started on the scholarship search? Create a Fastweb profile now.

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