Deciding what to do after high school can be overwhelming. You are choosing the next step for your adult life, which is a big decision to consider. Remember that things can change and that you can change your mind at any time about your plans for your life. This guide ensures you know all your options after graduating high school. The options listed below are in no specific order/ranking. Whatever you decide to do after high school, make sure it is your choice and be the best.

Issued August 2022 / Updated September 2023

This can be an affordable option to save on tuition and living expenses. This option is ideal for students who want to continue their education and are undecided about their career path. Generally, general education studies are completed in the first couple of years at 4-year universities and colleges. Many credits that a student receives at a community college can be transferred to a 4-year university/college.

For more information about community colleges, click here.

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Community College

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Join the Military

There are six branches to choose from and opportunities to be supported with educational expenses and health benefits. Joining the military right after high school may require a fitness test and completing the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test.

For more information about the military, click here.

Take a Gap Year / Study Abroad / Volunteer / Complete an Internship.

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This option is ideal for students who have little to no financial responsibilities. Taking a year off from work and school could help an individual explore what they are passionate about by traveling to a different country through a cultural exchange program. A gap year can also be used to volunteer locally or seek an internship.

For more information about taking a gap year, click here
For more information about internships, click here

4-Year University / College

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This option is ideal for students who feel confident about their desired career path, where the chosen career requires a degree.

For more information about the 4-year universities/colleges, click here.

Join a Service Organization

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Service organizations such as Americorps or Peacecorps can be an option for individuals looking to identify their passion better. Some service organizations provide an education award and a modest stipend for living expenses.

For more information about Americorps, click here
For more information about Peace corps, click here

Attend a Vocational/Technical/Trade School

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This option is for individuals who are good with their hands or want to pursue specific careers, such as a plumber, welder, car mechanic, cosmetologist, electrician, carpenter, IT technician, pharmacy technician, hairstylist, or culinary artist. Many careers in this path can lead to high-paying jobs and less debt from student loans over time compared to individuals attending a 4-Year University.

For more information about these options, click here.

Start Working / Get a Job

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Many jobs still do not require a college degree and provide on-the-job training in some regions. If an individual is excellent and in the right area for work, they can make great money over time and or after a certain number of years, including Truck Drivers, DJs, Actors, Bartenders, Train Operators, Store Managers, etc.

Build Your Brand / Start a Business / Freelance

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This option is ideal for individuals who plan to create content, whether with music, art, photography, handmade, or writing and put it online to start building up their brand. With a social media following can come customers interested in purchasing an individual’s products/services, leading to others wanting to collaborate. Building a brand or business can sometimes take years to receive a direct benefit and higher income.

For more information about building a brand, click here
For more information about starting a business, click here
For more information about freelancing, click here

Join Job Corps

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This option is ideal for individuals between the ages of 16-24 who want academic, vocational, and skills training but may have financial hardships impeding their opportunity to attend a traditional university/college. This option is also ideal for individuals not qualified to start working right after high school.

For more information about Job Corps, click here.

Complete an Apprenticeship

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This option is ideal for individuals who want to gain specific experience in a role, company, or industry. This option can lead to internships.

For more information about apprenticeships, click here.

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