Going to college has long been the expected path for high-achieving students, but in an age of exploding costs and dubious returns on investment, many are questioning whether it’s the right choice to make. If you’re considering skipping college, here are some things to keep in mind:
- You can still get a good job without a degree. In fact, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, 41% of recent college graduates are working in jobs that don’t require one. Since these graduates often have a broad education but no specific vocational skills, many make less money than their peers who are plumbers, electricians, and welders.
- Many companies want candidates with vocational training and apprenticeships, not just degrees. With an apprenticeship, you get paid to learn, rather than the other way around.
- A degree doesn’t guarantee you’ll succeed. And a lack of one doesn’t mean you’ll fail. Many people assume that getting an education will make them successful in life. Those people often have harsh wake-up calls when their degrees don’t open magical doors for them.
Here are a few alternatives you should consider if you don’t want to go to college.
Take a Gap Year
If you grew up in an educated family, college was likely presented to you not as an option but as just another step on the path from preschool to adulthood. It was something you were expected to do. But what if you’re not sure if it’s what you want to do? What if you could take a year after high school and figure out what you want to do with your life?
Gap years have become popular in recent years, and for good reason. They allow you time to relax, explore new opportunities, and figure out your future. If you’re graduating high school and have no idea what you want to do next, a gap year might be the perfect solution. It can give you time to find your passion and decide on a career path.
Not sure where to start? Here are a few tips on preparing for a gap year:
- Research as many programs as you can. Think about which ones are the best fit for you. There are many options: volunteer work, internships, teaching English overseas, traveling, and the list goes on.
- Start saving now. You can find gap year programs that allow you to live inexpensively, or even ones that pay you during the year, but you’ll likely have a few upfront costs such as airfare and program fees. And, of course, living expenses.
- Talk to your parents about your idea. If they have a college-only mindset, they’ll probably have some concerns. They might even flip out at first. But if you can address their worries and explain why you think a gap year is right for you, you might win them over.
Do a Volunteer Abroad Program
Volunteering abroad lets you give back to the global community, meet new people, immerse yourself in new cultures, and develop new skills. Programs vary in length and focus, but all offer volunteers the opportunity to make a difference in the world.
As you look at different volunteer abroad programs, consider your interests and goals. Do you want to work with children? Are you interested in environmental conservation? Or do you prefer to help with construction or medical projects?
Once you’ve decided on your focus, research programs that match your needs. There are many reputable organizations that offer volunteer abroad programs, such as A Broader View Volunteers, GoAbroad Foundation, and Projects Abroad.
Before you pull the trigger on a program, do your due diligence and make sure it’s the right fit for you:
- Read reviews from past volunteers. Listen to what they have to say. Put yourself in their shoes as you read about their experiences. Does it sound like something you would enjoy? Would it enrich your life and help you elucidate your path forward?
- Research, research, research. Spend plenty of time on the website of the organization that you want to work with. Don’t be afraid to call or email with questions. Make sure the program is focused on helping people in need. Also verify it has a good reputation and is governed by an organization with a strong code of ethics.
- Make sure you’re capable of performing the work. Some volunteer opportunities require you to take part in strenuous activities such as long hikes or construction work. If you have any medical conditions, make sure to inform the organization about them before signing up for a program.
Enroll in a Coding Bootcamp
Do you love computers? Interested in a career in coding? If so, you might want to consider enrolling in a coding bootcamp. Bootcamps can provide you with the skills to start a career in coding. They also offer job placement assistance when you graduate from the program. Bootcamps are available online and in person, and they typically last for several months. The cost can be anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 or more, but many offer scholarships and financial aid.
If you’d rather get paid to learn to code, consider looking into a company like Revature or LaunchCode. They will pay you an hourly rate — usually $15 to $20 — to attend their bootcamp, after which you’ll be placed with one of their clients to work a two-year contract as a software developer. The pay varies but is usually in the $45,000 to $60,000 range. After two years, the client will often hire you on directly at a much higher salary. Even if they don’t, you have two years of coding experience to take out into the job market. The catch is that if you quit or take another job before your two-year contract is up, there’s a financial penalty.
Whether you choose a traditional coding bootcamp or an apprenticeship program, this route offers a few advantages over a four-year computer science degree:
- It’s much faster. You’ll finish in only 12 to 16 weeks on average. That’s not a long time to learn complex coding concepts, but the intensive learning approach is what makes the bootcamp so effective.
- You’ll get a job. The top bootcamps have relationships with companies that want to hire graduates from every cohort.
- You’ll learn skills that will benefit you for life. A good coding bootcamp teaches foundational skills that will never become stale, even as technology advances at breakneck speed.
Join the Military
One option that might not be on your radar is joining the military instead of going to college. But for the right person, it can be the best path to take.
When you join the military, you essentially get paid to go to school. The military will provide you with world-class, high-tech training that you can apply to a number of careers and industries once you leave the service.
Here’s another perk: you’ll have immediate access to healthcare and dental care. You’ll also receive retirement benefits and job security. The military will provide you with transportation and housing and help you advance in your career. When you leave the military, you’ll be sought-after for high-paying jobs.
Finally, the military offers generous benefits. This includes a pension and often a sign-on bonus, too.
Learn a Trade and Get an Apprenticeship
In today’s economy, a college degree is not always enough to get a good paying job. Just think about the stat earlier where nearly half of new college grads don’t even use their degrees. That’s why more and more people with bachelor’s degrees are going back to school to learn trades.
Trade careers are surprisingly high-paying. And you can start one right out of high school by getting an apprenticeship. This will allow you to learn a trade and make money at the same time. What’s better than getting paid to learn?
There are many different trades you can learn with an apprenticeship. Secure, high-paying trades include welding, plumbing, and electrical work. All of these have apprenticeship programs that let you earn while you learn.
Go to Community College Part-Time While Working
If you’re not dead-set against college but merely lukewarm about it, starting at a community college and working your way through school might be the perfect compromise.
Most community colleges offer classes during the day and evening, allowing you to fit them into any work schedule. They also have a variety of programs and majors, so you can find one that matches your interests and test the waters before dropping big money on a four-year degree. Community colleges are a much cheaper option. In some states, such as Tennessee, they’re free for the first two years.
Online education is another good alternative to traditional college. Taking online classes has many benefits, including convenience, flexibility, and affordability. When you’re an online student, you can take your classes from anywhere in the world. You can combine online school with your plans to take a gap year to travel. Or, if you want to enter the workforce out of high school, online classes let you complete your schoolwork when it’s convenient for you.
The Bottom Line on What You Should Do if You Don’t Want to Go to College
There are many options for those who don’t want to go to college. The most important thing is to find what interests you and go for it. Don’t be afraid to explore and ask around for advice. When it comes to your plans, you might have some haters, especially if you were raised in a high-achieving household or community. But there are many people who are more than willing to help. Don’t forget to have fun with whatever you choose to do!
