Higher Education Options for Kids and Parents

By: Liz Smith
Editor-in-Chief
Trouve Online Publishing

Whether you're about to graduate from high school, you're a recent grad, or you're a parent or working adult who graduated from high school years ago, you have a variety of options when it comes to furthering your education. Most people think that, upon graduation, they have two options: attend a four-year university or get a job. However, with today's need for specialization and the constant advancement of technology, you have educational options ranging from two-year vocational schools to online programs, which you can "attend" without even leaving your house. These options all apply to young high schoolers and working adults alike, but some possibilities, such as online schools, may better suit adults than teens, or vice versa. Basically, it's up to you to assess your learning style and determine what will work best for you.

Regardless of your age and whether you're looking to be a part-time or full-time student, you have a plethora of opportunities available to you that will allow you to receive an education that prepares you for a specific career. These are typically called vocational schools or trade schools, and will let you earn your degree or certification in less than four years, and, sometimes, in less than two. There are vocational schools in nearly every field including fashion design schools, art schools, medical schools, computer schools, culinary schools, and many more. Vocational schools, however, require that you already know what field you want to enter, which may be more appropriate for adults who have been working for a few years. However, if you are a high schooler who is sure about the industry you want to work in, vocational schools can help you start working there quickly.

If you're not sure what your desired career field is, then community colleges are another excellent option. They offer the course variety of a four-year university without the cost and time commitment it requires, which may appeal to both adults and teens. Here you'll be able to take a wide selection of courses while trying to decide what subject you want to focus on. You'll be able to attend school full or part-time, which gives you the opportunity to work, if necessary, while earning your degree. Working in a field you may be interested in while going to school, if possible, is a great way to not only earn money, but also to gain some insight into the industry and determine whether it's right for you.

If you know what field you want to work in, or are perhaps working there now but want a degree to help you get ahead, and you want to continue working full-time, an online degree could be a great option for you. Again, this caters to working adults and stay-at-home parents who don't have time to commute to campus or attend class regularly, but if you are a high schooler who plans on getting a full-time job upon graduation, or you just want to earn your degree quickly, this option may work for you as well. You must be self-motivated to attend online college because you set your own schedule and it is your responsibility to complete your work, which appeals to many working professionals. If you want to earn your degree quickly you can, or you can pace yourself and stretch it out across a longer time period. You create your hours, your "classroom," and your degree schedule.

Whatever your situation, you should research your options to determine which degree program works best for your lifestyle. A four-year university is also, clearly, an excellent choice, but just keep in mind that it's not the only one. There are a lot of different possibilities available and, chances are you'll find a degree program that caters to you. An education is always an asset, so consider your options, talk to your family, and figure out how you can develop your future.