Alternatives to Taking the Traditional College Path

Not everyone wants to head to college immediately after finishing high school. For some graduates, affordability is an issue, or school just isn’t their thing — and the thought of sitting in lectures for another four years is less than appealing. And some may not have decided what career path they want to explore.

Let’s face it: The rising cost of tuition, fees, room, and board has become a deterrent. More question the value of a college degree, especially considering the expense. As college becomes more costly each year, many worry about their ability to find funding via scholarships or grants to pay for their degree (and avoid graduating with student loan debt that in 2024 reached nearly $1.8 trillion).

High school students and recent grads may see alternatives like vocational training or apprenticeships as a faster path to a good-paying job. Also, the increasing availability of skilled trades, apprenticeships, and direct-entry jobs into fields like technology or healthcare has made college less of a necessity. These paths offer immediate employment and higher earning potential than traditional college degrees.  

For many students, college remains the path after high school graduation. Those pursuing careers in healthcare and other STEM jobs, the arts, or many other industries will still need a college degree. But for students with different interests or career goals, alternatives to a traditional four-year college degree have increased exponentially. 

Taking a non-traditional route to higher ed

Not all careers require a bachelor’s degree. Some require certification. Others provide on-the-job training through apprenticeships. The cool thing about these options? While you don’t have to attend college now, nothing prevents you from earning a degree in the future. Check out our list of other options, and remember, as you consider your options, talk to your counselors, parents, and teachers — their insight may help you to choose a direction. 

Trade schools and vocational education

Vocational-technical (vo-tech) or trade schools have become increasingly popular in the U.S., with enrollment at vocational-focused community colleges increasing 16% from 2022 to 2023, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. These schools, which often partner with local businesses in various industries, offer hands-on training for real-world applications. 

Vo-tech schools provide specialized education and training focused on specific trades and industries. Unlike traditional four-year colleges, where students get a broader education, trade schools concentrate on equipping students with practical skills and knowledge directly applicable to their chosen profession. Programs typically lead to certificates, diplomas, or associate degrees. The most common industries include:

• Construction and skilled trades: Carpenters, electricians, firefighters, HVAC techs, police officers, plumbers, welders
• Automotive and transportation: Aircraft mechanics, automotive technicians, diesel mechanics
• Healthcare: Dental hygienists, licensed practical nurses, massage therapists, medical assistants, occupational therapy assistants, pharmacy technicians, phlebotomists, physical therapists, vet techs
• Information technology: CNC programmers, computer programmers, cybersecurity specialists, IT professionals, network administrators
• Culinary arts: Apiarists, artisan cheesemakers, bakers, brewmasters, chefs, gourmet food buyers, recipe developers
• Cosmetology: Barbers, cosmetologists, hair salon managers, licensed beauty sales consultants, makeup artists, skincare specialists
• Manufacturing: Fiberglass fabricators, industrial mechanics, machinists, millwrights, production supervisors, tool and die makers 

Apprenticeships

Many of the jobs listed above offer apprenticeships as part of the training. Apprentices work under and receive on-the-job training from experienced, licensed professionals. Among these trades? Maintenance and repair positions requiring workers to perform dangerous tasks. Carpenters, electricians, linemen, painters, plumbers, and stone masons are just some of the professions that regularly include an apprenticeship as part of their training. 

Community college

Community college can be a fantastic option — and you can even start while in high school. If you opt for dual enrollment, you can earn college credits before you graduate, shortening the time to earn a college degree later (and keeping expenses lower, too). 

These colleges cost significantly less than traditional four-year colleges, making higher education more accessible for a broader range of students. They also cater to non-traditional students, with online, evening, and even weekend classes to allow students to balance their education with work, family, or other commitments. 

Not sure about your career path yet? Community college provides a low-pressure environment to explore many options without incurring a lot of debt. They also have many career-focused programs that lead to certificates or associate degrees in high-demand fields. Since you finish within two years, you enter the workforce more quickly — and with valuable skills. 

Many community colleges also have transfer agreements with four-year universities and colleges, making it easy to transfer credits and pursue your bachelor’s degree later. It’s a strategic way to save money on tuition during your first two years of college.

Online courses and self-paced education

We live in an era of unprecedented educational access. The internet has democratized learning, offering vast resources to anyone with an internet connection and the drive to learn. Self-directed online education has emerged as a viable alternative to the traditional four-year college path, with options like:

• Online courses through Harvard (edX) and MIT (OpenCourseWare)
• Coursera
• Udemy
• Skillshare
• Masterclass

The biggest benefit of this approach? Flexibility and accessibility. Self-paced learning lets you tailor your education to your preferences, schedule, and needs. It’s also useful if you’re exploring different interests or developing skills while still in high school. Many of these classes or programs are free — or very low cost. 

Entrepreneurship

Does the 9-to-5 grind hold little appeal? We get it! If you have a great idea to make money, maybe it’s time to start your own business or company. Walt Disney took night classes while still in high school and opened his first animation studio at age 18. Steve Jobs started college but dropped out within six months to focus on building the first Apple computer. Coco Chanel became a seamstress at age 18 before becoming a fashion icon.

So… if you’ve identified a need and have an innovative idea for a service or product to fill that gap, or you’re deeply passionate about a specific field or industry and believe you can gain more relevant experience and knowledge by diving in rather than going to college first, give it a try. But a caveat: while entrepreneurship can be rewarding, starting a business involves significant risk, and there’s no guarantee of success. Income is often unpredictable, especially in the early stages. It will require dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to work long hours. Check out this resource for organizations dedicated to working with young entrepreneurs.

The military

Serving your country offers a different path filled with opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and global experiences. It’s a chance to be part of something bigger than yourself while gaining knowledge and benefits that will set you up for future success. 

You might work on cutting-edge technology like drones or advanced aircraft while learning about aviation mechanics. Or perhaps your aptitude lies in engineering, where you get to design and build infrastructure like bridges and communication systems. 

The military offers training in various fields, from cybersecurity and medicine to logistics and leadership. If you’re interested in technology, you might become a network technician in the Air Force. Or if computers are your thing, you might become a cyber warfare specialist in the Army, defending the grid against digital threats. Considering a healthcare career? You could train as a medic and provide essential care in the field — or join the Navy’s Nurse Corps. 

Military benefits extend beyond your active service. The Post-9/11 GI Bill can cover tuition and living expenses for college or vocational school when you’re ready. This benefit enables you to pursue further education without the burden of significant debt. Military service also provides access to affordable healthcare and can open doors to VA loans for buying a house.

Enlisting is a serious decision, and it’s not for everyone. It requires commitment, sacrifice, and a willingness to serve. Talk to recruiters from different military branches to learn about various career paths and to find the best match for your interests and goals. Consider your strengths, passions, and what you hope to achieve in the future.

Gap year

If none of the options above appeal, maybe a gap year is a better fit. It’s not just about backpacking through the Andes (though that’s always an option!) but about intentional exploration and growth. Gap years bridge high school and your future, inviting you to step outside your comfort zone, explore, and gain clarity about your goals.

This structured period — a few weeks, months, or an entire year — includes time to travel, volunteer, work, participate in educational programs, and more. Ultimately, a gap year gives you time for self-discovery. Two of the most well-known organizations include AmeriCorps, where you work on community projects throughout the U.S., from environmental conservation to education, and the Peace Corps, where you travel abroad to work on development projects in agriculture, conservation, education, or healthcare.

The value of a gap year extends beyond “finding yourself.” You gain a fresh perspective and boost your maturity, and it can make your resume stand out when applying for jobs or internships. It also provides a wealth of knowledge and experiences to draw on if you opt to apply for college later and need ideas for your application essay. Check out TeenLife’s Guide to Gap Year Programs for more information. 

Final thoughts

Not all students aspire to a four-year college degree (at least not immediately after high school), but they understand that well-paying jobs are attainable via other routes. Community colleges, technical and trade schools, and apprenticeships offer a cost-effective alternative to post-secondary education. And if you’re just “done” with school and studying, consider another option like a gap year or joining the military. You’ll still learn and grow but on your own terms. Enjoy your adventure!