Education & Training Option
Find the Path That Fits Your Goals
There is no single path to success after high school. Education and training can take many forms, from apprenticeships and short-term career training to two-year and four-year degrees.
Start with your career goals. Once you understand the education, training, or credentials your career requires, you can explore the programs and institutions that can help you get there.
Explore Your Options
- Apprenticeships & Career Training
- Certificates & Diplomas
- Two-Year Degrees
- Four-Year Degrees
- Graduate & Professional Degrees
- Military Education & Training
Apprenticeships & Career Training
Earn while you learn through structured programs that combine paid, on-the-job experience with classroom or technical instruction. Apprenticeships are available in a growing number of industries, including construction, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, technology, and transportation.
Explore Apprenticeships & Career Training →
Certificates & Diplomas
Short-term certificate and diploma programs provide focused training and skills for specific careers. Programs may take anywhere from a few months to a year or longer depending on the occupation and credential.
Explore Certificates & Diplomas →
Two-Year Degrees
Community colleges and other institutions offer associate degree programs that can prepare students to enter the workforce or continue their education toward a bachelor's degree.
Four-Year Degrees
Colleges and universities offer bachelor's degree programs across a wide range of academic and professional fields. Four-year programs combine general education with concentrated study in a major or area of interest.
Graduate & Professional Education
Some careers require education beyond a bachelor's degree. Master's, doctoral, and professional programs provide advanced education and specialized preparation for careers in healthcare, law, education, research, business, and other fields.
Military Education & Training
Military service can provide specialized career training, education benefits, professional experience, and pathways to higher education.
Compare Your Options
Different Paths. Different Experiences.
When comparing education and training options, consider more than how long a program takes.
| Consider | Ask Yourself |
|---|---|
| Career Goal | What education or credential does my intended career require? |
| Time | How long will it take to complete the program? |
| Cost | What will the entire program cost? |
| Learning Style | Do I prefer classroom learning, hands-on training, or a combination? |
| Credential | What degree, certificate, license, or industry credential will I earn? |
| Career Preparation | Does the program provide internships, clinical experiences, apprenticeships, or other hands-on learning? |
| Employment | What opportunities are available after completing the program? |
| Future Options | Can the education or credits apply toward additional education later? |
Start With Your Career
Don't choose an education pathway simply because it's familiar. Explore careers that fit your interests and goals first, then identify the education or training needed to get there.
Find the Place That's Right for You
Once you know what type of education or training you're looking for, start researching the schools and programs that offer it.
Consider three types of fit:
Academic & Career Fit
Does the school offer the program, major, credential, and career preparation you need?
Financial Fit
What will you actually pay after scholarships and financial aid, and is that amount affordable based on your future goals?
Personal Fit
Consider location, size, campus environment, student support, activities, housing, and other factors that matter to you.
