Feeling overwhelmed when evaluating all the options for higher education? You aren’t alone! With so many schools available, so many prospective students struggle with decision fatigue — a real psychological phenomenon that happens when you find yourself with too many choices.
First things first: take a deep breath. Now, let’s dive into the world of higher education and break down the options available to help find which one is right for YOU.
Community College
You may want to consider a community college if you’re still exploring your career options. Community colleges offer associate (2-year) degree programs as well as 4-year degrees. Many students opt to attend community college to save on tuition while taking core courses required for most degree programs. Attending a community college can be a stopgap before transferring to a career-specific trade school or university, but you can also utilize your local community college to complete your education.
4-Year College or University
Four-year colleges and universities may be the first option you think of when considering higher education. Universities tend to be larger than colleges, and the key difference is universities are involved in ongoing professor-led research with student involvement. They also offer Ph.D. programs, undergraduate, and graduate studies.
Students of these programs can live on or off-campus and attend in-state or out-of-state schools. In-state will offer lower tuition for residents; out-of-state tuition is usually much more expensive.
Most 4-year degree programs require in-class attendance, with some offering online or mixed-format classes. These schools can be either public or private.
Online University
Online universities offer distance learning, flexibility, and, in many cases, lower tuition fees due to reduced overhead. Without the need for on-campus accommodations, meal plans, or parking fees, studying remotely also helps students save money. Attending school from home might even let you attend an out-of-state, international, or specialty school without relocating. The ability to study at your own pace is also a boon for parents, those who work, and anyone else who has a busy life full of responsibilities.
Military Academy
A military academy might be a good fit for students who attend prep school or participate in ROTC. While highly selective and geared toward a military mindset, these programs are tuition-free and funded privately or by the government. They’re especially ideal for anyone considering a career in the army, navy, air force, or Marines.
Trade or Vocational School
Trade schools can be a great choice for a diploma or certificate that’s specific to a job. Vocational schools offer job-specific training and can often take a year or less to complete. This can be a great choice for a short degree program to launch you directly into the workforce. In some cases, you may even be able to work and get paid via internships during the latter portion of your course.
Institute of Technology
Technology institutes offer 2-year, 4-year, and post-graduate degrees for careers in technology. If your interests lie in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), an institute of technology could be the right choice for you. While colleges and universities also offer STEM programs, IT schools are specific to these fields.
When making a choice, it’s important to consider the career you want, the time you want to spend on education, your budget for both living expenses and tuition, and the kind of educational experience you want to have. It’s also important to evaluate the reputation of the educational program you’re considering, and it can even be helpful to talk to past and current students. Just remember: If you decide and find it’s not the best fit, you can always choose again.
It can be easy to feel stressed with so many choices, so take some time to think about the options available. Consider the life you want to live and know there’s an educational program that’s right for you.
