Postsecondary Options
You’ve selected an endorsement. You have a good idea what you want to do for a living, and you have suggestions of majors based on that career path. You’ve got a plan for college elective courses, campus activities, and internships that will propel you along that path.
Next step: where do you want to pursue postsecondary education?
There are four basic categories of postsecondary education:
Universities
Universities are usually larger schools with a greater selection of undergraduate and graduate programs. North Texas, for example, has 13 colleges within the university.
They also frequently have research and performance facilities, as well as extensive student activities, such as recreation, athletics, fraternities and sororities, and clubs.
Colleges
Colleges are smaller than universities and usually offer only undergraduate programs. Costs and class size are usually smaller.
Community and Junior Colleges
As opposed to universities and colleges, which offer four-year undergraduate degrees, community and junior colleges offer two-year associate’s degrees. They are usually easier to get into than college and universities, and are less expensive.
Many students get an associate’s degree here, then transfer to a four-year school to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
Trade, Technical, and Vocational Schools
Trade schools offer training in specific careers, such as accountants, auto mechanics, computer programmers, chefs, electricians, elevator technicians, HVAC technicians, medical assistants, nurses, plumbers, and web developers.
Many trade schools offer two-year programs to earn a certificate or license, although some offer associate’s and bachelor’s degrees.
Costs of Postsecondary Options
The cost of the various postsecondary options can be a deciding factor. Here are links to helpful websites:
- University, Community College, or Trade School: Which Makes the Most Economic Sense?
- Average Cost of College.
- Average Community College Tuition Cost.
- How Much Does Trade School Cost?
So How To Choose?
There are thousands of postsecondary options, but you can narrow your choices by answering some questions:
● What kind of postsecondary education does your intended career require?
● Which schools excel in the academic areas that support your career path?
● Do you have any geographic preferences?
● How much does tuition cost?
● Are you ready to be out on your own?
● Are you interested in collegiate activities?
● Do you like the campus? Can you visit the school?
● Are there activities and job opportunities to support your career path?
Educationcorner.com’s Factors to Consider When Choosing a College or University offers a good starting point to answer those questions and others, allowing you to make an informed decision on your postsecondary education.