Is a bachelor’s degree the only ‘good’ option after high school?

If you know exactly what you want to do after high school and that career requires a four-year degree, then pursuing a bachelor’s degree is definitely the path you must take.But if you’re still uncertain about what job interests you, the commitment to four years of college and the expense of college tuition and related fees are serious issues to consider.

The alternative could be community college, which can ease you into college life at a reduced cost and still give you the opportunity to continue on at a college or university to earn a bachelor’s degree. That degree will serve you by giving you more opportunities to advance to a supervisory or managerial position, and most graduates consider it a good investment in their future.

To earn a bachelor’s degree a student usually takes general education courses in addition to courses in his or her specific area of interest for a total of about 40 courses or about 120 credits. The cost of this four-year degree varies widely depending on the college you attend, but many scholarships and grants, financial aid, and student loans are available. A public university may be less expensive, but private schools’ higher tuition can be reduced by financial aid assistance these schools may offer.

Additional costs of room and board, books, activities fees, lab fees, food plans, and other expenses must also be considered when choosing between a local college you can commute to from your home or a large university far from home where earning a bachelor’s degree is much more expensive. Savings can also be achieved by attending a smaller branch campus of a large university or pursuing a degree online.

Whatever you decide — four-year degree or community college — investigate and research to make sure it’s the right decision for YOU. Choose a course of study that will allow you to achieve specialty in the areas that interest you, and make sure they have high employment rates.

Education is indeed an investment in your future; which should bring you returns.

— stemjobs.com