A house? Money? A great career? It all starts with an education.
By Tracy Lightfoot
High school is a pretty tumultuous time - your classes are harder, the workload is greater, you're learning to drive and may be getting your first job. Add to that your extracurriculars, clubs and any sports, and it probably seems like there's time to do little else.
But there is one thing you should be making time for: getting ready for college. What you do after high school has a greater impact on your future than anything else.
Why? As you've probably heard more than once, more education means more money. How much more depends on the degree you earn, of course, but the averages look pretty good. A typical bachelor's degree holder can expect to earn about 73 percent more in their working life than the typical high school graduate; get your master's and you'll make nearly twice as much as the typical high school graduate.
Not good enough? Need to see the dollar signs? In 2003, the average income for an employee with a bachelor's degree was $49,900; high school graduates averaged $30,800. The gap between college and high school graduates has increased substantially, too, and that's unlikely to stop.
You're also more likely to have a job - especially if you're African-American. The unemployment rate for African-American college graduates is roughly half that of African-American high school graduates.
But of course, while more money is good, it isn't everything. College graduates also contribute more to society - you're more likely to volunteer, vote and donate blood. The statistics show that you're less likely to smoke and go to jail than your high school graduate counterparts.
You're not just limited to a traditional four-year college or university, either. Sure, the more you put into your college career, the more you'll get out. However, if you're looking to explore other options, you can reap many benefits with an associate degree as well. You'll still earn more and contribute more than a high school graduate - and you'll be in the workforce in half the time. You won't earn as much as a bachelor's degree holder - about $37,600 annually - but still considerably more than if you go to work right after high school. Vocational and technical schools are located throughout Kentucky and offer a wide variety of programs.
Getting one of those vocational/technical degrees or certificates opens up numerous jobs for which you would not otherwise be qualified, and makes your chances of advancement much greater. You may want to pursue becoming a medical technician, an electrician or a number of other health care jobs and skilled trades And, if you do decide later to continue with a bachelor's or even a master's, you've already laid the groundwork for a successful education. Students attending a traditional four-year college will likely leave with their bachelor's degree, which is quickly becoming the standard for the American workforce. You can obtain a bachelor's degree in a dazzling array of fields, including criminal justice, marketing, history, mathematics and more.
However, some jobs require a master's degree, which usually takes about two years to complete after your bachelor's. Some people also obtain a master's degree in a field different from their bachelor's, which is a great way to enhance multiple skills. You may want to get your bachelor's degree in communication, for instance, and then pursue your master's in business administration, making you an ideal candidate for management positions.
The pinnacle of higher education is a doctoral degree. These include becoming a medical doctor or a dentist, but you can earn your Ph.D. in many other fields as well. A doctoral degree focuses primarily on research, and people obtaining those degrees often hold research-heavy positions. You likely will find that many of your college professors hold a doctorate!
Another option is online degrees, which are available from many traditional universities, in addition to online-only colleges. Make sure to fully research any online program before sending off a check, however - a "too good to be true" often is. Many universities also offer night classes, giving you the option to work during the day and attend school in the evening.
While the thought of being finished after high school may seem like a big relief, take time to consider your future. You may find a traditional university is the way to go, or that you'd rather go to a vocational school. But weigh all your options before making a decision, because it will have serious implications on your future.
Think about the type of future and lifestyle you want to have. An education is the best way to guarantee that you'll get that future. You'll have more problem-solving skills to help deal with life, you'll make more money and become financially stable, and you'll be able to obtain a fulfilling, rewarding job.
* All statistics from The College Board's "Education Pays 2004: The benefits of higher education for individuals and society."
