Most students do not reflect on the next steps that they’ll take after high school. The subconscious choice to go straight to college is the decision most make. For some, going to college has become a matter of survival, in order to have a decent paying job, buy a home and car and to be able to live a comfortable life. Ingrained in societal beliefs and messages we have received since a young age, we have been told that a degree will lead to true bliss in our life; however, going to college is not for everyone or the only trail to take to be successful in life.

Some students do not necessarily know what they want to become in their life and going on to college could cumulate debt which could take years to pay off. Others do not believe going to college would benefit what they would like to do. There are alternatives and other steps that can be taken to still have a successful life.

Enlisting into the military is an option that many teens take instead of going on to college. Supporting their country and receiving benefits, for example, tuition to go on to college if they would like is an upside to doing something after high school. You would get a salary of $30-45k and health benefits. Traveling the world and getting to learn and experience a new culture.

Debt and the expense of college is also another reason why many choose not to attend college. According to Student Loan Hero 45 million Americans owe a total of $1.56 trillion in student loans. In 2018, the average college grad owed about $30,000 in debt. Roughly about $393 a month. College debt has risen 58% in the past decade. Carrying college debt can affect your entire life, buying a car or a home. Even providing for your family all things many people want to achieve in their lives.

Starting your own business or finding a career in a skill that you have doesn’t necessarily require a college degree. If you want to open a bakery or a restaurant going to Culinary school, for example, the one in Houston, Texas Culinary Institute LeNôtre a 2-year program aimed toward people who would like to strive to make food as a profession. Traveling abroad to study and learn food would be a much more effective task to do. Starting a plumbing job or opening a garage doesn’t demand a 4-year education.

Even if a college education is what you’re striving for, there are cheaper affordable ways to receive an education. State schools and community colleges offer a great education and are affordable than going to out of state colleges. In 2019 the FBI uncovered a huge school scandal in which celebrities and parents were charged for illegally paying people to take tests for their child or cheating to get into large Ivy League schools. Going to extremes and taking a large risk into getting into “fancy” schools is not worth it.

Receiving a college degree is beneficial and can help with finding a job but it doesn’t mean that you will be successful and guarantee you a good job. Many struggles seeking a degree that won’t help them in their future when going in a different direction would be much more favorable in the career that they seek. Many students don’t ponder on the longterm consequences that an expensive degree will cost them in their lives. Education is definitely required to be successful but not college. Many jobs are available that don’t require a certificate. Success in your life won’t be defined by a piece of paper. Success is based on the work and dedication that you pursue that will benefit your life.