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Considering a return to school? Check out our list of examples of postsecondary education to help you make the best decision for your future!
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Vocational or Trade Schools
Vocational or trade schools offer programs that prepare students for a specific career. These schools are usually shorter in duration than traditional colleges, and they focus on teaching students the skills they need to be successful in their chosen field. Many vocational schools offer programs in areas such as carpentry, plumbing, automotive repair, and cosmetology.
Types of programs
Vocational or trade schools offer programs that prepares students for a particular trade, such as carpentry, plumbing, welding, or auto mechanics. There are many types of vocational programs, each with its own requirements, benefits, and drawbacks.
Welding programs, for example, may require a high school diploma or equivalent, but some schools will allow students to enroll with a GED. Many welding programs last between six and 24 months, and some may offer opportunities for certification.
Carpentry programs may take longer to complete—between one and four years—but they can lead to good-paying jobs. Some carpenters learn their trade through apprenticeships, which can last up to four years. Others attend carpentry school or vocational college.
Plumbing programs may also take up to four years to complete, depending on the state in which you study. Many plumbers learn their trade through apprenticeships or on-the-job training before becoming licensed journeymen or master plumbers. Some states also require plumbers to pass a state exam before they can practice.
Auto mechanic programs vary in length from six months to two years, depending on the type of program and the credential you want to earn. Many community colleges and technical schools offerauto mechanic certification programs that can be completed in as little as one semester.
Admissions requirements
Admission requirements for vocational or trade schools vary depending on the program and the school. Some programs may have open admissions, while others may require students to have a high school diploma or GED. Some schools may also require students to take a placement test or complete an interview.
Job outlook
The job outlook for graduates of vocational or trade schools is generally positive, as many employers are increasingly seeking candidates with specific technical skills and knowledge. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of skilled trades workers is projected to grow 8% from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations. The BLS also reports that the median annual salary for vocational and trade school graduates was $35,790 in May 2019, which is higher than the median annual salary for all workers ($39,810).
While job opportunities are expected to be favorable for graduates of vocational or trade schools, competition may be stiff for some positions, particularly those in high-demand fields such as healthcare and IT. Earning industry-recognized certifications and obtaining experience through internships or entry-level jobs can help you stand out from other job applicants and improve your chances of landing a good job after graduation.
Community Colleges
A community college is a type of educational institution. The term can refer to a higher education institution that provides tertiary education and/or vocational education. In some countries, community colleges are also referred to as technical colleges or polytechnics. Community colleges are sometimes publicly funded, and they may also be privately operated.
Types of programs
Community colleges offer a variety of programs, both academic and vocational. Many community colleges offer two-year programs that lead to an Associate’s Degree, though some also offer four-year programs that culminate in a Bachelor’s Degree. In addition to degree programs, most community colleges offer a variety of certificate programs, which generally take less time to complete than a degree program.
Community colleges typically have open admissions policies, which means that anyone with a high school diploma or equivalent can enroll in courses and pursue a degree or certificate. Some community colleges also offer non-credit courses for students who want to take classes for personal enrichment or professional development but do not want to pursue a degree or certificate.
Admissions requirements
An academic degree is typically obtained at a college or university, which may be either publicly operated or private institutions. The distinction between these two types of institutions originally came from the medieval European universities, which were religious institutions founded by the Roman Catholic Church. In contrast, the first colleges in the United States were intended primarily to train clergy for the Protestant churches. Today, however, there is little difference between public and private colleges in terms of their admissions requirements or the quality of their programs.
Most community colleges have open admissions policies, which means that anyone who has a high school diploma or its equivalent (e.g., a GED certificate) is eligible to enroll. Some community colleges also offer technical and vocational programs that have specific admissions requirements. For example, many nursing programs require applicants to take a pre-admission exam and pass a criminal background check.
Job outlook
Community colleges offer a variety of programs that lead to certificates or associate degrees. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 45 percent of students who attend community college transfer to a four-year institution within six years.
There are several benefits to attending community college, including lower tuition costs and the ability to complete your general education requirements before transferring to a four-year school. Community colleges also offer more flexibility in their scheduling, which can be beneficial for students who are working or have other commitments.
The job outlook for community college graduates varies depending on the field of study. However, many community college programs offer specific training that can lead to employment in high-demand fields such as healthcare, information technology and skilled trades.
Universities
A university is an institution of higher education and research, which grants academic degrees in a variety of subjects. A university typically has as its core and functions the liberal arts and the sciences, divided into schools. As an institution of higher learning, universities also provide continuing education for adults and offer professional training. And research universities often play a leading role in scientific discovery and technological innovation.
Types of programs
There are many types of programs offered at postsecondary institutions, from certificates and diplomas to apprenticeships, bachelor’s degrees, and graduate degrees. Each type of program has its own set of requirements, which can vary depending on the institution.
Certificates and diplomas are typically shorter programs that can be completed in one to two years. Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically take three to four years to complete. Bachelor’s degrees usually take four years of full-time study to complete, although some programs may take longer. Graduate degrees, such as master’s degrees and PhDs, usually take two or more years of full-time study to complete.
Admissions requirements
There are a variety of admissions requirements for different types of postsecondary programs. Some programs may have specific course or grade requirements, while others may require students to submit a portfolio or take an entrance exam.
Some common admissions requirements for universities include:
-A completed application form
-official transcripts
-letters of recommendation
-a personal essay or statement
-a non-refundable application fee
Admissions requirements can vary significantly from one institution to another, so it is important to research the requirements of your chosen school before you apply.
Job outlook
The job outlook for individuals with a postsecondary education has never been better. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals with a bachelor’s degree earn a median salary that is nearly double that of individuals with only a high school diploma. In addition, those with a postsecondary education are much less likely to be unemployed than those without one.
There are many different types of postsecondary institutions, each of which offers its own unique benefits. For example, community colleges typically offer lower tuition rates and more convenient locations than four-year universities. Trade schools and technical colleges often provide shorter programs that lead to specific careers, such as nursing or automotive repair.
No matter what your educational goals or career aspirations may be, there is a postsecondary institution that can help you achieve them. Do some research to find the school that best fits your needs and start down the path to a rewarding future today!
