Post-High School Options Liz Smith, Editor-in-chief, www.online-college-finder.com

If you're about to graduate from high school or you're a recent grad, you have a variety of options when it comes to furthering your education. Most teens think that, upon graduation, they have two options: attend a four-year university or get a job. However, with today's need for specialization and the constant advancement of technology, you have educational options ranging from two-year vocational schools to online programs, which you can "attend" without even leaving your house. These options, though often targeted at adults, apply to young high schoolers as well. However, since certain options require more dedication and self-motivation that others, it's important to assess your learning style and determine what will work best for you.

You have a plethora of opportunities available to you that will allow you to receive an education that prepares you for a specific career. These are typically called vocational or trade schools and colleges, and will let you earn your degree or certification in less than four years, and, sometimes, in less than two. There are vocational schools in nearly every field including fashion and design, interior design and decoration, art, healthcare, computing, culinary, and many more. vocational schools, however, require that you already know what field you want to enter, so if you're sure about the industry you want to work in, vocational schools can help you start working there quickly and skillfully.

If you're not sure what your desired career field is, then local community colleges are another excellent option. They offer the course variety of a four-year university without the cost and time commitment it requires, which may appeal to you. Here you'll be able to take a wide selection of courses while trying to decide what subject you want to focus on. You'll be able to attend school full or part-time, which gives you the opportunity to work, if necessary, while earning your degree. Working in a field you may be interested in while going to school, if possible, is a great way to not only earn money, but also to gain some insight into the industry and determine whether it's right for you.

An online degree could be another great option for you if you need to work while earning your degree. If you plan on getting a full-time job upon graduation, or you just want to earn your degree quickly, this option may work for you as well. You must be self-motivated to attend online college because you set your own schedule and it is your responsibility to complete your work, which can be a drawback for many young people. However, and online degree gives you many options. If you want to earn your degree quickly you can, or you can pace yourself and stretch it out across a longer time period. You create your hours, your "classroom," and your degree schedule.

Whatever your situation, you should research your options to determine which degree program works best for your lifestyle. A four-year university is also, clearly, an excellent choice, but just keep in mind that it's not the only one. There are a lot of different possibilities available and, chances are you'll find a degree program that caters to you. An education is always an asset, so consider your options, talk to your family, and figure out how you can develop your future.