Life After High School: Know Your Options
Quickest
EARNED DURING HS
High School Diploma/GED
Straight into the workforce; job options limited.
Work-based Learning
Hands-on experiences completed in high school. This experience boosts resumes and can be a shortcut for students pursuing specific careers.
START IMMEDIATELY AFTER HS
On-the-Job Training
Get hired to learn as you work! Move straight into the workforce and get paid right away. Job options are limited but continue to grow as Texas races to keep up with workforce demands.
TAKES UP TO 1 YEAR AFTER HS
Certificate of Proficiency
Three to seven months of training in a specific occupation to earn a certificate and enter the workforce. You must complete a 30-credit program, a 24-credit career specialty and get at least six credits of general education.
Certificate of Completion
Typically requires one year to complete and is related to a specific job or career niche.
TAKES UP TO 1 YEAR AFTER HS
Occupation Skills Award
Can be completed with 14 hours of credit (one year max) in a specific technical field to complete. Stack multiple skills awards to grow and advance.
Average
TAKES 2-3 YEARS AFTER HS
Transfer Degree
Complete the first two years of a four-year bachelor’s degree program at a community college to save money on tuition. Transfer credits earned at the two-year school to the desired four-year college and finish the degree plan.
TAKES 4 YEARS AFTER HS
Bachelor's Degree
Typically completed in four years and often dubbed the “traditional route.” Can take longer than four years if a student is part-time. The average annual tuition at a four-year public school in DFW is $6,784 for in-state students.
(Source: collegetuitioncompare.com)
TAKES 4+ YEARS AFTER HS
Journeyman
After completing an apprenticeship or learning on-the-job, experienced professionals can continue to hone their craft with more skills and qualifications to advance into journeyman roles. Typically applies to electricians, plumbers, masons, carpenters, pipefitters, welders and other similar jobs. A specialized license is usually required.
Quick
EARNED DURING HS
Dual-Credit in High School
Shortens length of time in college. Students can earn college credits equivalent to one or more semesters of college coursework. Can be used towards a two- or four-year degree. Cuts college tuition costs. To be eligible, students must take Texas Success Initiative tests and meet college prerequisite requirements.
SAVES UP TO 2 YEARS OF HIGHER ED
Early College High School
Provides programs for high school students to enroll in college courses early and earn up to 60 credit hours by the time they graduate high school. Generally a separate campus from the high school. Shortens time spent at two-year community college and four-year university. Can leave high school with an associate degree.
TAKES 2-4 YEARS AFTER HS
Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Career-specific programs of study for students to learn and train during high school. Students earn credentials and take part in internships with local businesses. The goal is to get students career-ready while earning their high school diploma. Two-year and four-year degrees are usually still needed at the end of a CTE program, but the real-world experience and exposure gained during a CTE program inevitably fast tracks students into stable, high-paying jobs.
TAKES 2 YEARS AFTER HS
Associate Degree
Can be completed in two years for a full-time student, or three to four years for a part-time student. The typical community college tuition in DFW is $3,626 for in-state students.
Long
TAKES 6-8 YEARS AFTER HS
Master's Degree
Can only be obtained after earning a bachelor’s degree. Can be used to climb the ladder and earn higher wages and the average graduate program in Texas costs $8,172/year for in-state student tuition.
(Source: collegetuitioncompare.com)
TAKES 8-9 YEARS AFTER HS
Doctoral Degree
What you’ll need if considering a career as a doctor, lawyer, professor, historian, statistician, anthropologist and other similar job titles. Often requires costly degrees that lead to lucrative occupations. The average cost of a doctorate degree at a public college in the U.S. is $105,900.
(Source: educationdata.org)
TAKES 9-16 YEARS AFTER HS
Medical Residencies
Add three to seven years after medical school.
Medical Fellowships
Add one to three years after residency.
Board Certification
Add four years after residency.