Plan for Your Future: 9 Alternatives to College in 2021

College is a word that represents a combination of different factors—friendship, academic opportunities, a chance to get to know who we are, as well as what we like in terms of academics and beyond.

However, for many, college is not in the cards after high school, and you may be looking for options other than college. They struggle to answer this question of: what are the other options after high school? If you have similar concerns, here is a valuable list of suggestions.

When struggling to decide if college is right for you, don’t deny it. The first step is recognizing who you are and what you expect to achieve in the following years. There are multiple ways to figure out the answer.

1. What do you see yourself doing in the next four years? Spiritual improvement? Higher understanding of the world? Better competitiveness in the future job market?
2. What among the qualities I pursue can I gain in college?
3. Do alternative options fit my needs better than college would?
4. What are your opportunity costs?
5. Are you able to afford your cost of living if you chose a college alternative?

Once you have a rough idea about your near future, try to select one or a few from the list of choices below.

Alternatives to College for Those Without Interest in Academic Studies

If you are sick of books, lectures, papers, and exams, you may want to pick up a specific skill or technique that is able to support your future. Another option is to broaden your horizon through long-term personal growth that helps you make wiser decisions in the future. Without further ado, let’s go through some options other than college.

1. Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship is a college alternative which is an effective way to train people in certain fields of work. First, you need to find your interest: are you interested in carpentry, handicraft, or other skills?

After choosing a field of apprenticeship, you should find a master in the skill and ask to follow him/her to learn these skills. During an apprenticeship, you don’t need to pay for learning the skill, but it’s also unlikely that you would receive a high wage from your instructor since they will be teaching you while you work.

2. Start a business

If you are fascinated by the world of business, you may consider starting a business as an alternative to college. But know this: Every business requires funds to get started and ensure the company is capable of running. Once you successfully establish a business, you can gain experiences including leadership and entrepreneurship.

Moreover, you can develop communicative skills during frequent negotiations with trade partner companies. You will also learn how to maximize your business’s profits which gives you a chance to earn a good amount which is why many people find this a better option other than college.

3. Join the military

Another answer to what to do instead of college is to join the military. In the United States, when you join the military, you will gain a salary of $35,000 and an additional increment the longer you are in service.

Apart from that, you can also be physically and mentally healthier through daily exercises. By the end of your service, you will have developed persistence, adaptability, leadership, communication, and teamwork. This is an alternative to college that you can hardly find in education.

4. Join a sports team

For those who are into sports, the best college alternative is to join a sports team. Similar to taking part in the military, participating in a sport can strengthen your physical and mental well-being. The collaborative essence of basketball, soccer, badminton, and other kinds of sports will bring you teamwork skills. Such qualities are so precious that you can only gain if you seek alternatives to college.

From a pragmatic point of view, joining a sports team provides you sets a path for you to become a coach as your future career, but that requires a time commitment without expected income until then. It’s a meaningful opportunity for you to pass on the sporting spirit to the next generation.

5. Become an Artist

Some people seek for alternatives to college because they feel standardized educations are not compatible with their intuitive sense of art. If you belong in this group, you can try to become an artist. Established artists’ average salary can be around $60k per year, but it takes years to become known and respected.

There are many ways you can make money as an artist, such as selling your art, photographs you take, or even just selling your creative ideas to individual appreciators or companies that concentrate on housing or clothing designs.

6. Travel

If you're still looking for options other than college, don’t worry. A less conventional option is traveling. Through traveling you will see the beauty of this world. Traveling can certainly broaden your horizons as you get the chance to meet strangers of all characteristics and make new friends!

The most significant and valuable outcome traveling brings is that it helps you build self-awareness, and independency. Traveling offers you the chance to discover your interest on your own which can make it a great option other than college.

7. Volunteer

Volunteering for a year or two is another option other than college. It is a great way to give back to the community and build your character and experience at the same time. Common volunteering work involve two types of services: work-based and care-based.

Work-based requires you to be a staff in national parks, local libraries, art museums, political campaigns, and so on. In these workplaces, you can experience work life in which you need to take responsibility on the things you are complete.

Care-based volunteering is related to taking care of groups that require additional help. If done right, this alternative to college is spiritually rewarding.

Alternatives to College for Those Who Still Enjoy Studying in a Specific Field

Most college curriculum includes a standardized core education system. If you are unsure of what to do instead of college but still want to gain some knowledge in a certain field, you have other choices shown below.

8. Take free online classes

There are massive amounts of free or very low cost online classes, so learning online imposes little economic pressure on students. Moreover, you have freedom to choose various courses from different fields. This alternative to college is special as you don’t have to take required courses from a college curriculum.

Online courses allow you to explore more in the field you are fond of. Online courses are also time flexible. You can either make appointments with your online tutor according to your schedule or select an open class to begin learning at any time.

9. Go to community college

Community college is a two-year public institution that provides a shorter option for tertiary education. Community colleges help enhance your proficiency in certain technical skills.

If you are interested in becoming a radiation therapist, dental hygienist, registered nurse, air traffic controller, computer programmer, or paralegal, this is the perfect college alternative. In community colleges, you may also get a closer connection to the local community. This gives easier access to local job opportunities after graduation.

Now, take some time and reconsider this question seriously: Is college for me?

The key point is you shouldn’t make this decision on an impulsive thought. Think it over. If you feel certain about what to do after reflecting upon these options, you may take your first step in choosing your best college alternatives.