More than one-third (39%) of high school graduates do not enroll in a college or university after completion of their diploma or GED. While higher education might be the traditional next step for teens and young adults, it is not right for everyone. An increasing number of trades and occupations offer lucrative career paths that do not require a college degree at all, but rather, can be accomplished through experiential training, professional certifications, and/or some postsecondary coursework.

If you are sitting here thinking, “I don’t want to go to college, but I want to be successful,” rest assured you still have many options. There is no hard-and-fast rule book that will bring you to success—you can carve your own way.

So, what else can you do, if you don’t want to go to college? Let’s discuss what you should do if you choose not to get a college degree, and explore some possible career options that you can pursue.

Do You Need to Go to College to Be Successful?

You don’t need to go to college to be successful.

While it’s true that college offers many benefits—such as high pay potential, advanced career opportunities, and standing out in the job market—there are plenty of amazing job options for those without a college degree.

It’s an unfortunate reality that so many people feel pressured to attend college after high school graduation. According to a survey from Inside Higher Ed, a notable 86 percent of high school students feel pressured to get a four-year degree. Yet for most of these students, there is still the lingering question of what they want to do and what major they want to pursue. They might make a decision prematurely, pursuing a profession they do not love, and end up investing more in school or changing career paths down the road.

So, if you don’t want to go to college right now, don’t feel pressured to. Take time to explore what you really want to do in life, and what next steps are needed to get there. Rather than jumping into a college program, you might consider using this time to gain experience, build professional connections, and earn an income while learning valuable skills on the job.

You can always go to college later in life, as an adult, if and when you are ready. It’s never too late to go to college. And, similarly, it’s never too early to jump into the workforce. If you’re 18 and a recent high school graduate, you can score a great, entry-level job and climb your way to success over time. Just keep in mind that your definition of success might take a few years to reach, and a few supplemental steps to get there.

What to Do if You Don’t Want to Go to College

So, what steps should you take if you crave success, but don’t want to go to college? Consider these tips.

1. Choose a career path that doesn’t require a college degree.

As noted above, many rewarding and in-demand career paths do not require a traditional college education. In an industry like manufacturing, for example, you can launch a career with some technical training and/or certifications. And, in a matter of months, you’d be on your way to a six-figure salary.

If you decide not to go to college, it’s important to make sure you do your research and find a career that does not require a postsecondary degree. Keep in mind that many employers, fields, and job titles do require a minimum college education level. However, there are great pockets of opportunity in fields like medical assisting, manufacturing, design, and other exciting trades, where experience and skill can carry more weight than a college degree. Some college experience can help candidates stand out, but it’s not a typical requirement in these types of occupations.

So, find out what interests you and research the requirements to get there.

2. Consider a short-term training program.

As noted above, a college education is not always a requirement for success—but it can be a great value-add when applying for (and starting out in) jobs. Having at least some college education under your belt can make you more competitive in the job market and prepare you with industry knowledge and skills when starting your career.

Fortunately, you don’t need to earn a college degree to reap the benefits of higher education. There are many career-focused, short-term, and fast-paced programs out there that offer dedicated training in specific, in-demand jobs. These programs provide hands-on experience and practice to prepare you for a role, and often conclude in a certificate or diploma, taking just months to complete.

3. Get experience.

Putting yourself out there professionally can position you for long-term success. As soon as you dive into the workforce, make a point to work hard and jump on any opportunities for growth. This might mean putting in extra hours, picking up slack, learning new skills, and communicating with your manager about your desire to grow. If you feel stuck in your current position, do not hesitate to try something new—think of experience as a resume builder, and a stepping stone towards success.

If you feel stuck in your skillsets and are looking to build experience to qualify for more jobs, a short-term training program is worth considering. Find a career-specific program that’s oriented towards your desired field and that will give you the skills for success in that very role. Some career-focused schools, like Goodwin University, have partnerships with employers and can offer internships, externships, and learning opportunities directly in the field.

Learn about Goodwin’s career-focused training programs here!

4. Build your network.

Professional networking can make a huge difference in your career trajectory. The more people you know (and the more people who know you), the more likely you are to find job opportunities. College is a great way to build connections with mentors, professors, and like-minded peers. However, if you don’t want to go to college, you can still build professional connections through LinkedIn and other social media outlets. You can also build your network through job experiences, conferences, social events, and career fairs within your industry.

5. Pursue professional credentials.

Professional certification is a great way to stand out to employers and show them you are serious about your career long-term. In addition to credentials at the end of your job title, professional certification can give you a competitive edge, increase your earning potential, expand your knowledge, and give you more respect or credibility in the workplace.

Each industry has its own levels of certification and the requirements around it. For example, medical assistants can complete a number of voluntary certification exams to showcase their skills in the field. In manufacturing, different certificates and credentials (from CNC machining to welding) can highlight your technical expertise and your interest in a particular trade.

Not all industries and jobs offer credentialing options. If there is not a straightforward pathway to certification in your field, consider earning a postsecondary certificate from a college or university. This level of education, taking just months to complete, can also demonstrate your skills and commitment to the field.

6. Consider an online degree.

If you don’t want to go to college because of the time investment, tuition costs, or even just the scheduling commitment and commute, you might consider an online degree program. Online degrees are a great way to develop new skills, expand your knowledge, and check off the qualifications needed for a certain job. Online degrees are great for people who need flexibility in their schedules because they are working a job, taking care of a family, or committed to other obligations.

If online college is something you’d consider, be sure to look for an accredited program that offers courses in your particular field of interest. Check to see if the online school offers multiple degree options, boasts a respected reputation, and has student success stories, to confirm credibility.

In your research, you might be surprised as to what you find! Online degrees and certificates are offered in a variety of fields, including business administration, medical assisting, medical billing and coding, public health, leadership, and more!

What Can You Do Instead of Going to College?

As you can already gather, college is not the only option after high school. And jumping into the workforce isn’t your only option, either! If you don’t want to go to a four-year college but are interested in other, alternative routes, you might also consider a technical school or certificate program. Learn more about your options here.

Example Career Paths that Do Not Require a College Degree

There are many industries that offer opportunities for success, without requiring a four-year degree. Some exciting career options include:

Skilled Trade Jobs

Skilled trades are careers that require specialized and practical skillsets—often obtained through a career-focused school or hands-on training program. These trades offer excellent job security, competitive salaries, and high satisfaction from employees. And, these careers typically don’t require an investment in a college degree. Skilled trade jobs include, but are not limited to:

• CNC operators
• Culinary workers/chefs
• Construction workers and carpenters
• Electricians
• Hair stylists
• Machinists
• Mechanics
• Plumbers
• Technicians
• Welders

Healthcare Support Careers

You don’t need a medical degree to make a difference in the lives and wellness of patients. Many healthcare support careers can be achieved in less than two years, through dedicated training programs and certifications. For example, without a degree, you can land the following careers:

• Certified Nursing Assistants
• Dental Assistants
• Emergency Medical Technicians
• Home health aides
• Licensed Practical Nurses
• Medical assistants
• Medical billers
• Medical coders
• Phlebotomists

Business-Oriented Careers

While there are many advanced degrees you can pursue in business school, there are also many entry-level professions that do not require a college degree. For example, with just some postsecondary training under your belt, you can pursue job titles like:

• Customer service manager
• Bookkeeper
• Entrepreneur/business owner
• Web designer
• Sales representative

What Will You Do Next?

There are many advantages of going to college, but it’s not the only way to find success. By focusing on your growth—developing skills, exploring your interests, pursuing professional avenues, making connections, and working hard—you can build a successful career without the traditional college degree.

Although Goodwin University is a recognized leader in higher education, we understand that a four-year college degree is not right for everyone. That’s why we offer accelerated, flexible, short-term, online, and career-focused programs across a variety of industries. If you do not want to go to college but are interested in building your credentials for long-term success, we can help you get there.

Contact us online today to learn more.