Going to college has always been a part of the American dream for many. The idea is to go through grade school for 12 years, graduate, go off to college, get a job and then start building your career and family. It is almost as if every move we make in life once we become adults is pretty much calculated.
As student debt continues to rise across the nation many adults and young adults are forced to rethink their educational goals. No longer is it set in stone that in order for you to be able to become successful you have to attend a four-year college and get a degree. In fact, the opposite can be true today. You can obtain a good education without breaking the bank and for a fraction of the cost if you know just what you wish to accomplish. Here are some options to consider that are low cost in nature yet lend to a healthy living.
Hair and Beauty
Have you ever dreamed of being a beautician or even a barber? You're not alone. Thousands of students each year enroll into beauty school for the chance to become a cosmetologist. Most students in beauty school can complete their education in as little as 24 months. Once you receive you training and your certification you will be well on your way to making some great money. After all, everyone is born with hair. You can guarantee it will never go out of style (no pun intended).
Massage Therapy
The massage industry is a $6 to 11 billion a year industry. With all the finances going into the massage industry one can expect to make a great sum of money if you chose to pursue a massage degree and go to massage school. The bureau of labor and economic growth predicts an unprecedented rapid growth in this industry through the year 2035 and beyond. At most massage schools you can expect to receive hands on training and learn techniques that are guaranteed to leave your clients feeling much better and relieved from stress and injuries.
Various Online Certifications
Sites like Lynda.com are continuing to grow in popularity. Thanks to these online certifications you can now get specialized training in various industries while in the comfort of your own home. Another added bonus of online certifications is that you are not limited to one field or industry at a time. You have the opportunity to dibble and dabble in various places at once.
Enlist in the Military
As long as you are over the age of 18 enlisting in the military is a great option for any man or woman who is interested in enlisting in the service. Before you enlist you have to prove you are physical fit to handle the job. Once basic training is complete you can be sent practically anywhere in order to serve our great country.
This list is not meant to be all inclusive. There are countless other alternative routes and professions one can take if you intend to skip the college route and start your career sooner. These options are likely to increase over time especially as the internet eliminates the barriers to learning, challenges involved with geographical distance or proximity and most importantly cost due to its grand scale.
The future will be interesting in terms of the percentage of our population that pursues a traditional four year degree compared to those who choose alternative routes.