4. Questions to ask yourself….

5. Does my career require a bachelor’s degree? Is college the best pathway to my career? How will I cover the cost of further education? What career might I like to pursue? Does my family value higher education? Am I willing to go into debt for my education? What does my family expect? What other educational options are available?

6. No matter what you want to do with your life, additional education or training will most likely be necessary in order to be successful.

7. 4 year College Education Community College Trade / Technical School Military Workforce

8. 4 YEAR COLLEGE EDUCATION (Public or Private)

9. 4 YEAR COLLEGE Greater employment opportunities Highest potential for lifetime earnings Fosters intellectual, social, ethical and civic development. Improves overall wellbeing by affecting things like job satisfaction, health, marriage, parenting, trust, and social interaction.

10. Limitations Cost Debt Commitment /Drop Outs

11. 4-yr college is a good choice if you have a pretty clear idea of what career you want to pursue, have identified a school that is a good fit, have a clear plan for how to manage the cost and/or pay off debt and if you commit to not just enroll but graduate! Bottom Line

13. COMMUNITY COLLEGE Significantly less expensive Open admissions Convenient Experience and preparation Associate Degrees and Certifications

14. Limitations Limited Curriculum and Rigor Not all credits transfer Fewer scholarships available Fewer athletics and organizations

15. Sinclair Community College Edison Community College Clark State Cincinnati State

16. Bottom Line A community college is a good option if you’re not sure you’re ready for a four year college program. if finances are limited if you want training that can get you into the workforce in a shorter amount of time

18. TRADE & VOCATIONAL Significantly less expensive Shorter time line (2 yrs. or less) Finish with a certificate rather than diploma Specific training Offer training in a variety of professions

19. Limitations Breadth and depth of education Transferability Scope of employment Salary ranges

20. Miami Jacobs Career College ITT Technical Institute School of Medical Massage Kaplan College Institute of Photography and Technology Carousel Beauty and Spa Institute Art Institute of Ohio

21. Bottom Line A trade school is a place to get a reasonably priced education that will allow you to enter the workforce in a minimum amount of time. It is a great place to start an education and learn valuable skills, but if you have big career and financial dreams, you will most likely require additional education.

23. MILITARY Military service develops discipline, maturity, respect and leadership Military service offers a steady paycheck Military service can lead to retirement dollars You can earn get college degrees while you’re in the military and receive tuition assistance Discounts on mortgages

24. ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS High school diploma or GED U.S. citizen At least 18 years of age Clean criminal history Pass military entrance exam Meet military height, weight and health requirements

26. WORKFORCE Options exist immediately upon graduation Most options are entry level jobs Begin earning money immediately and avoid educational debt

27. WORKFORCE LIMITATIONS Direct entry graduates experience frequent job transitions First jobs can be characterized as low-paying & temporary Limited benefits – especially healthcare In today’s economy, there is greater competition for jobs

28. Civil servants (police, firefighters, mail carrier, etc) Cashiers Retail Janitors / Housekeeping Sanitation Services/Waste Management Vehicle/Delivery drivers Clerks Administrative Assistants Food service Cable TV/Internet Installers Construction

29. Which path will you take?

30. Does my career require a bachelor’s degree? Is college the best pathway to my career? How will I cover the cost of further education? What career might I like to pursue? Does my family value higher education? Am I willing to go into debt for my education? What does my family expect? What other educational options are available?