4. More $$$More Job OpportunitiesMore Freedom and Fun!

5. Level of Education Completed Median Annual Earnings (U.S. Dollars) Less than a high school diploma$22,256 High school graduate, no college$31,408 Some college, no degree$35,516 Associate degree$38,480 Bachelor’s degree$51,324 Master’s degree$60,580 Doctoral degree$77,844 Professional degree$74,204

6. Postsecondary Training or Certificate Program 2-Year College (Associate degree) 4-Year College (Bachelor's degree) More than 4 Years (Graduate degree) barber or hair stylist computer- assisted design draftsman disc jockey (deejay) electrician* plumber* sheet metal worker* stone mason* carpenter* computer and office equipment repairer dental hygienist firefighter** mechanic physical therapist assistant webmaster* * zookeeper* * accountant computer programme r engineer FBI agent graphic designer high school coach insurance agent journalist pilot social worker sportscast er or news reporter teacher writer architect dentist lawyer minister, priest, or rabbi pharmacist physician psychologi st scientist university professor veterinaria n

8. Know Yourself Know your Options

9.  Self-evaluation › What classes do I enjoy? › What jobs have I done? › What are my values?  Assessment › Careerinfonet.com › Bls.gov/oco (Occupational Handbook)

10. Collegeboard.com

11. Demographic Information DeadlinesTesting Scores High School Transcript Application Fees Possible Essay Questions

12. Scholarships Must be repaid If a student loan, then repayment is staled until after college. Free money Based on financial need Free money Based on a skill or merit Money is earned through employment. Grants Loans Work-Study

13. Free Application for Federal Student Aid

14.  www.fafsa.ed.gov  Step-by-step directions on how to apply  Available in English and Spanish  Can also apply by mail  Check out the website for its resources!

15. MilitaryPrivate Sources Community Organizations i.e. churches, local businesses State funds

17.  Camizzi, E., Clark, M.A., Yacco, S., & Goodman, W. (2009). Becoming “difference makers”:School-university collaboration to create, implement, and evaluate data-driven counselinginterventions. Professional School Counseling, 12(6), 471-479 (43892941).  Collegeboard.com (2009). College application checklist: Keep track of your applications http://www.collegeboard.com/student/index.html?student  Niles, S. G., & Harris-Bowlsbey, J. (2009). Career development interventions in the 21st century (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.  Porter, Kathleen (2002). The value of a college degree. Retrieved from http://www.ericdigests.org/2003-3/value.htm.  Virginia Tech (n.d.) Virginia career VIEW. Retrieved from http://www.vacareerview.org