Your options after high school: Is college worth it?
Exploring your options after high school starts with understanding what each path can offer — including the benefits of a college education
April 22, 2026
Making decisions about your future isn’t easy. There are many factors to consider: What do you want to be? Where do you want to live? What are your long-term goals?
One of the questions you may ask yourself is whether college is the right choice for you. The good news? There’s no “right” answer. There are many different paths you can take to reach your goals and understanding your options is the first step toward making a confident decision.
What can you do after high school?
After high school, you have several paths to choose from, depending on your goals, interests and career plans. You might attend a four-year college, enroll in a two-year program, pursue a trade or apprenticeship, earn industry certifications or enter the workforce directly. Each option offers different benefits.
College programs can provide in-depth knowledge, broader career opportunities and long-term earning potential. Trade schools and apprenticeships focus on hands-on training for specific careers, often allowing you to enter the workforce more quickly. Certifications can help you build specialized skills in a shorter timeframe, while entering the workforce right away can offer immediate experience and income.
The best path is the one that aligns with what you want to achieve. Many students also combine these options over time, creating a flexible path that evolves as their goals change.
How to choose the right path after high school
There are more post-secondary options than ever before. Instead of starting with education as the entry point, begin with your interests, strengths and long-term goals and then work backward to identify the education and training that can help you get there.
In Idaho’s higher education landscape, these various pathways are designed to complement one another, not compete, giving you the flexibility to explore, pivot and grow as your goals evolve. At U of I, we meet you where you are, whether you’re preparing to start college, returning after time in the military or workforce to continue your education, or exploring a new direction through a different degree path. We’re here to help you take the next step when you’re ready.
Not sure where to start? Tools like Next Steps Idaho for Idaho students can help you explore careers, assess your interests and discover pathways you may not have considered.
5 benefits of going to college
While there are many paths forward after high school, college can open the door to a wide range of opportunities. From associate degrees and bachelor’s programs to online options and specialized certificates, higher education offers flexible ways to build knowledge, gain experience and move closer to your objectives.
Whether you’re looking to explore your interests, prepare for a specific career or expand your future options, college can provide valuable skills, connections and experiences that can shape your next steps.
Explore five reasons why college might be the right choice for you and help answer the question: Is college worth it?
1. Higher earning potential
You’ve probably heard that, on average, people with a college degree earn more over the course of their life than those without a diploma. And according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it’s true: pursuing a college degree can significantly increase your lifetime earning potential compared to those who don’t pursue education after high school.
University of Idaho graduates, for example, earn a median salary of $56,204 five years after graduation. This is significantly higher than both the Idaho statewide average of approximately $35,147 and the national average of $45,519 for the same timeframe.
2. Job security
Another advantage of earning a college degree is that unemployment rates drop as the amount of education increases.
In 2024, the national unemployment rate for individuals with a high school diploma was 3.9%. Individuals who earned an associate degree or higher experienced unemployment rates under 3%.
This trend isn’t new. For over 20 years, those with more education have consistently faced lower unemployment rates than those with limited education, highlighting the long-term value of investing in your education.
3. Career readiness in a changing job market
Today’s job market is constantly evolving and many of the fastest-growing careers require education beyond high school. In fact, by 2031, an estimated 72% of jobs will require some form of postsecondary training or a college degree, making higher education an important step toward expanding your opportunities.
Universities are constantly adapting to meet these changing demands and provide the best opportunities for their students. At University of Idaho, you can choose from more than 105 undergraduate majors, 69 graduate programs and a variety of certificates, with new selections being added each year to align with emerging industries and workforce needs.
That preparation leads to strong outcomes. At U of I, 89.9% of graduates report placement within six months — whether in the workforce, graduate school, military or service — and 91% of those employed are working in roles related to their field of study.
The state of Idaho is also dedicated to helping students meet the needs of today’s ever-changing workforce. The Idaho Launch Grant program provides financial support for Idaho students who are applying to or enrolled in an in-demand career program, making it easier for them to follow their passions and fill evolving career needs in the state.
Beyond career outcomes, college also prepares you for long-term success, giving you the skills you need to adapt and grow throughout your career.
Alongside technical knowledge, you’ll develop essential skills like critical thinking, communication, collaboration and time management. These in-demand, transferable skills help you stand out to employers and position you for success across roles, industries and career transitions.
Just as importantly, college gives you the space to explore and refine your interests. If you’re not sure what you want to study yet, that’s okay — many students try different paths before finding the right fit. Along the way, you’ll be exposed to careers and opportunities you may not have known existed, helping you discover new possibilities. College is designed to support that process, so you can adjust your direction as your goals evolve.
4. Hands-on experience and career training
College gives you the chance to learn by doing. Through research, internships, service learning and study abroad, you can apply what you learn in real-world settings.
At U of I, all students have access to research and hands-on learning opportunities from the moment they walk onto campus – in every department and every college. And with over $150 million in annual research expenditures in 2025, U of I students have ample opportunity to immerse themselves in their passions, gain hands-on experience and make meaningful contributions to their fields.
And your hands-on experiences don’t stop at research. There are countless leadership opportunities for students to take on within the university system. By participating in student government and various campus organizations, you’ll build valuable life skills essential for success after college.
5. Life-long network of resources and community
College is about more than just an education — it’s a place to forge lasting connections and pursue personal growth.
Student clubs, athletics teams, living groups and community events create opportunities to network with those who have similar interests. And with over 300 student organizations, U of I truly has something for everyone.
Even after you graduate, the support doesn’t end. You’ll become part of your university’s alumni network, a vast community of individuals who share similar experiences. You’ll also retain access to a variety of resources such as Career Services, who can help you land that first job, and the university’s library, which will support your research and learning for years to come.
From the faculty who guide you to the advisors who help shape your path and the friends you make along the way, the relationships you build during college create a support network that lasts long after you leave.
No matter your path, UIdaho is here for you
There’s no single “right” path after high school, and you don’t have to figure it out alone. Whether you choose college now, later or not at all, University of Idaho is here to support your goals and help you explore what’s next.