Career Paths: One size does not fit all | J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation

What's right for your student isn't necessarily right for their friends, brothers, sisters, and neighbors. It's a good idea for them to look at all the options before making important career decisions. The following information offers a look at four popular pathways.

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Community Colleges: The 2-Year Plan

BENEFITS: A 2-year degree is a good idea if the goal is a college degree or if there is a need to save money or ease the transition to a university. Community colleges are usually close to home and work. They have an open admissions policy and offer a variety of courses. Their low tuition helps keep higher education within reach. For jobs requiring a 2-year degree, the time spent in school is shorter. A large percent of their students work full time, so they offer courses at convenient times. Idaho has two true community colleges: College of Southern Idaho, Twin Falls; and North Idaho College, Coeur d'Alene. Two-year degrees at full tuition are offered by other institutions in Idaho. Note: Recently, citizens of the Treasure Valley created a community college district, and plans are underway to develop a new community college in the area with classes available as early as January 2008.
REQUIREMENTS: Students are required to send an official high school transcript, transcripts from any other college previously attended, take a placement test (Compass, ACT, SAT, college-specific), and meet with a college advisor.

Colleges and Universities -the 4-year plan

BENEFITS: A 4-year college or university program lays the foundation for advanced studies and professional careers. Bachelor's degrees (the B.A. and B.S.) are offered in most areas in the arts and sciences. College costs vary widely-from less than $6,000 per year (public) to more than $30,000 per year (private)-but financial aid is available in many forms (see pages 13 and 16).
REQUIREMENTS: Admissions requirements include high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and an application that may include an essay. Idaho's public four-year colleges and universities include: Boise State University, Idaho State University, Lewis-Clark State College, and University of Idaho. Idaho's private 4-year colleges and universities include Albertson College of Idaho, Boise Bible College, and Northwest Nazarene University. Colleges-the 4-year plan

Military-Earn College Credit

BENEFITS: The military offers an opportunity to learn new skills while earning a paycheck and money for college. There are also leadership opportunities in the military and over 4,000 different jobs. Unlike college, the military is free. All five branches-Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard-provide financial incentives to recruits. Those in the military may further their educational goals, earning college credit or attending college while in the service. They may also qualify for cash towards tuition.
REQUIREMENTS: New recruits must . . .

Be at least 18 (or younger with parental consent)
Hold a high school diploma
Take the Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery test
Take a medical exam
Be in good general health and pass drug tests and criminal background screenings.

Apprenticeships: On-the-Job Learning

BENEFITS: A registered apprenticeship program connects job seekers looking for new skills with employers looking for qualified workers. Apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job training and related instruction in which workers learn the practical and theoretical aspects of a skilled occupation. During each apprenticeship, a skilled trade is mastered on-the-job, with pay. On-the-job training is supplemented by classroom instruction pertinent to the job skills required. Idaho has many apprenticeship programs. They may be one to six years in length but usually last three to four years, depending on the occupation.
REQUIREMENTS: Requirements vary. Check with the Idaho Department of Labor-Job Service or your school counselor for more information about this pathway.