In recent years, it has become increasingly more necessary for high school students to continue their education past just a diploma. As recently as the 1980s, students could start a successful career right out of high school with little more than on-the-job training.

Although there are many possible alternatives to a traditional four year university, a common misconception about success is that you need at least a four year degree because statistically college graduates earn more than those who do not go to college. However, there are many options for higher education beyond a traditional university, like a trade or technical school.

Senior Brooks Widlowski’s plan has always been the college route. This past summer he was accepted to Missouri State University in Springfield.

“Missouri State was the only university I applied to. I put in my application during an organized visit to the Springfield campus,” Widlowski said.

He was attracted to Missouri State because of their very advanced nursing program. He plans to become an RN (registered nurse), and get his bachelor of sciences degree in nursing. His goal is to eventually become involved in hospital management.

“Since it’s a state school, the tuition isn’t as bad and neither are the admission requirements,” Widlowski said.

The knack for higher education runs in his family. His mom went to Iowa State University and his dad graduated from Benedictine College in Kansas.

“They [parents] never really talked to me about college until my senior or junior year, but it’s always just been my plan.”

Like many students, Widlowski realizes that college isn’t for everybody and cost can be a definite deal breaker when it comes to your decision to continue your education.

“I think that if you come from a family that struggles financially, I can see how that would influence your decision because tuition costs keep rising,” Widlowski said.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, there are students who are not continuing their education at all. Some, like senior Jimmy Moore, have found that because of their current standing, college just doesn’t make sense for what they want to do.

“My dad owns a company that runs the lines in soda plants, we weld all the parts together,” Moore said.

After high school, he hope to take over the family business and keep alive what his father and uncle started. This summer he started working 40 hour weeks, the equivalent of a full time job.

His plan was not always to take over this business. In the past, he considered going to trade school to perhaps become a mechanic. One thing is for sure, the traditional four year path was never of interest for him.

“If you’re not the type of person who enjoys college and enjoys things like shop class, I would recommend it. College definitely is not for everybody,” Moore said.

Normally, someone going into a field like the welding that he does would need to have a degree from a trade school or technical program. However, because his father runs the company, he was hired and receives all of his training on the job.

“My dad makes good money, and if I can have a well-paying job with no college debt, I’m perfectly fine with that,” Moore said.

Although he can understand the reasons people go to a four year university, he has a strong opinion about their value.

“Nothing is ever a good value when the government regulates it. Now, colleges have to charge more in order to find the people they’re looking for,” Moore said.

Senior Sarah Seger’s plan is to utilize the Wentzville School District’s A+ program, which provides a free two year degree at a community college, provided that the applicants meet the simple requirements.

After community college, she plans to go to a four year university, although she unsure yet of which one she will choose.

“At first, I thought I would go to a four year school right out of high school, but then I switched to the less expensive route,” Seger said.

When it comes down to deciding whether college is the right fit for you, It’s important to remember that education can look different for different people.

“I feel that it is important that students start by identifying careers they are interested in, then explore the necessary requirements before deciding if college is the right choice,” Mrs. Gerringer, Liberty’s college and career counselor, said.

As tuition costs rise, she recommends the A+ program. The program is meant to combat the arduous financial burden that is usually associated with post-secondary education.

“Finances should not be a barrier to a person achieving their career aspirations. They may just need to do some careful planning to get there,” Gerringer said.

So as you start to consider your options and your high school years come to an end, make sure you give equal consideration to all of your opportunities.