It may seem like your only paths after high school are to go to a traditional two- or four-year school or go straight into the workforce—but nope! Have you ever heard of certificate programs? It’s another option to get some professional credentials and land a job. Find out whether a certificate or degree program is the way to go for you.
Certificate programs allow you to take classes in narrow, focused fields—think computer programming, accounting, education, and more. At the end of your program, you’ll get a certificate (aka, your diploma). Certificates can help you land your first job or learn some new skills if you’re looking to switch careers.
In a traditional college or university degree program, you take a mix of general education and industry-specific courses to earn your degree. Getting a degree is often seen as your ticket into the workforce, as many jobs require applicants to have one to be considered.
Certificate programs take a shorter amount of time to complete compared to degree programs. Depending on the field of study, certificate programs can take between a few months to two years to complete.1
Degree programs typically take between two to four years of study before graduation.
Certificate programs tend to be cheaper than degree programs, partly because they don’t take as long to complete. The average certificate program can cost from $50 a month to $6,000.2 This price varies depending on the field of study. It’s also important to keep in mind that not all certificate programs offer financial aid, so make sure to contact the schools you’re interested in and ask about it before committing.
Degree programs are typically more expensive, costing students and families thousands of dollars a year. In the 2023-24 school year, these are the average costs of college for the following types of schools.3
Certificate programs are a bit more flexible than degree programs in terms of what you need to get in. A high school diploma is typically all that’s required, but some industries like construction, truck driving, restaurant management, and more may not need them. If you have your diploma (if needed), then you’re free to enroll in the program of your choice.
On the other hand, most degree programs require you to have a high school diploma or GED. You also have to apply to schools and be accepted by them. Applications sometimes have fees, but you may be able to get them waived. Your grades, test scores, activities, essays, and recommendation letters are all factors that determine whether an admissions office will accept you in their school.
Certificate programs are focused on one area of study to turn you into a subject matter expert. For example, if you do a cosmetology program, you’ll become a pro at all things hair, skin, makeup, and more. There won’t be any general education classes you’ll need to take—just classes directly related to what you’re earning a certificate in so you can master the skills needed for that specific job.
Degree programs tend to cover a wider scope of topics. Students are typically required to take general education classes, as well as classes related to their major and minor if they have one. They’ll have to complete a certain number of credits in each category of classes to be eligible for graduation.
Whether you do a certificate or degree program, you’re going to get something out of it! In exchange for completing a certificate program, you’ll get a certificate that demonstrates your mastery of the subject matter. This can open the doors to jobs that require you to have the certificate.
Similarly, graduating from a degree program will earn you a degree. There are four different degrees you can earn: an associate’s, a bachelor’s, a master’s, and a doctoral (PhD).
Paralegals help prepare legal documents for lawyers to use for their cases.
Average salary: $55,228 per year6
Architectural drafters use computer software to help design various construction projects.
Average salary: $56,581 per year6
A surgical technologist assists a surgeon by making sure the operating room and all necessary equipment are ready for surgery.
Average salary: $60,610 per year6
Web developers use programming and graphic design skills to create working web pages.
Average salary: $77,791 per year6
Industrial engineering technicians are professionals who work to fix problems that companies face with their equipment or procedures.
Average salary: $63,655 per year6
School counselors work with students, their families, and administration to serve the students’ social and academic needs to the best of their ability.
Average salary: $55,573 per year7
A registered nurse takes care of patients by analyzing their symptoms, communicating with their families, and getting them the help they need.
Average salary: $70,822 per year7
Video game designers use storytelling techniques and prior video game experiences to create their own games or make existing games better.
Average salary: $76,887 per year7
A construction manager works as a supervisor over a construction team, engineers, designers, and their project.
Average salary: $84,874 per year7
An economist studies data and uses statistics to inform trends within the economy.
Average salary: $111,940 per year7
Picking where you’ll end up after high school is a big deal, but give yourself some grace. Take your time and weigh all the pros and cons before you make your pick.