What happens after high school? know your child's options
The next big step may feel overwhelming, but understanding these paths can help.
Mar, 2026






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Though high school graduation can seem like an endpoint, every new grad walking across that stage—and their parents—knows that this is the start of a brand-new life phase. What happens next can have a major impact on your child’s long-term career prospects, and the breadth of options can feel overwhelming, emotionally and financially.
But understanding the nuances of your major choices can help. Evaluating paths that might be right for your child will assist the whole family in anticipating what’s next, reducing the stress about what happens after high school. Here are some factors to consider when making the decision.
Written byElizabeth Millard.
Medically reviewed byAnn Wendling, MD, MPH.
Sources: National Center for Education Statistics. Annual Earnings by Educational Attainment. May 2024. + 5
- National Center for Education Statistics. Annual Earnings by Educational Attainment. May 2024.
- New York State Department of Labor. Why Go to School? Accessed March 6, 2025.
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- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) rates. March 3, 2025.
- Greg Daugherty. Does the Military Pay for College? Investopedia. January 8, 2025.
- WestPoint.edu. Tuition & Service Commitment. Accessed March 6, 2025.