General wellnessChildren's health

What happens after high school? Know your child's options

The next big step may feel overwhelming, but understanding these paths can help.


LearnMental healthWhat happens after high school? Know your child's options
A four-year college degree
A two-year college degree
Vocational training
Military service
Making the decision

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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.

Sources: National Center for Education Statistics... + 5
  1. National Center for Education Statistics. Annual Earnings by Educational Attainment. May 2024.
  2. New York State Department of Labor. Why Go to School? Accessed March 6, 2025.
  3. U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Understanding America’s Labor Shortage: The Most Impacted Industries. February 11, 2025.
  4. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) rates. March 3, 2025.
  5. Greg Daugherty. Does the Military Pay for College? Investopedia. January 8, 2025.
  6. WestPoint.edu. Tuition & Service Commitment. Accessed March 6, 2025.
Written by Elizabeth Millard.
Medically reviewed by Ann Wendling, MD, MPH.March, 2024
Updated onAugust, 2026
Written by Elizabeth Millard.
Medically reviewed by Ann Wendling, MD, MPH.March, 2024
Updated onAugust, 2026
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