Here’s what happens when a dozen kids sign up for college:

• Five of them end up dropping out.
• Three of them graduate, but end up making lattes at Starbucks.
• Only four graduate and get a real job, i.e. a job that pays a “college” salary.

Making a success out of college is really hard. It requires “threading the needle.”

You have to find a marketable major in “your wheelhouse,” and graduate. Psychology, Drama, Gender Studies, Communications, Archaeology, History, Creative Writing, Religious Studies, Photography, etc., are probably not going to get the job done.

There are gazillions of people graduating from college every year. Employers get hundreds of resumes when they post a job. You have to compete with some really smart, highly motivated people if you expect to “catch the gold ring.”

While you are finding your “wheelhouse,” and trying to “catch the gold ring,” you can’t mess up by taking out too much in student loans. Let’s face it, many families aren’t financially literate enough to pull that off, and by the time you figure out that you and your family fall in that category, you are totally screwed.

I understand community college isn’t “cool,” however, a lot of you would be better off choosing that option.

In the first place, the financial planning is much simpler, because community college is cheap—even free in many states.

However, just because community college is affordable doesn’t mean any associate’s degree is going to pay off.

You don’t want to be in a position where you are competing with graduates who have unmarketable bachelor’s degrees, e.g. an associate’s degree in creative writing.

“Where it’s at” is Healthcare, Engineering, and Technology.

Here are some ideas:

• Biomedical Engineering Technology
• Biomedical Engineer
• Instrument and Control Engineer
• Instrumentation Technology
• Project Management
• Radiation Therapy
• MRI Technician
• Computer Science
• Robotics
• Nuclear Technician
• Physician’s Assistant Studies
• Registered Nurse
• Dental Hygienist
• Funeral Home Director
• Court Reporter
• Web Developer
• Job Site Supervisor
• Surgical Technician
• Weatherization Engineer

There are plenty more jobs like this. (It took me longer to type this list than to identify the jobs.)

You’ll need to do some research to determine the job market in your location. For example, where I live, the Robotics classes are almost empty. Local employers are really frustrated, i.e. unable to fill entry level positions that pay $25 per hour with generous benefits.

Earning an associate’s degree doesn’t mean you are through learning. Today’s economy requires continual learning. Many employers have tuition benefits. They are going to encourage you to keep upgrading your skills.

Notes

Read A New U for more job ideas.

Free community college is becoming a “thing.” Google “[your state] free community college.”

I often get the question,

“My parents can’t/won’t help me with college. What can I do?”

Work your way through community college.