Exploring Options Beyond College for High School Grads

Parents play a key role in guiding teens to find the right path after high school, whether that's university, trade school, or something else.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:10am

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As college enrollment declines, parents are being encouraged to help their high school-aged children explore a wider range of options beyond the traditional four-year university, including vocational training, community college, gap years, and launching small businesses. Experts say the key is finding the right 'fit' for each individual student's interests, skills, and financial situation.

Why it matters

With fewer high school graduates choosing to attend college directly, there is a growing need for parents to be informed about the diverse array of post-high school pathways available to their teens. Helping students find the right fit, whether that's a university, trade school, or alternative route, can set them up for long-term success.

The details

A recent survey found that 90% of Gen Z students trust their parents to advise them on next steps after high school, but many parents feel uninformed about options beyond a four-year university degree. Local school districts are expanding career and technical education programs to provide more alternatives. Experts recommend that families evaluate colleges and other paths based on personal, academic, and financial fit for the student.

  • College planning often starts in high school, with many universities visiting high schools to share information.
  • In recent years, the percentage of high school graduates going directly to college has declined from around 70% to 60%.

The players

Todd Rinehart

A university vice chancellor for enrollment who says national college enrollment has been trending down due to a decline in the number of high school seniors.

Stephen Tave

The president and CEO of American Higher Education Development Corporation, who notes that vocational fields like construction, manufacturing, and skilled trades are facing personnel shortages due to an aging workforce.

East Baton Rouge Public Schools

A school district that has expanded opportunities beyond traditional four-year degrees, including Career and Technical Education, Work-Based Learning Programs, and JROTC.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not saying that college is the right match for every person. It certainly isn't, but I think for most students who really want a pathway to college, there's a way to get there, and they can definitely do it.”

— Todd Rinehart, University Vice Chancellor for Enrollment

“Life is a journey, it's not as simple. You should come into college eyes wide open to know that you will transform personally and academically, but you still have another 60 years of your life and your career that will also be influenced by a lot of other things besides that you went to college.”

— Todd Rinehart, University Vice Chancellor for Enrollment

What’s next

Parents should encourage their teens to explore a variety of post-high school options, including visiting different types of college campuses, considering trade schools or gap years, and discussing finances openly to find the best fit.

The takeaway

In an era of declining college enrollment, parents play a crucial role in guiding their high school-aged children to find the educational or career path that aligns best with their individual interests, skills, and financial situation, whether that's a traditional four-year university, a vocational program, or an alternative route.