Heidegger

I can't afford a four year college, and I can't afford loans. I'm looking into electronics, computer networking, or web programming.

sandford13

good question there buddy.

zapfino

Some others to consider: Nursing, nuclear medicine technology, dental hygiene, radiation therapy, nuclear science technology, automotive technology, robotics

wolfmanjack

I don't know your personal situation so I hate to start judging, but I have seen this logical fallacy before where people think college is something to "afford" like a car payment. I know people who stop at two years because of the expense of a university!!!

That's basically setting yourself in a loop. "I can't make more money because I didn't finish college, and I can't finish college because I'm not making enough money."

HA!

Most people who go to college don't have piles of cash sitting around. The idea is that you take loans out (reasonably) and then have qualifications to get paid more.

I know people who do have a four year degree and are trying to pay their loans off making $12/hour before they will let themselves go back to grad school and take on more debt. Now how long will it take to pay down debt on $12/hr compared to someone with a Masters Degree with a nice salary?

At least think about these sort of things. It's not something you pay up front or "afford". You use trajectory to be ABLE to afford it in the future.

RadDad1

HVAC, power technology, biofuels technology, radiographer (which has specialties in nuclear, MRI, ultrasound, etc) are all two year programs. Most of these programs will provide for a pretty comfortable job. Many employers will then have tuition assistance programs that can help if you decide you want to continue your education. I think you are the only person who can decide if you can "afford" the debt you may have to accumulate. You need to be comfortable with your decision, if you are not -- it just adds an incredible amount of stress to your life that is not healthy and not necessary. It might also be helpful to visit your local community college and discuss with them about job prospects and career paths that you are interested in. Remember that they will be trying to recruit you, so ask them for contacts that you can approach to verify the information they will give you.

kmccrindle

Heidegger, I more or less agree with wolfmanjack on this, and I own a web development and digital marketing company. Frankly, I would not consider at this point hiring someone from a two-year associates' program, because the depth of skill required to be truly valuable to my clients exceeds the basic parameters of a two year degree. To be competitive in this employment field you not only need technical speed and design/encoding prowess (and more than two years practicing same), but you also need to understand usability, analytics, and the core marketing concepts that make or break an effective web presence and integrate with additional marketing activities.
I reserve comment on electronics and computer networking, but the essence is pay now or pay later. If you "pay later," the cost is in barriers or limitations to advancement, and in the end, that cost is far greater than the investment in a well-rounded post-secondary undergraduate degree.

tb0mb93

Have you looked into schools in your area that may be pretty cheap? For example, in NYC there are the City Universities which are reasonably priced

ldinct

You can get an AS, get a job and then have your employer pay or get your Bachelors part time. Many continuing ed programs take your AS as the entire 60 credits and then you can finish up at your own pace. UCONN did that and it wasn't too difficult to get the final 60 credits. Don't take loans, I know its an investment in yourself, but the risk is too one sided.

chsowlflax17

^Loans are a risk on life: you'll take them out, and you'll either, due to your education and newfound capabilities, be able to make more money and/or do what you want in life, so that the added cost doesn't matter, or you'll end up in the same job you would have without a degree, and then be in a tough situation. But generally speaking, loans to increase your earning power are a good deal, just like loans to start a company are a good deal: you take a quick infusion in capital, invest it, and nurture and grow that capital (in the case of college loans, YOU) so that the end result is better than trying to amass the capital bit by bit.

SGP

I have heard that a certification in networking, CCNA, opens doors to jobs starting at $35-40K w/no experience.

Western Governors University offers college credit for certifications. Actually, their tuition (something like $6K/yr.) includes certification fees. The good thing about this school is that you can go at your own pace and possibly finish in under 4 years.

Online University Degree | Western Governors University Online

toledo

I think a 2 year degree can be a really smart move. I tried to get my daughter to enroll in a physical therapy or occupational therapy assistant program. Both jobs pay well and are in high demand.
Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides (Gov't web site stating $42-$50K/yr)
I may also suggest court-reporting school if her 4 year college doesn't work out.
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos152.htm (Gov't web site stating $36-$67K)

redbug119

Be careful that you choose a regular community college, NOT a "for-profit" school. Students here at a local for-profit school are paying 4 times as much for the same thing they could have gotten at a local CC. Slots for the medical programs are limited at the CC's, so you will have more competition. For-profits will take as many as are willing to pay the price. H works in X-ray and nuclear med and got both his certificates from a local CC. He now works with students in both programs, and he finds the for-prof kids are not as well prepared as the CC students. Also keep in mind that while they are saying everywhere that med jobs are in demand, it depends on where you are located. Florida is very tapped out, and x-ray, nuke med, and CT jobs are hard to come by. People with years of experience (like H) are working per-diem.

gabbymom

My younger son has been looking into a 2-year degree in turfgrass management, with the goal to be a golf course superintendant. They do quite well financially, and many schools have internships, and high rates of employment upon graduation.

skbryan

You can't "afford" a 4-year education? The Cal State school tuition is only $5k a year (if you're a california resident). I'm sure other state colleges in other states aren't that much either. You make more money with a bachelor's degree.

spideygirl

Become an entrepreneur. When you are very interested in something, do you work hard? You do not need a four year degree to become extremely successful in business (although I do recommend gradually getting one at a CC at least - one class at a time is very affordable).

Don't get scared off by insecurities or naysayers. If your first business fails or is mediocre, start a different one. Many successful business people suffered a number of false starts. You don't need a perfect personality, investment money, a rich dad, connections, some amazing invention, or anything special at all other than a strong desire and work ethic.

If this appeals to you (obviously don't do it if it doesn't), go to your local library and start learning for free. Talk to the reference librarian for direction. Check out Entrepreneur magazine. Read bios of other people like yourself. How they did it. Do not be scammed by pyramid marketing schemes. Look that up and prepare yourself to say NO.

Should you decide to go this route, you are an automatic patriot because (unless you are a sole proprietor) you will be a JOB CREATOR. Thank you in advance for that, on behalf of all Americans. Someday, you may give a job to some smart Harvard or Yale grad. Be prepared to be bitter over taxes. When you start making some good cash, some will call you "rich" even though at that point you will likely have a ton in debt and everything you own on the line. You will likely be working eighty hours a week, but having the time of your life. Some folks who have not risked everything and work forty will want your money redistributed to them. Take up meditation and exercise regularly (and vote for people who understand that slamming job creators like you, making it impossible for them to reinvest and create more jobs, is bad for the economy).