Oprah Winfrey once said education is the key to unlocking the world, a passport to freedom. Jud Apatow said college is the reward for surviving high school. In twenty twenty one, the total undergraduate enrollment at a degree granting post secondary institution in the US was fifteen point four million students. That's according to the data from the National Center of Education Statistics.

Oprah Winfrey once said education is the key to unlocking the world, a passport to freedom. Jud Apatow said college is the reward for surviving high school. In twenty twenty one, the total undergraduate enrollment at a degree granting post secondary institution in the US was fifteen point four million students. That's according to the data from the National Center of Education Statistics.

That's a lot of people rewarded for surviving high school.

That's a lot of people rewarded for surviving high school.

While enrollment is expected to increase by nine percent in the next eight to ten years, the number of new college students in the fall of twenty twenty one was about three percent lower than twenty twenty enrollment and fifteen percent lower than the enrollment numbers for fall of twenty ten. Perhaps that's because a traditional four year college doesn't have to be the path for everyone. In fact, while enrollment in college declined, some trade schools have reported seeing an increase in enrollment during that time. Based on data from the US Department of Labor and Bureau of Labor Statistics of the three hundred and ninety one thy twenty to twenty nine year olds who graduated between January and October of twenty twenty two, with an associate's degree, seventy two point six percent found employment isn't employment the biggest reward of them all? The ability to have financial freedom to miss Winfrey's point, education in any form greatly improves our chances of gaining employment opportunities and our chance to learn and explore the world around us. In our last episode, we talked about the many ways to save and pay for college, like opening a five to two nine savings account, But how do we know of going to a four year college after high school? Is the best path for us or the students in our lives In a culture of gap years and rapidly advancing technology, the options are limitless for anyone graduating high school. But are some directions better than others? And if it's an associate's degree instead of a bachelor's degree, will something like a five to two nine still cover that? We'll find out together, So start taking notes because this is stuff, Hey everyone, this is grown up stuff. How to Adult the show where we make sense of the many parts of adulthood, one topic at a time. As always, I am Mollie and I am joined by my co host and college graduate Matt. I want to welcome you all back for a special Part two on continuing education in partnership with the Michigan Education Savings Program and Edvest in Wisconsin. Matt, last episode, we talked about how to save and pay for college, but this week we are going to take a look at all of the ways you can continue your education beyond high school. So, Matt, I want you to close your eyes and I want you to imagine the future you are now. Papa Matt and your ten babas are Beabase nombour and some of them are torn about what their future holds post high school.

While enrollment is expected to increase by nine percent in the next eight to ten years, the number of new college students in the fall of twenty twenty one was about three percent lower than twenty twenty enrollment and fifteen percent lower than the enrollment numbers for fall of twenty ten. Perhaps that's because a traditional four year college doesn't have to be the path for everyone. In fact, while enrollment in college declined, some trade schools have reported seeing an increase in enrollment during that time. Based on data from the US Department of Labor and Bureau of Labor Statistics of the three hundred and ninety one thy twenty to twenty nine year olds who graduated between January and October of twenty twenty two, with an associate's degree, seventy two point six percent found employment isn't employment the biggest reward of them all? The ability to have financial freedom to miss Winfrey's point, education in any form greatly improves our chances of gaining employment opportunities and our chance to learn and explore the world around us. In our last episode, we talked about the many ways to save and pay for college, like opening a five to two nine savings account, But how do we know of going to a four year college after high school? Is the best path for us or the students in our lives In a culture of gap years and rapidly advancing technology, the options are limitless for anyone graduating high school. But are some directions better than others? And if it's an associate's degree instead of a bachelor's degree, will something like a five to two nine still cover that? We'll find out together, So start taking notes because this is stuff, Hey everyone, this is grown up stuff. How to Adult the show where we make sense of the many parts of adulthood, one topic at a time. As always, I am Mollie and I am joined by my co host and college graduate Matt. I want to welcome you all back for a special Part two on continuing education in partnership with the Michigan Education Savings Program and Edvest in Wisconsin. Matt, last episode, we talked about how to save and pay for college, but this week we are going to take a look at all of the ways you can continue your education beyond high school. So, Matt, I want you to close your eyes and I want you to imagine the future you are now. Papa Matt and your ten babas are Beabase nombour and some of them are torn about what their future holds post high school.

And I know.

And I know.

You have a lot of thoughts about college looking back at your own career and your time at school. Will you advise them to seek out a bachelor's as you have done.

You have a lot of thoughts about college looking back at your own career and your time at school. Will you advise them to seek out a bachelor's as you have done.

You had to make it ten. You couldn't have just said.

You had to make it ten. You couldn't have just said.

You know what, because I think you'll be a great father.

You know what, because I think you'll be a great father.

Okay, So my eyes are closed. There's definitely not to have ten servative number. There's maybe one, but I think it'll ultimately depend on what kind of person they are, you know, like if they're super driven and they have a clear idea of what they want to do that requires school, I'm thinking, like, you know, a doctor or a lawyer, you know, go to school or you know, take a gap year, I trust you. If they're someone who needs guidance and maybe structure will benefit them, you know, community college until they have a better idea of what they want to do. If they're super passionate about a field where a degree isn't entirely necessary, like the arts, and they have a good head on their shoulders, I'd say, maybe just go do that for a while until you can find your footing professionally or or learn as you work your way into an industry. I'd maybe tell them that you can have a really stable and long career by going to trade school and learning something in incredibly useful. So I'm really conflicted, and I do think it would entirely depend on the person.

Okay, So my eyes are closed. There's definitely not to have ten servative number. There's maybe one, but I think it'll ultimately depend on what kind of person they are, you know, like if they're super driven and they have a clear idea of what they want to do that requires school, I'm thinking, like, you know, a doctor or a lawyer, you know, go to school or you know, take a gap year, I trust you. If they're someone who needs guidance and maybe structure will benefit them, you know, community college until they have a better idea of what they want to do. If they're super passionate about a field where a degree isn't entirely necessary, like the arts, and they have a good head on their shoulders, I'd say, maybe just go do that for a while until you can find your footing professionally or or learn as you work your way into an industry. I'd maybe tell them that you can have a really stable and long career by going to trade school and learning something in incredibly useful. So I'm really conflicted, and I do think it would entirely depend on the person.

Yeah, You're right to be conflicted and feel complicated, because I think it's such a tough thing to predict, right, Like you want to be supportive and you want to but you also want to help put somebody on the right track, like on the best path forward for them.

Yeah, You're right to be conflicted and feel complicated, because I think it's such a tough thing to predict, right, Like you want to be supportive and you want to but you also want to help put somebody on the right track, like on the best path forward for them.

Yeah.

Yeah.

For me, I went to undergrad for one thing and then completely changed careers. And in that case, grad school really helped me change careers and I don't regret growing to grad school at all. We have a colleague who did trade school for audio engineering, and y'all she is Emmy nominated.

For me, I went to undergrad for one thing and then completely changed careers. And in that case, grad school really helped me change careers and I don't regret growing to grad school at all. We have a colleague who did trade school for audio engineering, and y'all she is Emmy nominated.

Emmy nominated Sierra Spreen.

Emmy nominated Sierra Spreen.

So you know she's doing great.

So you know she's doing great.

We're going to talk about all of these options today with some familiar voices.

We're going to talk about all of these options today with some familiar voices.

That's right. We are excited to welcome Robin Lott and Jackie James back to grown up stuff. Last episode, they taught us about our options when it comes to financing higher ed and introduced us to the five twenty nine Savings Plan, a savings account designed to grow your savings for higher education.

That's right. We are excited to welcome Robin Lott and Jackie James back to grown up stuff. Last episode, they taught us about our options when it comes to financing higher ed and introduced us to the five twenty nine Savings Plan, a savings account designed to grow your savings for higher education.

Today day, we're going to ask Robin and Jackie how important higher education is, how we determine which option is right for us, and if a five two nine will cover some of these alternatives to a bachelor's degree program. Jackie and Robin, thank you both for joining us again for this special part two episode where we're continuing to talk about education, higher education post high school and what our options are. I know, Matt, you have a very important question that you want to start us off with.

Today day, we're going to ask Robin and Jackie how important higher education is, how we determine which option is right for us, and if a five two nine will cover some of these alternatives to a bachelor's degree program. Jackie and Robin, thank you both for joining us again for this special part two episode where we're continuing to talk about education, higher education post high school and what our options are. I know, Matt, you have a very important question that you want to start us off with.

Yeah, and Robin and you and I were talking about this a little bit before we all hopped on. But basically Molly and I both went to four year universities. I think I'm very thankful for the fact that I went to a four year university, but I now work in audio, which is entirely not what I studied in school. And so basically what I'm trying to get here is, you know, what is the point of college? What is it giving us that we can't necessarily get from on the job training.

Yeah, and Robin and you and I were talking about this a little bit before we all hopped on. But basically Molly and I both went to four year universities. I think I'm very thankful for the fact that I went to a four year university, but I now work in audio, which is entirely not what I studied in school. And so basically what I'm trying to get here is, you know, what is the point of college? What is it giving us that we can't necessarily get from on the job training.

I'll just start out by saying, it really depends on the career path that you've chosen and what is your dream. I mean, if you want to be a dentist, you're going to need that formal training at a university. If you want to be an engineer, or a doctor or a teacher, there's many careers out there that you're going to need that piece of paper for otherwise you will not be able to be hired.

I'll just start out by saying, it really depends on the career path that you've chosen and what is your dream. I mean, if you want to be a dentist, you're going to need that formal training at a university. If you want to be an engineer, or a doctor or a teacher, there's many careers out there that you're going to need that piece of paper for otherwise you will not be able to be hired.

Yeah, So a four year college in some cases is kind of an experience. They work to develop people, and it kind of has a couple of objectives. First of all, of course, a college specifically is for a broad based education, but also the classes that you have to take foster critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills that are also very important in a professional setting. Something really important, really no one ever talks about is networking opportunities, and for year colleges, they are just unparalleled. Studies have shown that can distantly over their lifetime. College graduates tend to earn more than those with a high school diploma, so this earnings gap can be substantial, with some estimates suggesting that college graduates can earn up to one point two million dollars more over their careers.

Yeah, So a four year college in some cases is kind of an experience. They work to develop people, and it kind of has a couple of objectives. First of all, of course, a college specifically is for a broad based education, but also the classes that you have to take foster critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills that are also very important in a professional setting. Something really important, really no one ever talks about is networking opportunities, and for year colleges, they are just unparalleled. Studies have shown that can distantly over their lifetime. College graduates tend to earn more than those with a high school diploma, so this earnings gap can be substantial, with some estimates suggesting that college graduates can earn up to one point two million dollars more over their careers.

Robert, I want to post this question to you because you have this amazing experience working with higher education in Michigan. Do you see any changes around the value of a college degree? Does it mean as much today as it once did? Or is the market because there's so many people graduating from college, is the market almost saturated with bachelor's degrees.

Robert, I want to post this question to you because you have this amazing experience working with higher education in Michigan. Do you see any changes around the value of a college degree? Does it mean as much today as it once did? Or is the market because there's so many people graduating from college, is the market almost saturated with bachelor's degrees.

I'd like to think not simply because as time goes on, people are falling out of the market. Okay, so I'm close to retirement age. I'm going to free up a space for someone else to fill that gap. As industries evolve, there's you're going to always be a need, I think for college graduates, and that opportunity, if you will, for people to succeed and advance in whatever field they're interested in. I don't really see it falling off. And again, every time there's a survey taken, I swear to you, families say pretty much the same thing. And I've been in this field for quite a while now. I remember surveys back in nineteen ninety something and they said families value higher education. There's earning potential. Back then, it was a one million dollar difference between a high school graduate and someone who had a college degree. And there was still a lot of opportunities for people with a college degree to earn a good living. And I still see that today, you know, thirty years later, where it really hasn't changed that much.

I'd like to think not simply because as time goes on, people are falling out of the market. Okay, so I'm close to retirement age. I'm going to free up a space for someone else to fill that gap. As industries evolve, there's you're going to always be a need, I think for college graduates, and that opportunity, if you will, for people to succeed and advance in whatever field they're interested in. I don't really see it falling off. And again, every time there's a survey taken, I swear to you, families say pretty much the same thing. And I've been in this field for quite a while now. I remember surveys back in nineteen ninety something and they said families value higher education. There's earning potential. Back then, it was a one million dollar difference between a high school graduate and someone who had a college degree. And there was still a lot of opportunities for people with a college degree to earn a good living. And I still see that today, you know, thirty years later, where it really hasn't changed that much.

Also something to note, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, during COVID nineteen, workers with a high school diploma took a big hit on their job ups.

Also something to note, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, during COVID nineteen, workers with a high school diploma took a big hit on their job ups.

The unemployment rate.

The unemployment rate.

With people that have just a high school diploma was seventeen point six percent.

With people that have just a high school diploma was seventeen point six percent.

However, for college graduates it was eight point four percent. Wow, something to note there.

However, for college graduates it was eight point four percent. Wow, something to note there.

You go, clearly there's still a lot of value in completing a bachelor's program today. However, in a US News and World report article it identified that roughly one in four freshmen don't return for their sophomore year of college. If college is the route we should take, how do we know we're ready for it? Is there a master checklist somewhere we can use to make sure we're prepared or to analyze our likelihood of dropping out.

You go, clearly there's still a lot of value in completing a bachelor's program today. However, in a US News and World report article it identified that roughly one in four freshmen don't return for their sophomore year of college. If college is the route we should take, how do we know we're ready for it? Is there a master checklist somewhere we can use to make sure we're prepared or to analyze our likelihood of dropping out.

I kind of came up with my own mental checklist. First of all, academic preparedness college. Of course, at the end of the day we talked about it. It's about the education and academics. So have you consistently performed well in your course work in high school or previous education, and have you met the academic requirements for the college or program. If not, maybe we reevaluate and take a gap year or decide to go to community college.

I kind of came up with my own mental checklist. First of all, academic preparedness college. Of course, at the end of the day we talked about it. It's about the education and academics. So have you consistently performed well in your course work in high school or previous education, and have you met the academic requirements for the college or program. If not, maybe we reevaluate and take a gap year or decide to go to community college.

Was absolutely fine.

Was absolutely fine.

Second of all, clarify your career goals and consider the specific degree or program you want. However, just make sure when you're thinking about these to give yourself some flexibility that, Okay, I might decide to pivot and change my major after freshman year.

Second of all, clarify your career goals and consider the specific degree or program you want. However, just make sure when you're thinking about these to give yourself some flexibility that, Okay, I might decide to pivot and change my major after freshman year.

And remember that it's okay to change.

And remember that it's okay to change.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Oh, that's the whole premise of growing up and becoming adults, is that we do change. So you know, Matt and I were talking a little bit earlier about the fact that you can always have a backup plan as well. But really the main thing on that list that Jackie laid out is trying to identify that career you want. What do you want to be when you grow up? Right, That's the biggest question. And to the extent that you can identify that early on, it could save you some time and money, because you're right, you could end up going down one path and deciding you don't like that and then changing your major. But now you've spent all this money on some classes that may not apply to the new major you've decided, So taking a gap year might be okay. It really is a personal decision. But understanding that it's going to take discipline if you take that gap year, take discipline to get back on the horse.

Oh, that's the whole premise of growing up and becoming adults, is that we do change. So you know, Matt and I were talking a little bit earlier about the fact that you can always have a backup plan as well. But really the main thing on that list that Jackie laid out is trying to identify that career you want. What do you want to be when you grow up? Right, That's the biggest question. And to the extent that you can identify that early on, it could save you some time and money, because you're right, you could end up going down one path and deciding you don't like that and then changing your major. But now you've spent all this money on some classes that may not apply to the new major you've decided, So taking a gap year might be okay. It really is a personal decision. But understanding that it's going to take discipline if you take that gap year, take discipline to get back on the horse.

That's something to consider too.

That's something to consider too.

Molly.

Molly.

There's two things I want to say. First of all, we need to consider our financial considerations when it comes to absolutely getting education, and of course you can use a five to two nine plan to start saving for college too. But last thing that I think that we haven't really talked about is evaluate your personal readiness. You need to reflect on your personal maturity level, emotional resilience, ability to handle potential stress and challenges that come with college life. And if that's not the case, maybe you decide to stay home and commute into college, or decide to do community college and ease into that transition instead of just going from high school to a four year staying there college and that's okay too.

There's two things I want to say. First of all, we need to consider our financial considerations when it comes to absolutely getting education, and of course you can use a five to two nine plan to start saving for college too. But last thing that I think that we haven't really talked about is evaluate your personal readiness. You need to reflect on your personal maturity level, emotional resilience, ability to handle potential stress and challenges that come with college life. And if that's not the case, maybe you decide to stay home and commute into college, or decide to do community college and ease into that transition instead of just going from high school to a four year staying there college and that's okay too.

Or alternatively, go ahead into a trade while you're trying to make that decision. What a perfect backup or primary career and we are in constant need of folks to do that as well.

Or alternatively, go ahead into a trade while you're trying to make that decision. What a perfect backup or primary career and we are in constant need of folks to do that as well.

Yeah, absolutely, and you might start that trade earlier or sooner to your point, Jackie, start that five twenty nine account, and then you're able to put more money in. And if you change your mind and want to go get a bachelor's degree later in life, there's that option, and you've already started saving in your five twenty nine. Absolutely, While your academic record is a good indication of your readiness for college, there's also your maturity and emotional preparedness to consider. For many, college is the first time you're living on your own and responsible for your own decisions, like making sure you actually go to class and that you study for the midterms, all while balancing living with a roommate and experiencing campus life. But fretno, because there are a lot of great options if you're not ready for for your bachelor's program. For starters, you could take a gap year work and travel while you save money before that first tuition payment. There's also trade schools and community colleges. Plus there are also different types of universities that may better.

Yeah, absolutely, and you might start that trade earlier or sooner to your point, Jackie, start that five twenty nine account, and then you're able to put more money in. And if you change your mind and want to go get a bachelor's degree later in life, there's that option, and you've already started saving in your five twenty nine. Absolutely, While your academic record is a good indication of your readiness for college, there's also your maturity and emotional preparedness to consider. For many, college is the first time you're living on your own and responsible for your own decisions, like making sure you actually go to class and that you study for the midterms, all while balancing living with a roommate and experiencing campus life. But fretno, because there are a lot of great options if you're not ready for for your bachelor's program. For starters, you could take a gap year work and travel while you save money before that first tuition payment. There's also trade schools and community colleges. Plus there are also different types of universities that may better.

Suit your learning needs.

Suit your learning needs.

What are all of our different options for education after high school? And if we are looking at pursuing a bachelor's program, can you explain the difference between attending a private university versus a public state school.

What are all of our different options for education after high school? And if we are looking at pursuing a bachelor's program, can you explain the difference between attending a private university versus a public state school.

So you have your trade schools obviously technical schools. You have your community colleges they basically provide an associate's degree, and then you have your public universities.

So you have your trade schools obviously technical schools. You have your community colleges they basically provide an associate's degree, and then you have your public universities.

You have your private universities.

You have your private universities.

And the difference between your public and private is that the public universities usually receive some type of state appropriation to help with their operational cost versus a private institution that's solely private. I mean they are funding their institutions based on donations from alumni, from funds, that's being raised from the student's tuition, So you're going to see the tuition at a public school be about half the cost of a tuition that's at a private school that's in state.

And the difference between your public and private is that the public universities usually receive some type of state appropriation to help with their operational cost versus a private institution that's solely private. I mean they are funding their institutions based on donations from alumni, from funds, that's being raised from the student's tuition, So you're going to see the tuition at a public school be about half the cost of a tuition that's at a private school that's in state.

And I just wanted to talk about kind of the levels of college degrees. You have certificate programs which are kind of short term and they focus on specific skills in a particular field. You have associates degrees, which are typically two years and offer kind of a foundational knowledge in a particular field, and you can get that through a community college, and some four year colleges offer associates degrees. Of course, everybody talks about a bachelor's degree, which is typically four years and offers comprehensive education and a chosen major. You have a master's degree, which I'm very familiar with unfortunately, which focuses on a specialized study and research within a specific discipline, and that's often one to two years, depending And then, of course your doctoral degrees, which is the highest level of academic degrees, and that involves an in depth research and original contributions to a field of study. And that just I can't even tell you how long that is.

And I just wanted to talk about kind of the levels of college degrees. You have certificate programs which are kind of short term and they focus on specific skills in a particular field. You have associates degrees, which are typically two years and offer kind of a foundational knowledge in a particular field, and you can get that through a community college, and some four year colleges offer associates degrees. Of course, everybody talks about a bachelor's degree, which is typically four years and offers comprehensive education and a chosen major. You have a master's degree, which I'm very familiar with unfortunately, which focuses on a specialized study and research within a specific discipline, and that's often one to two years, depending And then, of course your doctoral degrees, which is the highest level of academic degrees, and that involves an in depth research and original contributions to a field of study. And that just I can't even tell you how long that is.

That varies.

That varies.

I want to go back to the private versus public college situation really quickly, and we talked a little bit about what drives the cost public is because it's state funded private, it's getting everything from private donors and tuition. What is the attraction to going to a private over a public university?

I want to go back to the private versus public college situation really quickly, and we talked a little bit about what drives the cost public is because it's state funded private, it's getting everything from private donors and tuition. What is the attraction to going to a private over a public university?

They tend to have smaller student populations.

They tend to have smaller student populations.

I was going to say that it's a more intimate environment.

I was going to say that it's a more intimate environment.

Yep, and more personalized attention than public schools.

Yep, and more personalized attention than public schools.

Yeap.

Yeap.

They'll have a smaller class size.

They'll have a smaller class size.

Instead of one hundred students in a class, they might only have thirty or thirty five students in a class, and so they can get more attention that way as well.

Instead of one hundred students in a class, they might only have thirty or thirty five students in a class, and so they can get more attention that way as well.

Mine. I were going back and forth on this, but like when you hear, at least for me, like when you hear someone like, oh I went to Yale, Oh I went to Harvard.

Mine. I were going back and forth on this, but like when you hear, at least for me, like when you hear someone like, oh I went to Yale, Oh I went to Harvard.

It's prestigious.

It's prestigious.

I'm like, I'm impressed, you know, so, like is the name really worth the price of admission?

I'm like, I'm impressed, you know, so, like is the name really worth the price of admission?

Though?

Though?

I will make this very clear, there are the prestigious schools Yale, Harvard, IVY League, IVY League, and then there's everything else. Both are awesome. Any education in general, first of all wonderful, but In my experience, no one cares where you get an education from.

I will make this very clear, there are the prestigious schools Yale, Harvard, IVY League, IVY League, and then there's everything else. Both are awesome. Any education in general, first of all wonderful, but In my experience, no one cares where you get an education from.

So those Ivy.

So those Ivy.

League schools do hold prestige and they might get you more networking and more jobs. However, University of South Carolina comparatively to Charleston College, unless I'm making new networking opportunities or the person that's hiring me went to the University of South Carolina. In my experience, I haven't had any advantages over the name of the school.

League schools do hold prestige and they might get you more networking and more jobs. However, University of South Carolina comparatively to Charleston College, unless I'm making new networking opportunities or the person that's hiring me went to the University of South Carolina. In my experience, I haven't had any advantages over the name of the school.

So it matters about your networking.

So it matters about your networking.

It matters about your your skills, your communication, your hard work, ethic.

It matters about your your skills, your communication, your hard work, ethic.

And your professors too, and there's a way to do both. Also, Like I know a lot of people who will like go to like a community college for two years, and they're generally they have partnership programs with like a like a larger school.

And your professors too, and there's a way to do both. Also, Like I know a lot of people who will like go to like a community college for two years, and they're generally they have partnership programs with like a like a larger school.

And that for your degree is just as valuable even though they went two years to community college. Two years to four year college, that's just as valuable.

And that for your degree is just as valuable even though they went two years to community college. Two years to four year college, that's just as valuable.

Absolutely, So we've really weighed the pros and cons of four year colleges. So you know, let's say that we've made the decision for ourselves that a traditional for your university experience is not necessarily what is going to be the best for us. What are the other options? I know we've talked about trade school, vocational school. Could you guys get into those a little bit more and tell us really what the other options out there are for people?

Absolutely, So we've really weighed the pros and cons of four year colleges. So you know, let's say that we've made the decision for ourselves that a traditional for your university experience is not necessarily what is going to be the best for us. What are the other options? I know we've talked about trade school, vocational school. Could you guys get into those a little bit more and tell us really what the other options out there are for people?

Absolutely so, your trade in technical schools could take you down the path of many, many different things. It's amazing how many different careers could be considered just vocational training. And going back to what Matt was talking about, you could just get an internship and learn the skill right, yeah, and go right to work.

Absolutely so, your trade in technical schools could take you down the path of many, many different things. It's amazing how many different careers could be considered just vocational training. And going back to what Matt was talking about, you could just get an internship and learn the skill right, yeah, and go right to work.

And actually, for my own edification, we've thrown this word around a bunch and actually I don't think I know what it means when we talk about vocational schools. What exactly is that?

And actually, for my own edification, we've thrown this word around a bunch and actually I don't think I know what it means when we talk about vocational schools. What exactly is that?

And is that different than like a training school or a technical school or are they all the same.

And is that different than like a training school or a technical school or are they all the same.

Yeah, it's basically the same thing. But like trade technical vocational schools, they all.

Yeah, it's basically the same thing. But like trade technical vocational schools, they all.

Focus on teaching a specific skill for particular industries like automotive repair, welding, medical assistance. They typically, comparatively to like a college education, offer shorter programs that could be completed in like a little as a couple of months to a couple of years, making them quicker and more affordable way to jumpstart your career after high school.

Focus on teaching a specific skill for particular industries like automotive repair, welding, medical assistance. They typically, comparatively to like a college education, offer shorter programs that could be completed in like a little as a couple of months to a couple of years, making them quicker and more affordable way to jumpstart your career after high school.

We've been talking about trade, technical, vocational. Let's go to associates, you know, community college. What is the real difference between an associate's degree and a bachelor's degree.

We've been talking about trade, technical, vocational. Let's go to associates, you know, community college. What is the real difference between an associate's degree and a bachelor's degree.

Associate's degree is just your two year program. There's many degrees you can get that just require just the two year work. Right, Earnings wise, you're going to make a little less than if you have a bachelor's degree.

Associate's degree is just your two year program. There's many degrees you can get that just require just the two year work. Right, Earnings wise, you're going to make a little less than if you have a bachelor's degree.

Yeah, and it's offered by community colleges, technical colleges, and some universities like we just talked about earlier. It could also be more cost effective for those who want to enter the job market sooner with a specialized level of knowledge.

Yeah, and it's offered by community colleges, technical colleges, and some universities like we just talked about earlier. It could also be more cost effective for those who want to enter the job market sooner with a specialized level of knowledge.

Exactly are you seeing people go the associate's degree first to get some of those gen ed credits even out of the way, and then kind of graduating to a bachelor's degree.

Exactly are you seeing people go the associate's degree first to get some of those gen ed credits even out of the way, and then kind of graduating to a bachelor's degree.

Is that becoming more common at all?

Is that becoming more common at all?

Almost becoming more common now is dual enrollment. We are now having high schools offer opportunities for students to take college credit at the local community college while they're in high school. And guess what, it's free of charge, so that when they get to the college. The college accepts that credit toward their graduation, and I think that we're seeing a whole lot more of that now that states are offering it.

Almost becoming more common now is dual enrollment. We are now having high schools offer opportunities for students to take college credit at the local community college while they're in high school. And guess what, it's free of charge, so that when they get to the college. The college accepts that credit toward their graduation, and I think that we're seeing a whole lot more of that now that states are offering it.

I know here in Michigan they're offering it quite a bit.

I know here in Michigan they're offering it quite a bit.

I would imagine if you can get a lot of those college credits out of the way, you might even be able to shorten the length of time.

I would imagine if you can get a lot of those college credits out of the way, you might even be able to shorten the length of time.

There you go.

There you go.

And that's at the end of the day, as many classes as you can take. And I just was school and my grandson about this the other day, because he's going to junior high this year, and I said to him, when you get to that high school door, the first thing you do is look up ap classes and dual enrollment, because that is going to allow you to reduce the amount that that degree is going to ultimately cost.

And that's at the end of the day, as many classes as you can take. And I just was school and my grandson about this the other day, because he's going to junior high this year, and I said to him, when you get to that high school door, the first thing you do is look up ap classes and dual enrollment, because that is going to allow you to reduce the amount that that degree is going to ultimately cost.

You.

You.

Think about it.

Think about it.

If you can take ten credits in high school and it requires sixty credits or a degree, now I only have to pay for fifty credits, So it could greatly reduce the cost of your college career if you can take some credits in your high school that apply to college.

If you can take ten credits in high school and it requires sixty credits or a degree, now I only have to pay for fifty credits, So it could greatly reduce the cost of your college career if you can take some credits in your high school that apply to college.

We'll be right back with more grown up stuff how to adult.

We'll be right back with more grown up stuff how to adult.

After a quick break.

After a quick break.

And we're back with more grown up stuff how to adults. I'll say it again, there are a lot of different options for recent high school graduates to continue their education, but there are also options for people after they graduate from college. While we all know that doctors and lawyers understandably go on to medical school and law school, how can graduate school benefit those of us with an English degree? For me personally, grad school was an essential part of changing career paths. For other occupations like educators, postgrad credits and degrees are important and often required to keeping credentials up to date and moving up and salary.

And we're back with more grown up stuff how to adults. I'll say it again, there are a lot of different options for recent high school graduates to continue their education, but there are also options for people after they graduate from college. While we all know that doctors and lawyers understandably go on to medical school and law school, how can graduate school benefit those of us with an English degree? For me personally, grad school was an essential part of changing career paths. For other occupations like educators, postgrad credits and degrees are important and often required to keeping credentials up to date and moving up and salary.

There are several advantages that graduate school have over just bachelor's degrees, which, mind you, just bachelor's degree or any education is wonderful, And I keep telling you that because I want to make it clear that any education is wonderful. But graduate degrees provide a couple of advantages specialization, of course, career advancement.

There are several advantages that graduate school have over just bachelor's degrees, which, mind you, just bachelor's degree or any education is wonderful, And I keep telling you that because I want to make it clear that any education is wonderful. But graduate degrees provide a couple of advantages specialization, of course, career advancement.

That's pretty much the main.

That's pretty much the main.

Goal of a lot of people when it comes to getting a master's degree or going to grad school, because in certain fields a master's degree is required, or it enhances your opportunity for career advancement and higher level positions. It also, just like a high school degree to a bachelor's degree, there's also increased earning potential comparatively to just having a bachelor's degree. On average, individuals with a master's degree tend to earn higher salaries than just those with a bachelor's. It also provides competitive edge and also something that a lot of people don't talk about. You can also get your master's in a different field.

Goal of a lot of people when it comes to getting a master's degree or going to grad school, because in certain fields a master's degree is required, or it enhances your opportunity for career advancement and higher level positions. It also, just like a high school degree to a bachelor's degree, there's also increased earning potential comparatively to just having a bachelor's degree. On average, individuals with a master's degree tend to earn higher salaries than just those with a bachelor's. It also provides competitive edge and also something that a lot of people don't talk about. You can also get your master's in a different field.

Yeah, that's actually I mean, that is exactly what I did.

Yeah, that's actually I mean, that is exactly what I did.

I was a teacher and I went to grad school for journalism to get into the media space. For me, when I decided I wanted to leave teaching, an important path for me to really transition was to go to grad school and make that.

I was a teacher and I went to grad school for journalism to get into the media space. For me, when I decided I wanted to leave teaching, an important path for me to really transition was to go to grad school and make that.

Switch become doctor Molly.

Switch become doctor Molly.

I become doctor Molly. According to Matt, I do not have a PhD. Obviously, Matt and I are just kidding here and we both know that I have a master's and not a PhD. But for our listeners, can you lay out the key differences between those two degree programs.

I become doctor Molly. According to Matt, I do not have a PhD. Obviously, Matt and I are just kidding here and we both know that I have a master's and not a PhD. But for our listeners, can you lay out the key differences between those two degree programs.

The level of education and the field you work in.

The level of education and the field you work in.

So a master's degree typically takes one to two years, a PhD takes much longer than that. Depending on the program, So it just kind of depends. Like a PhD is typically necessary to attain expertise in a specialized area or to conduct advanced research like in academia medicine of course, science and engineering, psychology, law, and social sciences like anthropology and political science.

So a master's degree typically takes one to two years, a PhD takes much longer than that. Depending on the program, So it just kind of depends. Like a PhD is typically necessary to attain expertise in a specialized area or to conduct advanced research like in academia medicine of course, science and engineering, psychology, law, and social sciences like anthropology and political science.

But like we were talking.

But like we were talking.

Before, it's just a level higher than master's degree.

Before, it's just a level higher than master's degree.

So if my job offers like continuing education, stipends or credits to its employees, is a master's degree program like the best way to take advantage of that?

So if my job offers like continuing education, stipends or credits to its employees, is a master's degree program like the best way to take advantage of that?

Well, in my experience, that's what I did. So I work for a company that offered tuition reimbursement, so I didn't pay very much out of pocket to get my master's degree. So, first of all, if you have that opportunity with your job, I absolutely would take that opportunity and run with it, because it's not something that most people offer, you know, like, that's a very excellent opportunity for you to advance your higher education. But I would recommend, and this is just from my experience, make sure you consider relevance and if it aligns with your career goals. The time commitment I didn't realize going back to school on top of a full time job, your life, children, house, that's very difficult to balance work and studies and personal life, So just be aware of that if you are considering taking that opportunity and long term benefits of course, Like for me, I really thought about my career advancement, my salary growth, and job satisfaction when I was considering going back to school for my master's degree.

Well, in my experience, that's what I did. So I work for a company that offered tuition reimbursement, so I didn't pay very much out of pocket to get my master's degree. So, first of all, if you have that opportunity with your job, I absolutely would take that opportunity and run with it, because it's not something that most people offer, you know, like, that's a very excellent opportunity for you to advance your higher education. But I would recommend, and this is just from my experience, make sure you consider relevance and if it aligns with your career goals. The time commitment I didn't realize going back to school on top of a full time job, your life, children, house, that's very difficult to balance work and studies and personal life, So just be aware of that if you are considering taking that opportunity and long term benefits of course, Like for me, I really thought about my career advancement, my salary growth, and job satisfaction when I was considering going back to school for my master's degree.

That's great, and you mentioned certificate programs. I'm seeing more and more universities offering things called continuing education programs that seem to be designed for working professionals. What exactly are these how do they differ from a master degree or a PhD program?

That's great, and you mentioned certificate programs. I'm seeing more and more universities offering things called continuing education programs that seem to be designed for working professionals. What exactly are these how do they differ from a master degree or a PhD program?

Continuing education programs are educational offerings that are provided by universities to help people acquire new skills, update their existing knowledge, and.

Continuing education programs are educational offerings that are provided by universities to help people acquire new skills, update their existing knowledge, and.

Stay current in their fields.

Stay current in their fields.

They're designed for adult learning and have topics like professional development, language IT training, real estate education, HR training, and environmental sustainability. So all of these things are just certificate programs that are really short term comparatively to a master's degree or PhD program, which are more long term at least one to two years for master's degree and the PhD.

They're designed for adult learning and have topics like professional development, language IT training, real estate education, HR training, and environmental sustainability. So all of these things are just certificate programs that are really short term comparatively to a master's degree or PhD program, which are more long term at least one to two years for master's degree and the PhD.

Program, depending on the program. I can't give you.

Program, depending on the program. I can't give you.

An exact year, Jackie, seeing as you know your background is with ed Vest and their five twenty nine plans. How much of what we've talked about today can we cover with a five twenty nine savings account plan.

An exact year, Jackie, seeing as you know your background is with ed Vest and their five twenty nine plans. How much of what we've talked about today can we cover with a five twenty nine savings account plan.

That's an awesome question because with a five twenty nine you can use it for technical school, you can use it for apprenticeships, you can use it for four year college, you can use it for two year college, be continuing the education programs, and postgrad degrees programs. It just depends on if it's an accredited school. If you just search for the apprenticeship under the Federal School Code list on the US Department of Education's website, you can see if a five to nine covers it. If it says it's accredited, five two nines can cover it.

That's an awesome question because with a five twenty nine you can use it for technical school, you can use it for apprenticeships, you can use it for four year college, you can use it for two year college, be continuing the education programs, and postgrad degrees programs. It just depends on if it's an accredited school. If you just search for the apprenticeship under the Federal School Code list on the US Department of Education's website, you can see if a five to nine covers it. If it says it's accredited, five two nines can cover it.

And what about room and board for like all these vocational schools too, is that covered correct?

And what about room and board for like all these vocational schools too, is that covered correct?

Yes, anything that's an accredited school, that's tuition, room.

Yes, anything that's an accredited school, that's tuition, room.

And board, books, fees.

And board, books, fees.

Those are all qualified higher education expenses that you can use with your five to nine. There are some exceptions, but if you have any questions, you can always just reach out to your state plan or look at the program description. Literally just search atvest dot com program description and you can see everything that is covered under ADVEST five.

Those are all qualified higher education expenses that you can use with your five to nine. There are some exceptions, but if you have any questions, you can always just reach out to your state plan or look at the program description. Literally just search atvest dot com program description and you can see everything that is covered under ADVEST five.

Two nine and might those exceptions kind of like vary from state to state, so it's probably important to check, you know, with whatever state your five twenty nine plan is with, Yes, just.

Two nine and might those exceptions kind of like vary from state to state, so it's probably important to check, you know, with whatever state your five twenty nine plan is with, Yes, just.

Check your home state five twenty nine plan.

Check your home state five twenty nine plan.

This is huge because you know, as we were talking about, like you know, if you at all are thinking about going to school, thinking about your your higher education, being able to take advantage of these plans with tax advantages can be huge. You know, Molly, you and I talked about this last episode. Like, you know, if you see your paycheck, like if you get one thousand dollars a week, you know, all the taxes come out, you have like you know, five hundred six hundred dollars left. Imagine that you can just take that full thousand dollars, put it into a five twenty nine and use that to fund what you already want to do. Otherwise you're gonna be paying for it after tax. All right, that's not fun, correct. I'd never really put that together when I was younger, that like, because I guess I never really had I didn't have a job when I was younger, but I was like, how do you people pay for all these things? But like, if you could really just put that pre tax money and let it grow and take it out, you know, with qualifying expensive tax free, I mean that's amazing.

This is huge because you know, as we were talking about, like you know, if you at all are thinking about going to school, thinking about your your higher education, being able to take advantage of these plans with tax advantages can be huge. You know, Molly, you and I talked about this last episode. Like, you know, if you see your paycheck, like if you get one thousand dollars a week, you know, all the taxes come out, you have like you know, five hundred six hundred dollars left. Imagine that you can just take that full thousand dollars, put it into a five twenty nine and use that to fund what you already want to do. Otherwise you're gonna be paying for it after tax. All right, that's not fun, correct. I'd never really put that together when I was younger, that like, because I guess I never really had I didn't have a job when I was younger, but I was like, how do you people pay for all these things? But like, if you could really just put that pre tax money and let it grow and take it out, you know, with qualifying expensive tax free, I mean that's amazing.

Yes, I didn't understand when I was younger what a tax advantage account really meant. I'm like, great, I save what five percent or something, But then as an adult to having taxes taken out and then paying taxes and then realizing that that money can be reinvested into your account and you can have those tax savings on top of your contribution and have the potential to grow for a very long time and use compound earnings to grow that account over time.

Yes, I didn't understand when I was younger what a tax advantage account really meant. I'm like, great, I save what five percent or something, But then as an adult to having taxes taken out and then paying taxes and then realizing that that money can be reinvested into your account and you can have those tax savings on top of your contribution and have the potential to grow for a very long time and use compound earnings to grow that account over time.

That's huge.

That's huge.

Getting any level of education is going to help you in your career, but good academic performance and favorable grades are only part of the higher ed recipe. You'll also want to take part in opportunities outside of the classroom to network with people in your area of study. Joining professional clubs and finding volunteer opportunities could be a great way to make your experience more well rounded. Because once you get your degree, your certificate, it's all about me making that experience stand out. Robin, I'm also curious. I would love your thoughts on how you advise college students to make the most of that experience to make their resume and their experience stand out when they're in the workforce.

Getting any level of education is going to help you in your career, but good academic performance and favorable grades are only part of the higher ed recipe. You'll also want to take part in opportunities outside of the classroom to network with people in your area of study. Joining professional clubs and finding volunteer opportunities could be a great way to make your experience more well rounded. Because once you get your degree, your certificate, it's all about me making that experience stand out. Robin, I'm also curious. I would love your thoughts on how you advise college students to make the most of that experience to make their resume and their experience stand out when they're in the workforce.

Take a resume writing class, for crying out loud, because what you know, I'm from old school where you put everything in your resume.

Take a resume writing class, for crying out loud, because what you know, I'm from old school where you put everything in your resume.

Now not so much.

Now not so much.

You definitely want to learn how you can present yourself on paper in the best light possible. So I would start there with a resume writing class to make sure that you're capturing the best side of your experience on that piece of paper, and so that it's not too long, not too short, but can really show your skills as best you can.

You definitely want to learn how you can present yourself on paper in the best light possible. So I would start there with a resume writing class to make sure that you're capturing the best side of your experience on that piece of paper, and so that it's not too long, not too short, but can really show your skills as best you can.

I think you've just highlighted another episode we need to cover is resume writing. Yeah, but I'm curious should people start to really think about it's not just about my grade. I need to get involved in certain activities or clubs to really make that resume stand out.

I think you've just highlighted another episode we need to cover is resume writing. Yeah, but I'm curious should people start to really think about it's not just about my grade. I need to get involved in certain activities or clubs to really make that resume stand out.

Absolutely, it goes back to our discussion on networking. It is about your grades if you want to stay in college, right, But it doesn't you don't have to have that four point zero to graduate obviously, right, So you always want to strive for your best academically, but you'd also want to make sure that you are meeting people connecting those dots, learning how to communicate, learning how to be independent successful.

Absolutely, it goes back to our discussion on networking. It is about your grades if you want to stay in college, right, But it doesn't you don't have to have that four point zero to graduate obviously, right, So you always want to strive for your best academically, but you'd also want to make sure that you are meeting people connecting those dots, learning how to communicate, learning how to be independent successful.

Is there anything else that you feel like you want to kind of share in terms of all the different options and the different paths that people can take around education.

Is there anything else that you feel like you want to kind of share in terms of all the different options and the different paths that people can take around education.

Yes, I said this last time and I'll say it again. There is no one right way to do your education or your career. Your education is going to take you where it needs to go. And never feel the societal pressures that for your colleges are the right option, because that's not the case whatsoever. Do what's for you and evaluate what's best for your situation.

Yes, I said this last time and I'll say it again. There is no one right way to do your education or your career. Your education is going to take you where it needs to go. And never feel the societal pressures that for your colleges are the right option, because that's not the case whatsoever. Do what's for you and evaluate what's best for your situation.

And I think that's really important to hear because in all likelihood, this younger generation, including millennials and those entering the workforce now, will most likely experience multiple career changes throughout their life. Yeah, you know, like whether it's adapting to how quickly technology is changing or maximizing their salaries, are looking for new career challenges. But I think it's important to understand as early as possible that a career path is never a straight line, and that you know most likely you will encounter difficult moments in your career, but that pushing through them and moving forward is the only way you're going to grow personally and professionally, and that you'll be better off for it in the long run.

And I think that's really important to hear because in all likelihood, this younger generation, including millennials and those entering the workforce now, will most likely experience multiple career changes throughout their life. Yeah, you know, like whether it's adapting to how quickly technology is changing or maximizing their salaries, are looking for new career challenges. But I think it's important to understand as early as possible that a career path is never a straight line, and that you know most likely you will encounter difficult moments in your career, but that pushing through them and moving forward is the only way you're going to grow personally and professionally, and that you'll be better off for it in the long run.

Jackie and Robin, thank you so much for joining us once again. I feel like we have learned so much about what our options are if we decide to continue education after high school or even after college after our bachelors. So thank you once again for being here with us.

Jackie and Robin, thank you so much for joining us once again. I feel like we have learned so much about what our options are if we decide to continue education after high school or even after college after our bachelors. So thank you once again for being here with us.

Thank you guys so much. This was fantastic.

Thank you guys so much. This was fantastic.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I have had such a great time.

I have had such a great time.

I want to thank Robin and Jackie for joining us again on this episode. I think one of the most important takeaways, and we've said it a ton here today, is that there are a lot of options to explore after you graduate from high school, but more often than not, pursuing an education in any form is going to give you a leg up when it comes to building your career, whether it's going to a trade school, pursuing an associate's degree or a bachelor's, or going even further with a master's or a PhD program. Those certificates and degrees are going to help you learn more and grow your potential to earn more. Here's what else I've learned from this conversation with Robin and Jackie. The five to two nine savings plan will cover traditional four year colleges, trade schools, community colleges, and even graduate school programs as long as the institution you're enrolling in is accredited by the US Department of Education. A huge advantage of college can be the opportunity to network and grow as a person, But you want to make sure you're all ready for the time, commitment, academic rigor, and the emotional toll college could take on you. Dual study programs and advanced placement courses in high school are a great way to get a lot of your general education courses for college out of the way and even save you some money. Private schools are more expensive than the public state universities because they're funded completely by donors and students tuition and fees. State schools get a good amount of funding from their states, which offsets the operational costs and allows them to charge students less for tuition. However, private schools can offer a more intimate and personal learning environment with much smaller class sizes than the state schools. Finally, don't be afraid to change your mind, whether you complete an associate's degree and decide to go on to pursue a bachelor's or you have a bachelor's and you decide you want to change careers and go to grad school. I mean, that's what the undecided major is for in college. That is all for today's episode. What is our next stop on Grown Up Stuff How to Adults?

I want to thank Robin and Jackie for joining us again on this episode. I think one of the most important takeaways, and we've said it a ton here today, is that there are a lot of options to explore after you graduate from high school, but more often than not, pursuing an education in any form is going to give you a leg up when it comes to building your career, whether it's going to a trade school, pursuing an associate's degree or a bachelor's, or going even further with a master's or a PhD program. Those certificates and degrees are going to help you learn more and grow your potential to earn more. Here's what else I've learned from this conversation with Robin and Jackie. The five to two nine savings plan will cover traditional four year colleges, trade schools, community colleges, and even graduate school programs as long as the institution you're enrolling in is accredited by the US Department of Education. A huge advantage of college can be the opportunity to network and grow as a person, But you want to make sure you're all ready for the time, commitment, academic rigor, and the emotional toll college could take on you. Dual study programs and advanced placement courses in high school are a great way to get a lot of your general education courses for college out of the way and even save you some money. Private schools are more expensive than the public state universities because they're funded completely by donors and students tuition and fees. State schools get a good amount of funding from their states, which offsets the operational costs and allows them to charge students less for tuition. However, private schools can offer a more intimate and personal learning environment with much smaller class sizes than the state schools. Finally, don't be afraid to change your mind, whether you complete an associate's degree and decide to go on to pursue a bachelor's or you have a bachelor's and you decide you want to change careers and go to grad school. I mean, that's what the undecided major is for in college. That is all for today's episode. What is our next stop on Grown Up Stuff How to Adults?

Next up, we're learning about buying a car with Jamie Page Eaton, who is the editor in chief of Car Talks. We'll ask her about buying new versus hughes, and a difference between car loans, leasing and buying outright, and some of the latest safety features on cars you should make sure you get.

Next up, we're learning about buying a car with Jamie Page Eaton, who is the editor in chief of Car Talks. We'll ask her about buying new versus hughes, and a difference between car loans, leasing and buying outright, and some of the latest safety features on cars you should make sure you get.

I'm really hoping that one of those safety features is a rear view backup camera.

I'm really hoping that one of those safety features is a rear view backup camera.

Well, for your sake and ours, I hope it is, but we'll find out in two weeks. On the next episode of Grown Up Stuff, How Do Adult?

Well, for your sake and ours, I hope it is, but we'll find out in two weeks. On the next episode of Grown Up Stuff, How Do Adult?

And remember you might not be graded in life, but it never hurts to do your homework. This is a production from Ruby Studios from iHeartMedia.

And remember you might not be graded in life, but it never hurts to do your homework. This is a production from Ruby Studios from iHeartMedia.

Our Executive producers are Malli Sosha.

Our Executive producers are Malli Sosha.

And Matt Stillo. This episode was engineered by Matt Stillo.

And Matt Stillo. This episode was engineered by Matt Stillo.

And written by Malli Soosha.

And written by Malli Soosha.

This episode was fact checked by Casby Bias and co edited by Sierra

This episode was fact checked by Casby Bias and co edited by Sierra

Spreen and special thanks to our teammates at Ruby Studios from iHeartMedia, including Ethan Fixel, Rachel Swan, Krasnov, Amber Smith, Aikia Swinton, Sierra Kaiser, and Andy Kelly

Spreen and special thanks to our teammates at Ruby Studios from iHeartMedia, including Ethan Fixel, Rachel Swan, Krasnov, Amber Smith, Aikia Swinton, Sierra Kaiser, and Andy Kelly