RETURN TO
ENERGY
Is Higher Education for You?
Increasing your skills through higher education is more than just a trendy thing to do. Learn the benefits and options for higher education.
Remember, higher education is also called college or postsecondary.
Are you ready for college?
Take the Are Your Ready For College? quiz to find out what you really know about going to college.
Not sure you really need college?
Higher education is a way to boost earning power and employability. Use the Reality Check tool to find out how much money you'll need to pay for the lifestyle you want. See which careers will let you earn that much, and see if they require higher education.
Ready to get ready?
Meet the Get Tough characters. Step up to the challenge by taking on the tough classes now. Discover how foreign languages, algebra II, and biology prepare you for college.
- Videos: Be sure to select the video when reviewing each of these subjects.
- Challenge your friends: The Share feature lets you put your friends to the test.
Still in middle school?
It's not too early to plan for college. I Make It Happen is a website that empowers students to make their college dreams a reality. And for middle schoolers through high school seniors, KnowHow2Go has answers about college, including: steps to get ready, find help, explore your interests, and more.
Have you dropped out of high school?
College is still an option for you.
If you don't have a high school diploma and aren't currently enrolled in high school classes, you might be eligible to take the GED. The Tests of General Educational Development is a group of five different tests measuring the skills and knowledge you'd typically learn in high school. Many employers and schools consider a GED to be equivalent to a high school diploma. Learn more about Adult Basic Education and GED.
What are your education options?
View the various education and training categories listed in the table below. Explore the links for more information.
| College education | Definition | Search for school |
|---|---|---|
| Community or Tribal College | Offers two-year associate of arts degree that can transfer to a four-year college or university. Learn more. | Search for a college or by school type |
| Technical or Career College | One- to two-year training programs that lead to specific careers. Short-term training also available. Learn more. | Search for a college or by school type |
| 4-year College or University | Earn a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in your chosen field of study. Learn more. | Search for a college or by school type |
| Additional training options | Definition | Search for training |
|---|---|---|
| Certifications | An examination or a record of work-related credentials. Issued to an individual by an external organization to communicate a certain level of skill attainment. Required in some occupations, such as nursing assistants and financial advisors. | Search for certifications | Professional Development | Training to enhance your job skills. Check with local or state business and professional associations for training options. | View list of Minnesota associations
Or search for short-term training |
| Workforce Investment Act (WIA) | A federal program that gives workers the chance to learn the skills and information needed to compete in the new economy. Under WIA, training programs are certified as meeting certain performance standards. Learn more. | Find an eligible WIA training provider |
| Work-based learning | Definition | Search for opportunities |
|---|---|---|
| Apprenticeship | An employer's formal training program combining on-the-job learning with technical instruction for a specific trade. Learn more about registered apprenticeship. | Search for a registered apprenticeship |
| Internships | Opportunity for hands-on, real work experience. May be required in some college majors, or may be an entry-level internship you apply for after graduating college. | View internship links |
| Job Corps | A free education and training program for low-income young people at least 16 years of age that helps them learn a career, earn a high school diploma or GED, and find and keep a good job. | Visit Job Corps website |
| Job Shadowing | Follow someone on the job throughout the workday to learn what it's like to actually work in that career. | Learn more about job shadowing |
