Planning for life after high school is one of the most important decisions you will make. The right path is unique for every student, and there are many exciting options. Your journey should align with your interests, skills, and career goals. In this section, you'll find information on six primary postsecondary pathways.
Going to college means continuing your education after high school, typically to earn a degree or certificate. This path can lead to a wide variety of careers and offers diverse learning experiences. Nevada has specific requirements for admission to its public institutions, but options exist for all students.
Public and Private:
Public colleges are funded by the state, so tuition is generally lower, especially for in-state residents.
Private colleges rely on tuition and donations. Their tuition is often higher, but they may offer more financial aid.
College and University:
Colleges typically focus on undergraduate (bachelor’s) and are often smaller, providing a more intimate learning environment. Many are private institutions, and most degrees take four years to complete.
Universities are usually larger, offering a wider range of undergraduate and graduate programs (master's, doctoral). They often have a strong emphasis on research.
Two-Year Colleges:
Also known as community colleges or junior colleges, these schools offer associate degrees and certificates. They are a good option for those who want to save money, stay close to home, or improve their academic record before transferring to a four-year school.
Liberal Arts Colleges:
These four-year schools focus on a broad curriculum, including humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, to provide a well-rounded education.
Specialized Institutions:
Some colleges have a specific focus, such as arts colleges, single-sex colleges, or religiously affiliated colleges. There are also institutions designated to support specific communities, like Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs).
For more information, visit: bigfuture.collegeboard.org.
The Nevada Board of Regents sets the minimum admission requirements for the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) institutions.
University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and Reno (UNR)
3.0 GPA in 13 core units:
English - 4
Mathematics - 3
Social Studies - 3
Natural Science - 3, or
ACT Composite of 22 or SAT of 1120, or
Earned an Advanced Diploma or a College and Career Ready Diploma
Nevada State University (NSU)
2.5 unweighted GPA, and
12 core units:
English - 4
Math - 3
Social Students - 3
Natural Science - 2
For more information, visit: nshe.nevada.edu/nshe-institutions/.
The State of Nevada's Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship Program provides financial support to Nevada's high school graduates who attend an eligible Nevada community college, state college, or university. You may receive up to a maximum award of $10,000.00 for undergraduate coursework during the six years following your high school graduation. There is no application form to complete. If you meet all Millennium Scholarship requirements upon high school graduation, the District will submit your name to the Office of the State Treasurer. You will receive an award notification in early August. Please note that this information is subject to any changes in state law, policies adopted by the NSHE Board of Regents, availability of funding, and any related matters hereto.
A fact sheet on policy guidelines and requirements for eligibility can be obtained by calling 888-477-2667 or visiting http://www.nevadatreasurer.gov/GGMS/GGMS_Home/.
The Nevada Promise Scholarship aims to make a college education more accessible and affordable by providing last‐dollar financial aid to Nevada students attending one of the state’s four community colleges: College of Southern Nevada, Great Basin College, Truckee Meadows Community College, or Western Nevada College. The scholarship helps eligible students pay for up to three years of tuition and mandatory fees.
Please contact your school counselor with additional questions, or visit www.csn.edu/promise.
The Public Education Foundation offers a variety of scholarships to help students pursue higher educational goals. In many cases, the scholarships make the college and university experience accessible to students who might not otherwise dream of a college education. The Public Education Foundation offers more than 260 different scholarship opportunities for Southern Nevada’s high school seniors to attend both in-state and out-of-state schools.
Scholarship donors are corporations, associations, organizations, foundations and individuals who want to create a brighter future by encouraging education. Each donor has the opportunity to determine the criteria of their scholarship and plays an active role in selecting the scholarship recipients. The Foundation provides professional assistance in establishing the scholarship funds at no cost, including advertising and promotion, clerical support, and an awards recognition luncheon in May. The luncheon gives the donors and scholarship recipients the opportunity to meet if they haven’t already done so during the selection process.
To date, the Foundation has awarded more than 6,100 scholarships totaling nearly $12 million.
For more details, please visit https://thepef.org/scholarships/.
Career training programs, also known as vocational or trade schools, offer focused, hands-on education for a specific career field. This pathway is a great option for students looking for a cost-effective way to gain valuable skills to start well-paying careers without the time and financial commitment of a traditional college degree.
Programs are typically much shorter than a four-year degree, often taking a few months to two years to complete.
The curriculum is centered on real-world, job-specific skills with a strong emphasis on hands-on training.
Instead of a degree, students earn a certificate, diploma, or industry-specific credential that demonstrates competency to employers.
These programs are available for a wide range of industries, including:
Skilled Trades (e.g., electrician, plumber, HVAC technician)
Healthcare (e.g., medical assistant, dental hygienist, phlebotomist)
Technology (e.g., web developer, IT support, cybersecurity)
Culinary Arts, Cosmetology, Automotive, and more.
For more information, visit: gowinn.nv.gov/programming.
An apprenticeship is a unique "earn-while-you-learn" pathway that combines paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction. It's an excellent option for students who learn best by doing and want to secure a high-paying, in-demand career without the burden of student debt.
An apprenticeship is a full-time job. You are an employee from day one, earning a paycheck and often receiving benefits like healthcare and retirement plans. Wages typically increase with more skills and experience.
You work alongside an experienced professional, a journeyman, who provides one-on-one mentorship and teaches the skills of the trade.
In addition to working, you attend classes, which may be at a local community college, a trade school, or a union training center. This instruction complements the hands-on work.
Upon completion, you earn a nationally recognized credential (often at no cost) that proves mastery, which can lead to high-paying jobs and long-term career stability.
Apprenticeships are most common in the skilled trades like construction and electrical work, but they are expanding into new fields such as healthcare, IT, and advanced manufacturing.
For more information, visit: www.apprenticeship.gov.
For many students, entering the workforce directly after high school is an excellent and immediate path to financial independence and career growth. This option allows you to start earning a paycheck, gaining valuable real-world experience, and building your professional network without the cost or time commitment of further education.
You can start earning money right away, which helps you become financially independent.
You gain hands-on skills and work experience that are highly valued by employers.
You can bypass the cost of tuition and avoid student loans, giving you a strong financial start.
Working in different jobs can help you explore your interests and discover a career path you're passionate about before committing to long-term training or education.
Finding your first job is about more than just a high school diploma. You should create a resume that highlights your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and any part-time jobs you've had. Many entry-level positions don't require previous experience but value skills like communication, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn. Job opportunities for high school graduates are available in many fields, including:
Retail and Customer Service
Hospitality and Food Service
Administrative and Office Support
Skilled Trades (often through entry-level roles that can lead to an apprenticeship)
Logistics and Transportation
Healthcare Support (e.g., medical assistant, with certification)
For more information, visit: employnv.gov.
Choosing to serve in the military is a demanding but rewarding career path that provides immediate employment, valuable training, and a clear sense of purpose. It is a structured option for students who are ready to serve their country and want a clear path to professional and personal growth.
Service members receive extensive training in a specific job, which can be applied to a civilian career later.
The military offers significant educational benefits, including tuition assistance while you serve and the GI Bill, which can pay for college tuition, housing, and books for up to 36 months after your service ends.
Servicemembers receive a steady paycheck, and may be eligible for bonuses, housing allowances, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes healthcare, dental, and life insurance.
You may have the opportunity to travel the world, gain leadership experience, and develop discipline and a strong work ethic that will benefit you for life.
For more information, visit:
Army: www.goarmy.com
Navy: www.navy.com
Air Force: www.airforce.com
Coast Guard: www.gocoastguard.com
Marines: www.marines.com
National Guard: www.nationalguard.com
Space Force: www.spaceforce.mil
A gap year or a service mission is an intentional period of time taken between high school and the next step in your life, such as college or the workforce. This pathway is about taking a deliberate break to explore, learn, and grow, often with the goal of gaining clarity and valuable life experience.
For more information, visit: bigfuture.collegeboard.org and search: gap year.
Meet with your counselor to review graduation requirements and discuss your career plan (college, career training, apprenticeship, employment, military, or gap year).
Complete a 4-year academic plan aligned with your career plan. Focus on required courses as well as CTE, Honors, AP, IB, and/or Dual Enrollment. Don’t forget about electives!
Join clubs, sports, or other extracurricular activities that interest you.
Get involved in community service or volunteer work.
Build study, organization, and time-management habits. Monitor your grades and GPA.
Explore careers. What careers match your interests? What kind of education/training do they require?
Explore financial aid basics. What is the FAFSA? What are scholarships? How much are college or trade schools?
If you are a student-athlete, register with the NCAA Eligibility Center and review the academic requirements.
Maintain or increase academic rigor. Talk to your counselor when you meet in August or September.
Take a career interest inventory. Research careers and required education/training.
Keep expanding your extracurricular activities. Take on leadership roles, try new things, or ask a friend for some help.
Attend college and career fairs; visit postsecondary institutions (colleges, trade schools, and apprenticeships).
Begin preparing for standardized tests. We take the PSAT in October of your sophomore year. We take the ACT in February of your junior year.
Explore summer opportunities, like internships, camps, volunteer, or work experience.
Discuss financial planning, like savings, financial aid options, and what paying for college or training really costs.
If you are a student-athlete, maintain your NCAA Certification Account or Profile Page.
Make sure that your courses match your career plan. This is when you start locking things down and preparing for your next steps after high school.
Begin preparing for standardized tests. We take the ACT in February/March of your junior year. If you want, you can take the PSAT again in October of your junior year to be considered for the National Merit Scholarship.
Continue to refine your postsecondary career plan. Ask your counselor if you need any help.
Try to visit college campuses (if applicable), or go to a career fair/job fair.
Create your FSA ID in the spring to prepare for the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
Update your resume with activities, volunteer work, and work experience.
Be kind by asking teachers and counselors early if you want them to write a letter of recommendation.
Plan out your scholarship application strategy. Identify scholarship sources, begin writing essays, and track deadlines carefully.
If considering military or ROTC/apprenticeship, learn the requirements and deadlines.
Finalize your career plan and make sure you are on track. Finalize applications for college, career training programs, apprenticeship, employment, or military.
Submit your FAFSA as close to October 1 as possible. Apply for any other financial aid, scholarships, or grants. Make sure you know the Nevada Promise Scholarship deadlines as well as your Millennium Scholarship eligibility.
Ensure you are ready for graduation.
Be kind by asking teachers and counselors early if you want them to write a letter of recommendation.
Retake the ACT if you want to improve your scores.
Notify your school counselor of your final college decision and any scholarships you receive.