Sometimes college may not be the logical next step for everyone, everyone's goals and ideal careers are different.
You are the only one who has to walk in your shoes and path, make sure you find the correct fit for you even if this isn't direct to college.
Community colleges are great if you are looking to improve academically, they offer many certifications and Associate degrees (2 years).
You can do your core classes at a community college and then transfer to a 4 year university if you desire. This is a great option for those looking to improve their grades or in search of a cost friendly option. Community colleges often do not offer housing/dorm options and most students commute daily to the college.
This website locates community colleges in each state within the U.S.
Joining the military is a big commitment, one that takes both mental and physical strength. There are military academies you can attend after High School depending on the branch you are looking to enter.
To join, there are some requirements. You must be a US citizen or have a green card and be able to speak, read, and write English fluently. You will have to take the ASVAB test, have a HS diploma or GED, and pass the medical exam/physical.
The military during or after your service will often pay fully or pay a percentage of college tuition or offer use of the GI Bill for other training. Make sure you do your research before committing to anything.
This is a post-secondary option designed to train students for a specific job in a skilled trade career. This is usually hands on training to prepare students for work in a certain field. These programs can range from months long to years long depending on the field.
Some of which includes: Electrician, Welding, HVAC, Plumbing, Technicians, Mechanics, Culinary, Nursing, and other Medical Fields.
This is a great option for those who learn best outside of a traditional classroom setting, this option is often lower cost than a traditional four year college and even community college.