Workplace skills learned in high school are free . Families need to be realistic in considering the kind of training they can afford. A student can earn both high school credit and community college credit at the same time. Skills Center students can earn industry certification. Upon graduation students enter either community college or professional employment with advanced standing.
Students pursuing college degrees have less tuition credits to pay for.
Students take courses at the community college as part of their high school program . . . and get a head start on their college program. Personal expenses are additional. Consider taking two years at Community College, then transferring to a 4-year school.