Living in Happy Valley, it can feel like, after high school, attending Penn State is a natural next step. The university influences the region to such a large degree and is such a mammoth presence that one might not even consider other options. However, while a traditional four-year college degree is very much the perfect fit for some up-and-coming graduates, it’s not the perfect fit for all—and, luckily, the region offers plenty of other options.
Whether your child intends to pursue a traditional college degree, a trade, or a career elsewhere (like in the military), professionals from all of the above offer a similar caution: A student should know what they’re getting into. While headlines may tout the benefits of one post-high-school path over another, fit and suitability come down to the individual.
Still the Standard
At Penn State, George Zimmerman, assistant vice president for enrollment management and the executive director for undergraduate admissions, saw more than 16,000 first-year undergraduate students join the university in the fall of 2023. For that term, the university experienced an increase in enrollment at University Park, though a decrease at Commonwealth Campuses overall, along with a decrease in Penn State World Campus enrollments. International student enrollment is near pre-pandemic levels. In-state undergraduate tuition at the University Park campus is nearly $10,000 per semester, with out-of-state tuition nearing $20,000 per semester.
Zimmerman acknowledges the ongoing discussion regarding whether or not a traditional four-year degree offers the same value that it might have in decades past. He notes, “The best thing we can point to is the variety of different labor statistics and other research that still shows lifelong earnings for students who have achieved a bachelor’s degree far exceed [earnings of] those who have a two-year degree or just a high school education.”
He adds, “There are a lot of great opportunities right out of high school, but when you’re looking at lifelong potential, the bachelor’s degree is still the standard people are working toward.” He also points to the various non-classroom skills that a four-year degree program teaches students, such as critical thinking and time management skills.
Still, even though a large part of Zimmerman’s job revolves around recruiting undergraduate students, he recognizes that Penn State is not going to be ideal for everyone.
“Education, post high school, is a very personal decision for a student,” he says. “In my opinion, there’s no bad decision. There’s not a right or a wrong. I think a lot of students struggle with that. What is the right path? The answer is the right path for them.”
For any student, Zimmerman advises both youths and parents to rely on the professionals at institutions that offer the programs students are most interested in. Ask questions not just about the programs, but also about the outcomes. Where do students go after graduation? Additionally, for those who do decide obtaining a bachelor’s degree is their best option, he says that campus visits are a must.
“If you’re not happy with the place where you’re gaining your degree, if you don’t feel comfortable [and] that you fit in there, then you may think that you’re not cut out for that type of learning, when it may just be [that] you’re in the wrong space,” he says. “It’s important to explore, get out to campuses, and talk to the people that are going to be in the classroom, and find that place that’s going to feel like home for the next four years.”
Connecting Students Directly to the Workforce
For many who decide to forgo the four-year bachelor’s degree path, trade schools and two-year degree programs are a potential fit. Regionally, options include the Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology, the Pennsylvania College of Technology; and South Hills School of Business and Technology. CPI recently announced a new agreement with Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, which will result in a new facility in Bellefonte and greater opportunities for students to transfer credits from CPI to Penn Highlands.
For students interested in a trade path after high school, CPI makes it easy. President MaryAnn Volders explains that the school’s programs take students as early as tenth grade, with students’ high schools covering the cost. Students can then fast-track their technical careers and enter the workforce as quickly as possible—which, for many, is part of CPI’s appeal.

“In this area, we have so many employers that specialize in diesel mechanics and heavy equipment. … Students know that they’re going to be able to come here and go to work for one of our larger [regional] companies and, a lot of times, they can start [at] between $45,000 to $60,000 at any of those jobs when they [graduate] as an 18-year-old,” said Volders.
However, while that salary is attractive, Volders does say that she’s noticed more graduating students in recent years attracted to jobs that offer more flexibility over a high salary. “They would rather take two or three side jobs and make their own schedules … than take a full-time job that’s going to tie them down,” she adds.
CPI offers sixteen three-year programs, with the most popular being medical science, heavy equipment, welding, diesel technology, and cosmetology. Regardless of the program, the focus is very much on hands-on experience, with Volders estimating that students spend up to seventy-five percent of their time on applied learning, with only about twenty-five percent of their time dedicated to classroom work. CPI currently has just over 500 students and tuition is approximately $10,500 per year.
At South Hills School of Business and Technology, there’s a similar focus on preparing students for the workforce. Jeffry Stachowski, director of outreach, says that’s how the institution got its start, over 50 years ago, when it was South Hills Secretarial School.
“The owner who started the school identified a gap in the workforce, for a more professionally trained office [employee],” he says. “He started the school and it flourished.” At the time, Penn State hired many of the school’s secretarial graduates and, even today, Stachowski says Penn State hires many South Hills students.
Now, South Hills offers a range of two-year and three-year degrees, with its largest program being the diagnostic medical sonography program. Other popular options include engineering technology and information technology.
“We continue, after fifty-four years, to constantly survey the local workforce, design curriculum and programs to meet workforce needs, and then graduate students that are ready to go out and fill jobs,” says Stachowski.
South Hills’ programs aren’t just terminal degree programs—though they certainly can be. They’re also stepping stones to further educational opportunities if desired. Currently, South Hills has about 250 to 300 students. Tuition, Stachowski says, is similar to tuition at Penn State, but at South Hills one can acquire a degree in two years, rather than four. Additionally, South Hills actively assists students in finding internships and other resources that will help them secure a job in the local workforce after graduation. “We go the next step and make sure people get a career-focused job, right out of the gate,” Stachowski says.
Both Volders and Stachowski offer similar advice to students considering a trade school, technical school, or two-year degree program. Volders says, “Don’t rule career and technical education out. Parents think it’s the old vo-tech of the eighties and nineties. Career and technical education have changed considerably over the years. It’s much more technical and academic than it used to be. Even if you’re not sure as a parent if your child wants to go to a tech school, go for a visit. Get to know the people. … Step foot inside the building and get a feel for it.”
“Look for clues about what you like to do,” advises Stachowski. “Then, you have to go out and visit the schools. … Do an informational interview. If little Johnny thinks he wants to be a civil engineer … I would encourage Mom … to have Johnny go to a civil engineering company and set up a day where he can spend time with an engineer and see what they do. Informational interviews are worth their weight in gold.”
A Significant and Rewarding Choice
Of course, there are more options than just a four-year or two-year degree program. For Donald Longerbeam, company first sergeant in the U.S. Army, recruiting young people ages 17 to 23 throughout central Pennsylvania is a means of shedding light on one of those other options—military service.
“We spend a lot of time when we do interviews with young men and women figuring out their interests and where they see themselves in five to ten years,” he says. “From there, we can paint a path as to how we can get them to their career or personal goals. We formulate a path to show them how the Army or Army Reserves can help them get there.”
Longerbeam points out that the military provides technical training and certification that someone might pursue elsewhere. For many students he speaks with, the military’s job training is a significant draw, as it immediately translates to the civilian workforce. Second to that in attracting new recruits, he says, is college repayment and loan assistance.
Longerbeam advises, though, before a student jumps into a military path after high school—or dismisses one—that they get as much information as possible, saying that “too much information’s not bad sometimes.” Talking to those who have already experienced this path can provide clarity; for example, Longerbeam points to the many opportunities he’s had thanks to his military career, including ample travel opportunities.
Similarly, Major Travis Mueller, public affairs officer with the Pennsylvania National Guard, says, “Joining the military, especially the Pennsylvania National Guard, can be a significant and rewarding choice for several reasons, including training, discipline, education benefits, travel and career opportunities, global perspective, sense of duty and purpose, teamwork, camaraderie, and financial stability. … It is important for individuals considering the military to carefully research and understand the commitments, benefits, and career paths associated with their chosen branch. Each branch has its unique culture, roles, and opportunities. Speaking with current or former service members can provide valuable insights into the military lifestyle and help inform their decision.”
It All Starts with a Conversation
Regardless of which path a student pursues after high school, though, it all starts with a conversation—first between parent and child, and then with those in the know about particular paths of interest.
Stacey Norfolk, school counselor at Bellefonte Area High School, says, “I would encourage parents [and] guardians to speak with their students regarding their interests and skills. What does your student enjoy doing and/or what are they good at? I would also direct parents to help their students research careers of interest, such as the education required for careers, work environment, [and] daily schedule, and even try to speak with someone in that career.”
Drew Bryan, also a counselor at Bellefonte Area High School, likewise advises, “Be present and take the time to talk to your student. Really listen to what they have to say about their future and what they want for their life. Allowing students to be accountable for this process and to take ownership of their future will make them even more motivated to reach their goals.” T&G
Holly Riddle is a freelance writer for Town&Gown.