To Do:

•  Look into getting a General Educational Development (GED) certificate if you don’t have a high school diploma; try searching online for “GED certificate” and your state’s name.
• Research careers and the need for various jobs in the Occupational Outlook Handbook. Or, for an interactive tool, try the U.S. Department of Labor’s career search.
• Use College Navigator to find the right school for your career intentions. Get tips on choosing a school.
•  Ask employers to recommend schools that provide training in the skills you will need for the career you choose.
• Ask your employer if assistance is available to help you pay for school.
• Use the U.S. Department of Labor’s scholarship search to find scholarships.
• Apply for federal student aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®).
• Get to know the financial aid staff at the school you plan to attend; they can help you with aid applications and explain the types of aid available.

To Explore:

•  Use the College Scorecard to compare schools' annual costs, graduation rate, and median salary after attending.
•  Ensure that you get your money’s worth out of your vocational education by following the tips in the fact sheet called Choose a Career School Carefully.
• Learn about federal funding for your education.
• Discover why federal student loans are a better option than private loans.
• See how you might benefit from federal income tax credits for education expenses.

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