These are incredible options for after graduation for many reasons, including... 

• The only requirement for enrollment to a techincal college (often called trade school) or a 2-year college (often called a state college) is a high school diploma or GED. 
• These types of schools also tend to be more affordable than 4-year colleges.
• Short-term training can lead to incredible, well-paying careers.

It’s important to remember that you are guaranteed access to these types of colleges as long as you have earned a high school diploma or GED. However, you are not guaranteed success. Students on this pathway are still encouraged to work with thier School Counselor to take college-level classes in all subject areas, all 4 years of high school, to prepare for the academic transition to college successfully. 

• An Associate of Arts (AA) degree can help you transfer to a 4-year college, where you'll be able to finish your degree.
• An Associate of Science (AS) degree or career or technical certificate can help you launch careers in nursing, ultrasound, radiography, welding, dentistry, cybersecurity, cosmetology, construction, air conditioning, and more!
  • Programs can last anywhere from weeks to years, and put you right into the career of your choice!   

 Choosing the right 2-year college or trade school for you comes down to the following questions... 

1. Does the school have the program you are interested in?
2. If the career you wish to prepare for has a required certification exam, what does the pass rate look like?
3. How much does the program cost?
   1. Does the school take FAFSA? And if not, what types of scholarships and financial aid are available to help cover the costs? 
   2. Will you make enough money in the field to pay back any loans you take?  
4. When is the program you are interested in offered? What does the class schedule look like?
5. How many graduates are hired in their fields after completing the program? 
6. What does the future of that particular career look like? Is the industry growing, shrinking, or staying the same? 
7. If you are hoping to transfer to a 4-year university after completing your 2-year degree - what does support look like to help make sure you are ready to transfer successfully?  
8. Are there prerequisite classes you need to take before officially starting your program?
   1. Example - if interested in nursing, are there classes you need to take before you can actually apply for/start the nursing program? 

Osceola Technical College, Valencia College, and Valencia Accelerated Skills Training (AST) are great places to start when considering an education at a 2-year or trade/technical school! Meet with your College and Career Counselor to learn more. 

Are you a interested in or planning on purusing full-time employment after graduation? Take a look below to see what your senior year should look like! 

Here is a step-by-step checklist to help you achieve your goals! This is meant to help you know what to ask your College & Career Counselor to stay on track toward your successful future! 

Osceola Technical College Enrollment Steps (Class of 2026)

• Create your Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA)
  • This must be done between October 1, 2025 and  August 30, 2026, to receive state aid (Bright Futures and any other grants you are eligible for) 
• Make sure you have completed ALL steps of the 2026-2027 FAFSA completed 
  • The Financial Aid offices at Osceola Technical College can help you with this process
• Apply online with your College & Career Counselor – the application to start in August 2026 will open in February 2026 
• Meet with a Program Advisor 
  • You can schedule an appointment here via Outlook!
• Submit residency documents, complete FAFSA, and meet with Financial Aid to secure your spot in your intended program

Valencia College Enrollment Steps (Class of 2026)

• Create your Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA)
  • This must be done between October 1, 2025 and  August 30, 2026, to receive state aid (Bright Futures and any other grants you are eligible for) 
• Make sure you have completed ALL steps of the 2026-2027 FAFSA completed
  • The Financial Aid offices at Valencia College can help you with this process
• Apply online with your Valencia Transition Coach – the application to start in August 2026 will open in September 2025. Be sure to explore special programs you may be eligible for. Decide whether you're interested in an AA, AS, or AST pathway.
• After applying… 
  • Set up your Multifactor Authentication & create your MyVC account.
  • Submit your residency documents.
  • Register for New Student Orientation and complete both parts. Pay close attention to this information! It will set you up for success.
  • Check your MyVC email regularly! This is how Valencia College will communicate with you.