Comparing the Costs of a College Degree vs. Getting a Full-Time Job in Plattsburgh, NY or Burlington, VT After High School

There’s no denying that college can be expensive. In fact, data from U.S. News & World Report shows that the average cost of college tuition has increased in the 2021-2022 academic year. The average cost of tuition and fees to attend a ranked public college rings in at $10,388. Attend a private school and that cost goes up to $38,185. As for the average cost for out-of-state students at public colleges? U.S. News reports that the average cost for out-of-state college tuition comes to $22,698. The good news is that going to college isn’t the only option after high school graduation. Instead, take a RAMP Year and get a job in Plattsburgh, NY, or Burlington, VT.

Is it really necessary to go to college?

High school students sitting together at a table, discussing class.
High School Students | Boire Benner

It all depends. If you’re a senior in high school and have aspirations of becoming a doctor then, yes, it’s necessary to go to college. However, there are plenty of other occupations that don’t require a college degree. As a matter of fact, The Balance reports that there are several high-paying jobs that don’t require a college degree:

  • Computer security analyst
  • Computer programmer 
  • Service Delivery Analyst
  • Manufacturing Machine Operator
  • Manufacturing Production Technician
  • Welder/Solderer

How to get a job in Plattsburgh, NY or Burlington, VT without a college degree

Perhaps you’ve already decided that college isn’t the right choice for you. You would prefer to work instead. But, how do you get a job without a college degree? For high school graduates in the greater Plattsburgh, NY, and Burlington, VT areas, getting a job without a college degree is as easy as taking a RAMP Year with Coryer Staffing.

Now, you may be asking, what does taking a RAMP Year even mean? Well, RAMP is a year-long program where you’ll have the opportunity to earn a paycheck while exploring different industries and jobs in Plattsburgh, NY, and Burlington, VT. Taking a RAMP Year includes:

  • ​​The opportunity to gain valuable work experience 
  • A better understanding of what your career options look like
  • Life skills training that you can use no matter what path you choose

And when it comes to how much a RAMP participant can make during their RAMP Year? Eric Serlock, a graduate of the Peru Class of 2018, added $15,000 to his savings during his RAMP Year. Several other RAMP participants have done the same! 

College is expensive – should you take a RAMP Year instead?

For high school seniors and recent high school graduates, particularly ones that aren’t so sure what their future holds, taking a RAMP Year can make for a great choice. In fact, take a RAMP Year and you can rest assured knowing that our team of RAMP Counselors is committed to putting you on the path to success. Ready to learn more? Contact a RAMP Counselor at Coryer Staffing today.

“As a current RAMP employee, I can tell you that this is one of the best choices I’ve made. It gave me an opportunity straight out of high school to earn money and gather life experience while I decide what to do for the rest of my career.”

Tyler McLean, Lining Operator (Ausable Valley Class of 2019)