As the 2024-2025 school year comes to an end, the seniors at Osceola Fundamental High School will soon graduate. Finding colleges can be a very intense process that people get overwhelmed by. College can be very beneficial for students, and although it may not be everyone’s choice to go through another round of school, college and trade school (as well as other options) have many opportunities to provide.

What are Common Universities in Florida and Their Acceptance Rates?

• University of Miami (18.5%)
• University of Florida (24%)
• Florida State University (25%)
• University of Tampa (26.3%)
• University of South Florida (41%)
• University of Central Florida (43.4%)
• Florida Atlantic University (73.4%)

(Listed From PrepScholar and U.S. News and World Report)

Many students currently enlisted within Osceola Fundamental High School also already do dual enrollment at Saint Petersburg College. This is a local option for those who choose that they would want to stay closer to where they may be currently. SPC has a 100% acceptance rate.

For students at Osceola who may be “on the fence” about choosing college or trying to just go straight into the work field, there are some factors to consider. BigFuture says in an article about why college is important, “The vast majority of college graduates are better off financially than their peers who didn’t complete college.” According to BigFuture, many jobs require a higher level of knowledge than just a high school diploma.

What are the average salaries per year depending on a person’s degree?

National Center for education statistics says:

• The average money made for a person with a high school diploma is $34,900 per year
• The average money made for a person with an associate’s degree is $40,000 per year
• The average money made for a person with a bachelor’s degree is $54,700 per year
• The average money made for a person with a master’s degree is $65,000 per year or higher

Many students at OFHS are on track to college due to the academic focus in the fundamental program, where in a magnet school, the classes provide specialized real-world experiences. Due to this, students who choose not to continue the route of college must try to find other ways to succeed.

What options are available for Warriors who choose to not go to college?

Career Village says:

Trade schools: Trade jobs often have good earning potential and demand for skilled workers.

Apprenticeships: These programs combine hands-on training with classroom instruction.

Certifications: Many certification programs can be completed in less than a year and lead to entry-level jobs.

Entrepreneurship: If you have a business idea or passion, you might consider stmurarting your own venture.

Beginning a new journey and feeling nervous for graduation is completely normal. Many students when graduating become unaware of where to begin on their journey to adulthood.

Warriors say they have made different plans for their futures.

Liana Gorge, a senior, said, “I’m going to Saint Pete College, but I plan to transfer to a university, maybe UCF.” Liana seemed a little unsure about leaving high school and having to leave her friends. When asked about how she felt about graduating and if she was nervous, she said, “I don’t know how to feel that I’m leaving high school. Liana also gives advice to other seniors graduating who can’t decide what they wish to do after graduation. “Don’t always just go straight to college,” Liana says. “You don’t always have to take the usual route after high school and can consider so many other options like trade school or taking a gap year.”

Another senior, Anderson Murch, said, “I don’t plan to go to college, but I plan to go to a trade school.” He is not nervous to leave high school as he says, “I’m just ready to leave.” He also gave some advice for those who are unsure of their next steps after high school as he says,” Do what you want to do in life” and feels people should try to go into the career they are passionate about.