Going to College

LOSFA is here to help you explore careers, find your best match & fit for college, understand your options, and confidently create your plan to achieve your postsecondary education goals.

Are you unsure about starting your college or career training journey? Louisiana offers numerous educational and career options for high school students, adults enhancing skills, returning learners completing credentials, and those seeking a fresh start after justice involvement. Support is available for everyone.

Match & Fit: Let’s Get Started 

LOSFA’s 5-Point Match 

The 5-point match helps you compare colleges and careers to recognize what is truly important to you. Choosing a college and career is more than just getting your foot in the door; it’s about finding a place for you to thrive.

Aptitude, Skills, and Interests

  • Identify your interests and goals. 
  • Questions to ask yourself:
    • What am I naturally good at? 
    • What do I enjoy? 
    • What skill am I willing to continue developing? 

Academic Match

  • Check if your academic profile aligns with the program’s expectations. 
  • Note your details:
    • GPA 
    • Standardized Testing 
    • Previous Coursework, Certifications, or Degrees 

Cost of Choice

  • Assess the out-of-pocket cost of a program and whether your chosen career can sustain your ideal lifestyle. 
  • Check your eligibility for:
    • Federal Aid 
    • State Aid 
    • Scholarships 
    • Tuition Exemptions 

Social and Emotional

  • Consider the campus culture, size, demographics, location, activities, and support. 

Retention

  • High retention rates generally mean strong support and long-term outcomes. 
  • Questions to ask:
    • Does this program have resources to help students stay enrolled and graduate? 
    • Are career services available to prepare for life after graduation? 
    • Does this school have short-term certification programs that may affect the retention rate?

Explore Careers 

Understanding Your Path 

Choosing the Right School or Training Program 

  • Before selecting a school or training program, identify your interests, strengths, and the careers that align with them. 
  • Start off by taking a brief interest assessment to guide your decision-making. 

Louisiana offers a wide array of in-demand job prospects. Utilize these resources to: 

  • Investigate various careers 
  • View projected job growth 
  • Discover jobs and training opportunities in your area 

Training Options 

Different careers require different levels of training. Explore the options below: 

Industry-Based Certification

  • Short-term training that helps students earn a recognized credential for specific skills needed in the workforce. 
  • Duration: Weeks to Months 

Registered Apprenticeships

  • Paid, hands-on training programs that combine classroom instruction with on-the-job experience in a skilled career field.
  • Duration: 1–5 Years 

Certificate & Technical Programs

  • Focused education and training programs that prepare students for specific careers or technical occupations.
  • Duration: Months to 2 Years 

Associate Degrees

  • Two-year degree programs that can prepare students to enter the workforce or transfer to a four-year college or university.
  • Duration: 2 Years 

Bachelor’s Degrees

  • Four-year degree programs that provide broader academic preparation and career-focused study in a chosen field.
  • Duration: 4 Years 

Advanced & Professional Degrees

  • Post-bachelor’s programs that prepare students for specialized careers, leadership roles, research, or licensed professions.
  • Duration: 2–8+ Years (Post-Bachelor’s) 

Military Service & Training

  • Training and service opportunities through the armed forces that help individuals build career skills, gain leadership experience, and access education benefits.
  • Duration: Weeks to Months

Explore Wages 

When comparing careers, consider: 

  • Entry Wage: What workers usually earn when starting out 
  • Median Wage: What an experienced worker earns in the middle of their career 
  • Top Wage: What the highest earners in the field make 

Build Your Pathway 

Identify Careers That Interest You: Use your interest assessments to narrow down fields you want to explore further.

Find Out What Training They Require: Determine whether your career paths require certifications, apprenticeships, 2-year degrees, 4-year degrees, or military training.

Explore Schools & Programs: Research colleges, technical programs, or training providers that offer your pathway.

Build Your College List: Create a list using the 5-Point Match criteria.

Need more help? Schedule a session with one of our Comprehensive Advisors for a College and Career Exploration session.