Now that you have an idea of what you want to do, the hard decision is where do you want to go? Will you need to attend a university, college or technical school.

Let's take a look at the difference between the types of school.

Universities offer 4 year degrees such as a Bachelor's of Science or Bachelor's of Art degree, which you can continue for a few more years to earn a Master's degree or PhD.
Examples of careers are:  Teacher, Guidance Counselor/Social Worker, Engineer, or Doctor.

State Colleges offer a 2 - 4 year degree for various programs of study that lead to specific career paths.  
Examples of careers are: Radiology Tech, Nursing, Computer programming/Networking, or Criminal Justice.

College Credit Certificates offer students training in courses that lead to a 2 year degree program. Great way to start if you need to get out there and work to make money in order to continue your education.
Examples are: Paramedics, Criminal Justice Tech Specialist, and Web Development Specialist.

Technical/Trade/Vocational Schools award students certificates or diplomas for their training in a specific program of study, which allows them to enter the workforce after just a few weeks for some programs and others up to 13-18 months of training.
Examples are: LPN, Dental Assistant, Cosmetology, EMT, or Culinary.

Many believe that it is best to get a 4 year degree to make more money in a specific career, but not all careers require a 4 year degree, nor do they necessarily make more money.

Be sure to look up the career on www.FloridaShines.org to see what educational requirement you will need and check to see what post-secondary institutions offer the program you want to study. Not all institutions offer the same career path.

Things to research prior to selecting your post-secondary institution.

Most out of state colleges will charge out of state fees that can be 3x's the cost of in-state fees.

How will you pay for your education?

Not sure that a 2 year or 4 year college is right for you? Check out First Coast Technical College.
Which program fits your career plans.
Spend less than $15,000 and 2 years earning a career path.

Career Navigators is a federally funded program that is designed to help young adults ages 16-24 explore career opportunities, earn a certificate, and enter the workforce in high wage in demand careers.

Planning on pursuing a bachelor's degree?
Check out the 2 + 2 pathways to success
Start Smart at St John's River State College....
SJRState will help you succeed in the 2 + 2 pathway to success and cost less!
Click here to learn more about their Academic Programs.

Local Colleges:

NEW!!

HCA Florida Healthcare Expands with Galen College of Nursing
Gainesville Campus

HCA Healthcare is thrilled to open a new Galen College of Nursing campus in Gainesville.

Slated to open in the spring of 2022, the new campus will be a state-of-the-art facility designed to cultivate learning with advanced classroom and simulation technology mixed with collaborative and creative space. Please see the press release below for additional information.

For years, HCA Healthcare has proudly invested in educating and growing the next generation of caregivers. We are proud to work with Galen College of Nursing to create more opportunities for those who are interested in a rewarding career in nursing, and to help prepare the next generation of nurses together for the communities we’re privileged to serve.   

As we get closer to opening this new campus, we will host events with Galen College of Nursing for our colleagues to learn more, so be on the lookout for details in the future.

For more information on the Gainesville campus and HCA Healthcare benefits for employees interested in a nursing education, you can also visit galencollege.edu/campuses/Gainesville.

Cambridge Program:

Course Equivalent College Credits in the FL College/University system for AICE Exams.

Course Equivalent College Credits for Cambridge students going to St Johns River State College.

Course Equivalent College Credits for Cambridge students going to Daytona State College.

Course Equivalent College Credits for Cambridge students going to Santa Fe College.

Cambridge AICE Scores and University Equivalents for Valdosta State University

AICE Diploma credits for U.S. Colleges.

Other ways to Qualify for Florida Bright Futures with the AICE

Students who have demonstrated academic merit through a recognition program may be eligible for Bright Futures without having to meet one or more of the requirements. Note: Both AICE and IB Diplomas must be earned prior to high school graduation. Confirmations may come from AICE and IB as late as September. Please refer to the table below for how to qualify based on one of the merit recognition programs.

AICE Curriculum

Complete a minimum of 14 AICE credits identified by the Cambridge Assessment International Education (Cambridge International) in the Diploma Core
and 3 academic areas as follows:
AICE Diploma Core – AICE Global Perspectives & Research AS level (Two Credits required)
Group 1 – Mathematics and Sciences (Two Credits required)
Group 2 – Languages (Two Credits required)
Group 3 – Arts and Humanities (Two Credits required)
Group 4 – Interdisciplinary Skills (Optional – Four Credits maximum)
Six additional credits required in any combination from the above four groups. Students earn one credit by completing and passing one AICE full credit course and another credit for taking the corresponding AICE examination.

Virtual College Advising: Connect with free virtual college planning support through the college success partners with Collegeboard.

If you have questions about applying to college see Janet Cauble, your Career Specialist, for assistant.