If you were a high-school senior currently, which of the following would you most likely choose?

Attend a four-year university (44%) – "I believe in the long run an education provides you with opportunities. There is absolute value in a trades degree or certificate, but I see the long-term benefit of a four year degree. However, I think anyone going to college needs to consider cost, what their anticipated income will be, and their anticipated career growth opportunities. Students today have to be smart about their major, where they go to school, and how they are going to pay for it. Cost would be my leading factor over appeal when it comes to choosing a college. I would also want a major that guaranteed job placement after graduation. Choosing a career with the opportunity to advance and achieve an increased salary would be essential."

• "Because aside from the job potential that college brings (or maybe doesn’t), there are so many other benefits to being educated and to the experience of college, as well as pursuing an interest or a passion. And it doesn’t have to be private or out of state."

"I'm a relatively recent graduate of a bachelor's degree and just knowing myself I'm happy with my decision. I thrive in intellectual and academic situations and I had the privilege of being able to make it financially make sense for me. That said, it's not the right choice for everyone - many people should pursue blue collar jobs, apprenticeships, technical certifications, two-yr degrees, etc. And as much as I would love to get another degree due to my love for academics, I'm also happy to be in the workforce right now: I'm frankly learning so many more real life skills in my job while EARNING money than I did in the classroom while PAYING money, and I really do think that for far more jobs/careers than colleges/universities would like to admit, a degree is NOT necessary."

• "It has the best chance of leading to the most long term success even if that money isnt as strong on the front end like a trade school. There is a lot of room for growth with a college education in your back pocket."

Attend community college (17%) – "This is something I wish I would have done instead of going straight to a 4 year. I think I would have been better equipped for not only the workload of a 4 year, but I could have really honed in on what I wanted to study. Plus, it would have been cheaper."

• "Much cheaper. Allows more freedom to choose alternate paths or change direction. After two years you can transfer to a four year college or seek employment with greater skills and added maturity."

Attend a non-college jobs program (28%) – "Although I was lucky to get a job that was related to my four year degree, positions aren't easy to come by. I would go into a trade if I had to do it all over again. College is something you can do at any point in your life, but setting yourself up with a career out the gate, that's smart. You can start saving in a 401k or other plan and hit the ground running. One can always go back to school, but you can't start thinking about your future when you don't even know if there will be a job out there for you after college."

• "I am currently a college student. I used to love learning, but I can't honestly recommend college to someone. It has left me feeling unprepared for the job market, yet takes an enormous toll financially, mentally, and emotionally. Large colleges are impersonal and very difficult in ways that don't always benefit the education. Despite technically being the university's customer, I feel more like I'm lending my services to achieve their goals, not the other way around. It has honestly been the hardest season of my life, and I regret going. I hope I come to a different conclusion by the time I graduate."

"As someone in her mid-30s with a Master's degree, I've given this a lot of thought and I would absolutely go into a trade school if I were 17/18 years old in today's world. 10+ years ago, I didn't feel like my Bachelor's degree, or many undergraduate degrees, could succesfully get someone a good job and started on a life-long career path which is why I felt compelled to get my Master's. Today, I think that is felt by young adults tenfold. The world will probably look even more different when my kids are at the age of choosing school and a career but we will definitely be educating them about all of the options available to them so they can make an informed decision about their future. College isn't the answer today for a lot of people and probably won't be in the future unless things change drastically."

Try to find employment immediately (5%) – "Your better off working for a Corporation and work yourself up to a better position Some corporations will pay for schooling or part pay of your education."

Other (6%) – "What you would do depends on the interests of the person making the decision. Trade school may not be appropriate for a student in love with math and science and little knowledge or desire to work with their hands. Trade school may be ideal for someone with no interest in traditional college subjects but who loves to build things."