Oklahoma's Official Guide to Preparing for College

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Increases the opportunity for good pay. More education = more pay. On average you will earn $7,500 to $16,700 more each year than those without a college degree.
Provides more job security – you will be two to three times more likely to have a job.
Can lead to more meaningful, interesting work and choices in your career.
Gives you lots of opportunities. You will meet new people, develop talents and learn about other cultures.

Check out the salary comparisons!
Associate or Bachelor's Degree	Hourly Wage	Moderate On-the-Job Experience	Hourly Wage
Accountant	$21.05	Bank Teller	$9.07
Computer Programmer	$25.91	Data Entry Keyers	$10.10
Architect	$24.80	Landscaping & Groundskeeping Worker	$8.82
Zoologist & Wildlife Biologist	$21.85	Veterinary Assistant	$8.23
Forensic Science Technician	$17.88	Security Guard	$9.89
Film & Video Editor	$16.24	Camera Operator	$10.99
Pharmacist	$32.81	Pharmacy Technician	$9.80
Physical Therapist	$27.89	Physical Therapist Aide	$9.21
Education, Training & Library Occupation	$15.00	Child Care Worker	$6.90
Registered Nurse	$20.49	Nursing Aide	$8.13

Source: Oklahoma Employment Outlook 2012

You can find great information about careers at www.OKcollegestart.org and in the Occupational Outlook Handbook at www.bls.gov/oco.

Why Plan?

Planning ahead is very important if you want to go to college, so if you haven’t started…it’s time. Planning for college helps you get prepared academically, financially and socially, it also makes you think about what you want out of life and the best way to get there.

So let’s get started. Click on a topic from the menu above or move on to >> The Courses to Take.

8th-10th Graders!

You may think that college is a long way away, but actually it is right around the corner. And you should start planning now.

This guide will help you and your family as you plan for your high school graduation. So take a few minutes and look through this guide. Then talk to your family and counselor about your plan for college.

Juniors and Seniors

Deciding what to do after high
school graduation can be
confusing. There are many
options – and whether or
not you think college is
right for you, we provide
some things to think
about.