Free nonprofit decision tool for families.
Compare college, community college, trade school, work, military service, and other paths in one place.
Answer a few questions about the student, your family's financial reality, and what matters most. In about 8 minutes, see two realistic paths worth exploring and the tradeoffs behind them.
How it works
- 1
Answer 19 focused questions about the student, your family's financial reality, and what matters most.
- 2
The Map scores seven realistic post-high-school paths using your answers.
- 3
You see the two strongest fits, three reasons behind each, one key tradeoff, and a practical next step.
- 4
Everything useful is free. An optional $9 Blueprint adds a human-reviewed written report.
Seven paths worth comparing
The Map considers all seven for every family, even if you haven't thought about some of them yet.
Four-year university
A bachelor's-degree path, usually completed through a college or university over about four years.
Community college then transfer
Begin with lower-cost college courses and an associate degree or transfer plan before moving to a four-year school.
Trade or technical training
Learn a skilled occupation through practical training, certification, apprenticeship, or a technical program.
Military service
Serve through an eligible military branch while receiving structured training, pay, and possible education benefits in exchange for a binding commitment.
Work first with continued learning
Enter the workforce now while deliberately building skills through employer training, certificates, or later education.
Structured gap or exploration year
Use a time-limited year for work, service, projects, or exploration with goals, accountability, and a next-step deadline.
Entrepreneurship or independent builder
Build income and skills through a business, freelance work, sales, technology, creative projects, or another self-directed path with structure and backup plans.