How to help your kids pick the right university or college

Grade 12 can be a lot. For teens, it’s a mix of classes, pressure, and people constantly asking what they want to do when they finish school. For parents, it’s a mix of pride, nerves, and trying to strike a balance between being supportive and not pushy.

If your teen is figuring out what comes next, like university, college, a trade, or something in between, you’re probably trying to help them make a ‘smart’ choice without completely overwhelming them or yourself.

When it comes to post-secondary education, there is no one right answer. But there are ways to make the decision feel less stressful and more like something you can figure out together.

What post-secondary education options are available for teens?

Your teens have options when it comes to where to study after high school. Here’s a breakdown of the most common education pathways to consider.

University

Universities offer undergraduate degrees (like a Bachelor of Arts or Science), followed by postgraduate degrees (like Master's or Doctoral degrees), and are generally focused on academic and research-based learning. Degrees are usually three to four years and ideal for students pursuing careers in fields like medicine, law, engineering, or academia.

College

Colleges provide diplomas, certificates, and applied degrees. College programs tend to be shorter (one to three years in length), focused on hands-on training in areas like design, trades, healthcare, tech, and business.

CEGEP (Quebec Only)

CEGEP is a unique system offering either a two-year pre-university program or a three-year technical diploma, which students can attend after finishing Grade 11. Keep in mind that most of these programs are taught in French, but there are a handful of English-speaking programs available.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are perfect for teens interested in pursuing a career in skilled trades. An apprenticeship combines paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction, and is popular in industries like electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and automotive repair.

Private career colleges

Private career colleges offer more niche programs in specific areas of study, such as aesthetics, culinary arts, or digital media. These programs can be fast-tracked and completed in just a few months, though they’re typically more expensive as they’re delivered through a private college.

Online or hybrid programs

Online or hybrid programs are increasingly popular, especially for students who want flexibility or need to balance school with part-time work or other responsibilities.

Every teen is different, and there’s no ‘one path fits all.’ The best next step when deciding your teen’s post-school study options depends on your child’s strengths, interests, and goals.

University or college: Deciding what’s right for your teen

So, how do you decide between university and college? While both offer great opportunities, they’re designed with different types of students and outcomes in mind.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you understand the differences.

5 practical ways to help your teen make the right post-secondary education choice

If your teen is overwhelmed by their options, here are five practical ways you can help:

1. Go to open days together, but don’t make it a big deal: Walk around, let them eavesdrop on a lecture, grab a coffee and talk about something totally unrelated. It’s not about deciding on the spot; it’s just letting them imagine being there.
2. Make a shared note with deadlines and entry requirements: It doesn’t need to be colour-coded or fancy. Just something to keep track of what’s due when and the application process for each pathway to stay organized and in control.
3. Ask open-ended questions without expectations: Try “What part of your day do you enjoy the most?” or “Which course sounds cool, even if it feels out of reach?”. Curiosity is more helpful than piling on more pressure.
4. Talk about what success actually means to them: Not just the job title. Do they want flexibility? Stability? Something creative? Something social? Sometimes that’s a better guide than trying to map out a detailed five-year plan.
5. Remind them (and maybe yourself) that it’s okay to change their mind: Paths twist, people grow, and most of us didn’t end up doing what we thought we would at 17. This isn’t about locking something in forever. It’s just about picking the next step.

These conversations don’t have to be formal or forceful. They can happen on a walk, in the car, or over dinner. What matters is showing your teen you’re in their corner, helping them choose what’s next.

Find the right protection for your family

While your teen is planning their next chapter, it’s a good time to think about how you’re planning for the future, too.

Whether your family’s growing, changing, or stepping into something new, having the right protection in place means one less thing to worry about. Life insurance can help cover the unexpected, so you can focus on being there for the moments that matter most.

Get a free quote today

At North Cover, we make life insurance simple, flexible, and designed for real families. It only takes a few minutes to get started, and it’s one step closer to peace of mind. Get a free quote today.