Finding jobs without a college degree can be a smart move, especially considering the high costs of education.

Many have been led to believe that a college diploma is essential for career advancement. However, the reality is that college can be prohibitively expensive, costing over $108,000 for four years at a public university, according to the Education Data Initiative. If you choose a private institution, the total can approach $235,000. These figures don't even cover additional expenses like food, books, and entertainment.

With the steep price tag of education and numerous stories about recent graduates struggling to find employment, many young individuals are reconsidering college altogether. A perfect example is Hannah Maruyama, who opted out of college and now earns $100,000 a year in AI. Her journey inspired her to establish Degree Free, a community helping others secure jobs without the burden of student debt.

According to Maruyama, there are three essential strategies for landing great jobs without a degree.

DON'T HESITATE TO APPLY

After graduating high school, Maruyama found a job listing from a nonprofit that required a college degree but offered a starting salary of $50,000. Undeterred, she applied and ultimately got hired, learning a valuable lesson in the process. "Women tend to self-eliminate from job opportunities more than men, which often leads us to feel we need to 'buy paper' from colleges," says Maruyama, referring to degrees as a form of purchasing credentials. She encourages women to pursue jobs they desire, even if they don't meet the stated qualifications. "The worst that can happen is silence," she advises.

SEEK ON-THE-JOB TRAINING OR APPRENTICESHIPS

One of the best ways to boost your chances of landing a high-paying job without a degree is through on-the-job training or an apprenticeship. Maruyama suggests exploring trade schools for hands-on careers like welding or pursuing apprenticeships in fields like software development.

To find relevant programs, Maruyama recommends conducting online searches. "Look up the job title along with 'on-the-job training' and your location. For remote positions, you can skip the location part," she suggests. For instance, search for 'welding training in Savannah, Georgia' or 'software development apprenticeship in Chicago.'

OBTAIN A LICENSE OR CERTIFICATION

Maruyama also emphasizes the value of earning certifications. Her first tech job came after she acquired a Salesforce administrator certification, costing her only $362. "I studied for 31 days and landed a $70,000 remote job with a four-day work week just 45 days later," she shares. This certification is just one example; many other affordable and shorter programs exist compared to a four-year degree.

PARENTS CAN PLAY A ROLE

Recent high school graduates may not know how to find the best jobs without a degree. Parents can assist by doing more than just covering tuition costs. Maruyama advises parents to sit down with their kids to discuss their job interests and desired salary ranges.

Next, they should review job descriptions that align with those interests, paying close attention to the required skills. Together, they can brainstorm ways to develop those skills. When interviews arise, candidates should confidently express their eagerness to learn, stating, "I'm new to this, but I proactively learned the skills necessary for this role."