Class of 2011: What's Next?

Today, 566 Hillsborough High School seniors end their years as students, as graduation makes them the newest set of school alumni.

They’ll turn their tassels and prepare for the hat toss that will end the ceremony—and await Project Graduation, the all-night drug and alcohol free celebration following graduation—with ideas about college classes, dorm rooms or entering the workforce in their minds all night.

Here’s a breakdown of the Class of 2011’s plans, according to the Hillsborough High School Guidance Department:

• 371 students—about 66 percent of the class—will attend four-year colleges. Of those students, 123 will attend public colleges in New Jersey, and 29 will attend private schools in New Jersey.
• 109 students attending four-year schools intend to go to public schools that are not in New Jersey, compared to 107 students who will attend private schools that are outside New Jersey.
• Only three students who are attending four-year schools did not specify whether the schools were public, private, in New Jersey or in another state.
• 156 students, or 28 percent of students, will attend two-year schools. 96 percent of the students attending two-year schools chose public colleges in New Jersey.
• Five students attending two-year schools opted for public schools that are outside New Jersey, and a single student picked a private two-year school that is also outside New Jersey.
• No students entered career education or apprenticeship programs this year.
• Two students will attend colleges outside of the United States.
• Eight students will enter the military.
• 12 students will enter the workforce immediately after high school.
• One student opted for a year off between high school and their next endeavor.
• 11 students had not decided on their post-high school plans yet.
• Three students’ plans were unknown.