Thank you for posing your question here. I think that it is excellent that you are exploring options after 12th grade, and I encourage you to continue researching your options to better understand what would be the "best" path for you.

There are several options for your to consider. First, as you may know, individuals with a college degree earn significantly more than their non-degree counterparts. If a four-year college isn't in the cards for you, a community college is an affordable alternative.

Perhaps, you are not interested in pursuing higher education (at least at this time). In that instance, you may consider the "gap year." Many folks will take a year off before heading to college and this year has been called, the "gap year." Teens can spend the gap year in a variety of ways: teach English in a foreign country, study endangered species in a remote area, or volunteer work for a non-profit organization.

Alternatively, you may choose to begin work in an employment area that interests you. An internship or part-time job in a company or organization that offers a valid career path is a good option.

Whatever you decide to do, talk with friends and family, think about what you enjoy to do, and pursue your interests. Of course, financial matters play into this, but I personally believe that "following your bliss" will make you so much happier over the course of your life than if you had just taken a job at a fast food restaurant to make a little cash.

This section of the site includes more ideas for college alternatives:
http://www.education.com/topic/college-alternative-information/

Best wishes,
L. Compian, Ph.D.
Child Psychologist
Education.com