Key takeaways
- Complete the FAFSA every year you’re in college, as it could help you qualify for grants and scholarships. This is gift aid that usually doesn’t have to be paid back.
- The U.S. military and private companies offer tuition assistance and other programs to qualifying students.
- If you don’t receive enough gift aid to cover the cost of college, consider applying for a part-time job, freelancing, or attending school half-time to save cash.
Source: Flickr user smart_grades
When you think about college, you’re likely thinking about the cost – but did you know some places could pay you to earn your degree? From employers to the federal government, many organizations have resources that cover students’ expenses while they advance their education. We cover six ways you could get paid to go to school, plus provide some tips to help you cover the remaining costs below.
6 Ways you can get paid to go to school
Student loans aren’t the only way to pay for college – some places might pay you to earn your degree. Check out these tips to help lower your college costs:
1. Fill out the FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a must for most types of financial aid, including federal grants, state grants, work-study programs, and institutional grants and scholarships. In fact, many colleges and universities only award merit aid to those who complete the FAFSA, too.
Here’s a breakdown of ways you could get paid to go to school by completing the form annually:
- Grants: Grants are typically awarded based on financial need. They can come from state and federal governments, nonprofit organizations, and schools. If you have demonstrated financial need, you might qualify for the federal Pell Grants.
- Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded to students by schools, businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations for financial need and/or academic, athletic, or other merits. There are thousands of scholarships available, and some require the FAFSA and your resulting Student Aid Index (SAI) to apply.
- Work-Study Programs: Work-study programs allow you to work a part-time job on or near campus with a college partner so you can receive money for school while still focusing on your studies. They require demonstrated financial need, spots are limited, and they’re sponsored by the federal and some state governments.
Some colleges and state grant programs may require the CSS Profile or other financial aid applications to apply.
2. Join the military
Some military programs pay you to go to college, either before, during, or after your enlistment.
- Military Tuition Assistance Program: Enlisted active-duty service members may receive up to 100% of their tuition expenses covered. All four service branches—Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy—are eligible for tuition assistance.
- Post-9/11 GI Bill: Anyone who meets the requirements can apply to receive up to 100% of their college tuition and up to $1,000 toward monthly rent if they are enrolled as an over-half-time student.
- ROTC: All of the military branches have ROTC programs at colleges throughout the United States. Signing up covers tuition costs but you’re agreeing to serve as an officer for a set number of years after graduation.
- Military scholarships: Each year, several organizations offer generous scholarships as a way to give back to veterans and their families. You can search for these with our free scholarship search tool.
- Military loan forgiveness programs: If you join the military after you graduate from college, you could qualify for one of their various loan forgiveness programs that covers some or all of your loans.
3. Become an RA
If you’re an upperclassman living on campus and see yourself as a good leader with strong interpersonal skills, effective communication, solid planning abilities, and conflict management experience, you should consider applying to be a resident assistant (RA) at your college. Typically, you’ll receive free housing, but your college may also offer you meal stipends, wages, or other benefits.
4. Participate in a tuition assistance program
Some employers, such as Starbucks and Chipotle, offer a tuition assistance program benefit where they’ll cover part of or all of the cost of your degree while you work for them. Depending on the job, you might have to pursue a degree related to your career. For example, a marketing company could pay for your master’s but they may require you to study something related to marketing. Talk to your HR department to learn more about this potential benefit.
5. Work for a college
Colleges typically have reduced or free tuition for their employees, which could save you thousands on your degree. There may be restrictions on how many courses you can sign up for or the school requires you to work for them for a set number of years before you can receive the benefit. Read over your employee handbook to find out more.
6. Claim education credits
You may be eligible for an education credit through the IRS, which can help reduce the amount of tax you owe and potentially result in a refund. With the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC), you could receive up to $2,500 per student, per year. With the Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC), you could qualify for up to $2,000 per year.
5 More ways to help pay for college
While not everyone gets paid to go to school, there are other routes that could help you cover those college costs or keep them low without having to get a student loan.
- Get a part-time job. If you don’t qualify for work-study, you can apply for on-campus, remote, or local positions. Colleges and many local businesses offer flexible schedules to students, understanding they have classes, but remote jobs may be less understanding.
- Land an internship. Paid internships are a fantastic way to earn money for school, network, and gain experience. They may result in some credit towards your degree, too.
- Gig work and freelancing allow you to set your own schedule while making some extra cash. From walking dogs to delivering food and tutoring to photography, there are plenty of options out there.
- Attend school part-time. Attending college part time slows your graduation timeline but it can be much more affordable. It’s also easier to manage work schedules.
- Go to community college first. Community college tuition is a fraction of the cost of a 4-year school. You stand to save thousands of dollars by attending a 2-year college for your associate’s.
Ready to pay for college?
College costs can add up quickly. Completing the FAFSA, applying for scholarships, and taking a part-time job are all great ways to help you lower your overall debt after graduation. But that’s just the start. Learn more about all the ways you can help pay for college. Visit the Citizens Student Hub today to get started.
