If you would like to continue your education, cost shouldn't be the deciding factor in whether or not you earn your degree. It's true that college can be very expensive, but many tuition assistance programs are available. Start early, research all opportunities carefully, and you'll be able to earn your degree without accumulating an unreasonable amount of debt.
College scholarships are the most obvious form of school tuition assistance. Most scholarships are granted to students on the basis of academic merit, but factors such as financial need and future career goals may also be considered. Amounts can range from just enough to buy books for one class to full tuition, room, and board, or even more. Look for scholarships from the school of your choice as well as awards from professional organizations and local community groups.
Grants, like scholarships, don't have to be paid back. In the United States, you can apply for these school tuition assistance programs by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application will also determine your eligibility for low interest student loans and provide proof of financial need for certain scholarship programs, so it's best to fill out the FAFSA as soon as possible.
For working adults, employer school tuition assistance programs can be a wonderful resource. These programs typically help pay for a certain number of college classes per year, provided the classes are related to your current career and you earn a passing grade in each course. Ask your human resources manger for details about your company's policies. If you're looking for a new position, school tuition assistance information is usually found in the "Employee Benefits" section of a company's Web site.
A variation of the employer school tuition assistance program involves companies which provide forgivable loans to people interested in training for careers in high demand areas, such as CNC machining. If the applicant earns a degree and completes a certain number of years of service with the company, his school loans are automatically forgiven. This type of school tuition assistance program is most common at community colleges and often involves completing a paid internship at the company in order to gain relevant work experience.
While it's not the right choice for everyone, joining the military can be a great way to receive school tuition assistance. Reserve tuition assistance, National Guard tuition assistance, and Marine Corps tuition assistance programs have helped thousands of men and women achieve their dream of earning a college degree. There are specific guidelines for how to participate in these programs, however, so it's best to ask your military recruiter for additional information before making any enlistment decisions.
