A barrier to starting in a new career path can be the cost of education.
Fidelity reported 4 out of 10 high school students rate “cost of college” as most important to them.
Many students and their parents face huge sticker shock because 25% of high schoolers parents estimate college costs at $5,000 a year; yet public colleges average closer to $7,000 annually while private universities cost over $13,000!
This article provides you with four easy ways to pay for your healthcare education without breaking the bank!
Don’t let the cost of your education stop you from going for your dream!
Whether you are just starting out in life or ready to make a career change, there IS help. With a few tools and tips, you can keep costs low and still reap the benefits of a quality education.
1. Fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid(FAFSA)-and do it now! Nationwide over $150 billion dollars in financial aid is given each year! Additionally, many states and colleges use information from the FAFSA to award other types of aid. Pro tip: FAFSA aid is first come, first served so get your application in as soon as possible!
2. Look for scholarships. Learn about scholarship opportunities at the school you wish to attend. Checking their website and meeting with a counselor can make you aware of the opportunities available. Quite often, not only are there scholarships for high grades/test scores but also for students who need a little extra help because of life circumstances. Additionally, several free websites offer a search tool to look for scholarships for veterans, minority students, various majors, high school students, and college students, to name just a few. Pro Tip: Don’t ever give out personal information, like your social security number. And don’t pay for scholarship searches; free resources are available like fastweb and College Board.
3. Work at a job that offers tuition reimbursement. Many large companies offer tuition reimbursement for employees! Requirements vary from company to company so check out a few to find one that works best for you.
Here’s a few examples of tuition reimbursement programs available throughout the nation:
Best Buy: As a full-time employee (at least 32 hours a week) with 6 months on the job, receive up to $3,500 annually for undergraduate work.
Home Depot: Starting from day one, part-time employees up to $1,500 per calendar year.
UPS: Through the company’s Earn and Learn program, you can receive up to $5,250 assistance per calendar year starting at the day you’re hired!
4. Consider an online program. If you have a great job and need a more adaptable class schedule, consider an online program. It might just give you the flexibility you need to make your dream a reality!
With some time and planning, you can find money to make your education more affordable and be on your way to a rewarding profession. Using these four simple tips, you can focus less on money and more on where you want to go.