Some companies require that you stay with the company for a certain period of time, or else you’ll have to pay them back. If you can find a tuition reimbursement program that works for you, however, and you can balance school and work, you’ll be making money while your employer picks up the educational tab.
Eligibility varies, of course, and some schools are more generous than others. You’ll have to do your homework, but there are many opportunities to be had with this route, like taking classes for free at Harvard University while working 20 hours a week as a janitor. [1] X Research source
Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). In the US, you can join ROTC and get up to a full four-year scholarship plus an annual stipend. It’s also a good idea to check out service academies. American cadets who get accepted into service academies earn a monthly salary and a commission when they graduate.
Typically, work study jobs are clerical and service oriented, including anything from answering phones in the student center to slinging burgers in the cafeteria. Other options, like taking notes for visually impaired students, tutoring, or doing a variety of other tasks are also available, however, at some universities. Explore all your options.
Waiting tables Bartending Cooking Working at a coffee shop Being a clerk or secretary Telemarketing
Ideally, you want a job that you won’t have to “take home” with you. Certain secretarial jobs can include some at-home components, which can seriously cut into your homework time. Service jobs can be easily left at work.
Be firm with your schedule. If your job requires you to be “on call” at any point to cover shifts, you need to make sure that your superiors know about your school hours and that you take your studies seriously. Don’t be bullied by off-campus bosses who want you to work more.
To receive financial aid in the U. S. , you’ll need to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). While it’s possible to use loans to get extra money during college, you’re not really getting paid (even though it might feel that way). You’ll have to pay all of it back eventually, plus interest. So when you receive a financial aid offer, focus on grants and ignore loans.
To receive financial aid in the U. S. , you’ll need to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). While it’s possible to use loans to get extra money during college, you’re not really getting paid (even though it might feel that way). You’ll have to pay all of it back eventually, plus interest. So when you receive a financial aid offer, focus on grants and ignore loans.
Apply for a National Merit Scholarship, if your grades are good enough. While it’s uncommon, a student at University of Alabama reportedly profited over $30,000 from his college experience, having received a tier one scholarship that covered all of his tuition and housing expense and included a $1,000 each semester, supplemented by a National Merit Scholarship. This is extremely uncommon.
College of the Ozarks Deep Springs College Berea College Olin College of Engineering Curtis Institute of Music Alice Lloyd College.
According to some studies, a degree from a prestigious university like an Ivy League might be cost effective if your goal is a serious six-figure income, but doesn’t give you much of an advantage if you choose certain careers, like business or teaching. In fact, the resulting debt might cripple your career flexibility, meaning that you might not be able to take a teaching job at a great public school because you won’t make enough money to pay off your loans and stay financially afloat. Living at home with your parents and commuting to school can save you thousands - possibly tens of thousands - of dollars in room and board costs.
