For years, the big thing that seemed to hold most people back from returning to school and earning a degree that would improve their situation was time. It was impossible to work, spend time with the family, and go to school all at the same time. The internet has changed that, and today it's easy to fit education into your schedule. Unfortunately, for many, another problem exists – paying for college. However, there are a lot of different ways to get the money needed for school. You shouldn't feel like finances are holding you back.
Here are a few options worth thinking about to help you pay for your online education.
- Scholarships – Yes, scholarships can still be applied to online education. Many people don't realize this, and while there are fewer options available and competition for them is intense, if you qualify you might be able to get scholarships that pay for some or even all of your education. College-Scholarships.com has a large listing of scholarships worth considering.
- Grants – Grants are a much more common method of paying for online education. There are grants designed for low-income students, for minorities, for women, and more. Spend time doing research into all of the different grants and you may find several worth applying for. While they often won't cover all of the costs, you won't have to repay a grant and they can bring education to a more affordable level. Popular grants include the Pell Grant, the Academic Competitiveness Grant, and the National Smart Grant. A full list of grants can be found on the US Department of Education Website.
- Loans – Student loans can be used to pay for online classes as well, and there are numerous programs out there that offer them to those looking to earn a degree. Take care that you choose the best loans and the best terms, and this can be a valid option as well.
- Work Incentives – Some employers actually offer educational incentives to employees. They may pay for your education provided you agree to work with them for a certain number of years after graduation, or reimburse you the money you spent if you meet similar terms.
These four options highlight the many different ways that you can pay for your online education. Thanks to the internet, it's much easier to fit your education into your schedule and into your budget. To get started, you can submit a free application for student aid – the FAFSA – by visiting the official Student Aid website.