There’s plenty of money available for you to pursue a post-secondary education for either you or your child! Here are several barriers that could be getting in the way of securing money to pay for school.
Knocking Down Misconceptions
Scholarships are only for top scholars and athletes. Many of the splashy news stories are certainly about high-profile students who snag a fully-paid-for scholarship. There are an unbelievable number of scholarships, however, that do not take grades or athletic ability into consideration whatsoever.
Scholarships are only for students attending college. Enrollment in vocational and trade schools has nearly doubled since 2000, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. And the good news for prospective students is that scholarships for vocational and trade schools are just as plentiful as scholarships for four-year colleges and universities.
You have to be a great writer. Winning scholarships is more often about what you write than how you write. And for some scholarships, following the application’s directions and answering the questions that are asked is more important than how well you write. And DO NOT just delegate the job to an AI tool! There are now AI tools to assess whether your writing was written by AI. Find your voice and use it.
You have to be a high school student. Scholarships aren’t just for soon-to-be high school graduates. Many schools have degree programs – and corresponding scholarships – aimed at older adults who are looking to learn new skills or make a transition in their career. Scholarships are also available for graduate students.
Finding scholarships takes too much time. Yes, you’ll need to invest a certain amount of time to find and apply for scholarships, but finding financial aid may not require as much of a time investment as you may think with tons of available online tools.
What to do
Follow the directions. You’d be surprised how many applicants don’t read or follow the rules of the scholarships. Take the time to read through all instructions, and thoughtfully answer the questions that are asked.
Apply every year by January. For every year that you’re attending a post-secondary school, consider setting aside some time in the fall and early winter to complete scholarship applications for the upcoming school year. Many applications need to be completed by January for the following school year. But remember this is just a rule of thumb. It is always best to review possibilities, target certain scholarships/grants and then put the due dates of each on a calendar.
Ask your school. Nearly every college in the U.S. offers some form of merit-based financial aid. You’ll likely need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), as many colleges have all students apply for scholarships by completing the FAFSA. This includes students who may qualify for only merit-based scholarships.
Ask local businesses. Many local businesses, civic groups, foundations, and religious or community organizations offer scholarships. So ask around in your community about available financial aid.
The early bird often gets the worm, but the bird that does not go looking for one will never get one!
A growing number of students are saying no to paying for higher education with student loans. Here’s how to join the growing number of students graduating debt-free, often by using unconventional approaches.
Serve before studying: Military service. Military enlistment remains one of the most reliable routes to a fully-funded education. The Post-9/11 GI Bill not only covers in-state public tuition or contributes toward private schools, but also provides housing stipends, book allowances, and even the option to transfer unused benefits to a spouse or child. Active-duty personnel and reservists can also qualify for other tuition assistance programs that cover college courses taken during service.
Potential tradeoffs: Enlistment requires several years of service, during which you may face deployments, relocations, and the demands of military life. While these experiences can provide leadership skills and career discipline, they also delay immediate entry into civilian education or employment.
The gap year that pays off. Delaying college to work full-time is another strategy for avoiding student loans. By taking a gap year, or even several years, students can earn a steady income, build savings, and gain valuable work experience before stepping onto a campus. Postponing college also gives students time to clarify their goals. A year or two in the workforce provides insights on career paths that can be used to make more intentional choices about their fields of study.
Potential tradeoffs: Taking time away from academics can make it harder for some to get back into a rhythm of rigorous coursework. Some students risk losing academic momentum altogether. A delayed start also means graduating later, which can postpone entry into certain careers.
Beating the clock: Accelerated and AP credit. Students may be able to enter college with a head start, sometimes as a sophomore instead of a freshman, by maximizing Advanced Placement (AP) courses or dual-enrollment credits while still in high school. In addition to AP credits, some universities now offer formal three-year or accelerated degree tracks designed to condense a traditional four-year program into a shorter time frame.
Potential tradeoffs: The pace of accelerated education can be demanding. Students often carry heavier course loads, enroll in summer or winter sessions, and have less flexibility for internships, study abroad, or part-time work. In some cases, moving through requirements quickly can limit the exploration of different majors or electives.
Employer-sponsored degrees. More companies are offering tuition assistance or direct sponsorship for employees pursuing degrees or certifications as the competition for talent increases. Some companies partner directly with universities or online programs, creating a simple pathway for workers to earn degrees in fields related to their jobs. Many employers now extend these opportunities beyond management, also offering assistance to front-line workers in retail, hospitality, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Potential tradeoffs: Balancing work and study can be challenging, often stretching degree timelines to five or more years. Some programs require employees to remain with the company for a set period after graduation, tying educational opportunities to job loyalty.
While student loans remain the norm for many, the rise of debt-free graduates shows that alternatives do exist. These paths may be unconventional, but they show that a college degree or technical certification doesn’t have to mean decades of repayment.
