Can you get paid to go to school, or does that sound too good to be true? It’s not—there are ways to cover the cost of college that don’t involve dipping into your or your family’s savings. Let’s explore some ways you can get paid to go to school and some other interest-free options to help cover those college costs.
6 Ways You Can Get Paid to Go to School
1. Fill out the FAFSA for Grants, Scholarships, and Work-Study Programs
For any type of financial aid, you will first need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once you complete this form, you’ll know how much financial aid you’re eligible to receive. This includes grants, scholarships, work-study programs (which do not need to be repaid) and loans (which do need to be repaid). Loans are the most common type of aid that FAFSA will award, but remember, although it feels like the money is free at the moment, you do have to pay it back eventually.
Here are the types of funds (that have no interest and don’t have to be repaid) that you can earn once you’ve filled out the FAFSA:
- Grants: Grants are awarded based on financial need and are usually given by the state or federal government, nonprofit organizations, or schools. The most well-known grants are Pell Grants, which are awarded each year.
- Scholarships: Scholarships are a form of gift aid. They can be awarded based on financial need and/or academic, athletic, or other merits. From scholarships that are awarded to STEM majors, to ones based on who can construct the best prom dress out of duct tape, there are thousands of scholarships to best match you and your preferences.
- Work-Study Programs: Work-study programs allow you to work a part-time job on or near campus so that you can receive money for school while still focusing on your studies. Because work-study is a type of financial aid, your earnings do not affect your ability to receive financial aid.
2. Join the Military
If you want to serve your country, you could get paid to go to school by joining the military. Here’s how:
- Military Tuition Assistance Program: Enlisted active-duty service members can get up to 100% of their tuition expenses covered. All four service branches—Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy—are eligible for tuition assistance.
- Post-9/11 GI Bill: Anyone who meets the requirements can apply to receive up to 100% of their college tuition and up to $1,000 toward monthly rent if they are enrolled as an over-half-time student.
- Military Scholarships: Each year, several organizations offer generous scholarships as a way to give back to veterans and their families. You can search for these with this free scholarship search tool.
3. Become an RA
If you see yourself as a good leader with strong interpersonal skills, effective communication, solid planning abilities, and conflict management experience, you might consider becoming a resident assistant (RA). To be an RA, you’ll need to be an upperclassman and you’ll be required to live on campus. Being an RA is a rewarding opportunity to provide support for younger students and the perks are well worth it! You will get your own room, as well as housing and meal stipends.
4. Find a Tuition Assistance Program
Some employers will help pay for your college through a tuition assistance program. If you can balance school and work, this could be a great option for you. You get to make money and go to school—all while your employer pays for the expense! This also doesn’t mean you have to be working a corporate job to receive this benefit. Companies like Starbucks and Chipotle offer tuition assistance to all of their employees. If you currently have a job, talk to your HR department to see if they have a tuition assistance program.
5. Work for a College
Did you know you can work for a college and take classes for free? Most US institutions will cover the cost of tuition for the courses you take while being employed by the school. However, there are usually a few conditions to qualify, so make sure you read the fine print. For example, some colleges require that you hold a benefits-eligible position or be enrolled as a full-time student.
6. Receive an Education Credit
You might be eligible for an education credit through the IRS if you meet the requirements. An education credit can help reduce the amount of tax owed on your tax return or may even get you a refund. There are two credits available: the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) or the Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC). You can receive up to $2,500 per student, per year, with the AOTC, and up to $2,000 per year with the LLC.
5 More Ways to Help Pay for College
While not everyone may be able to get paid to go to school, there are other great options you can consider to help pay for those college costs without having to get a student loan.
1. Get a Part-Time Job
If you don’t qualify for work-study, you can still find a job to earn money. On-campus jobs aren’t just for work-study students, so consider applying at the fitness center, library, or coffee shop. These jobs are most likely to work with your school schedule, but you can always get a part-time job off campus working in retail, restaurants, babysitting, or even jobs related to your major. Keep in mind that off-campus jobs are less flexible with class schedules, but the options are greater.
2. Land an Internship
Internships, while similar to a job, tend to be connected to your major. These internships range anywhere from one semester to a couple of years. Paid internships can be a great way to earn money for school, but can also benefit you in many additional areas. For instance, you’ll learn a lot about the line of work you’re considering, you’ll build meaningful connections, and it looks great on a resume, so you might just lock in a full-time job after graduation.
3. Freelancing
Freelancers are known to have an entrepreneurial spirit. They create their schedule, decide who they want to work with, and set their own prices. This is great for college students who are trying to build a schedule around classes and homework while paying for school. Whether you have an eye for design, photography, or something more technical, freelancing is a great way to earn money on your terms. It looks impressive on a resume, showing employers that you have drive and determination to learn and grow in a workplace.
4. Get Creative With a Side Hustle
If the freelancing route isn’t for you, there are still plenty of ways you can get creative with making money to pay for school. Think of things you enjoy doing, then get creative with how to make money from them. Here are a few options:
- Tutor other students in your major
- Walk dogs or pet sit
- Deliver meals on DoorDash
- Buy and flip furniture
- Start a YouTube channel or TikTok account and begin vlogging
5. Get Your Degree Part-Time
Although it might make your path to graduation longer, keeping your full-time job can provide a steady income while you’re in school. While working, you can pay to attend part-time school. This can ultimately help you avoid student loans and the debt that comes with them. While it takes effort to manage both work and school, it can pay off in the long run.
College is expensive, but that doesn’t mean it’s just a dream. If paying out of pocket isn’t an option, there are plenty of ways to cover your expenses—from winning scholarships to landing a paid internship, or even walking dogs for extra cash. While these might not cover all the expenses of college, every bit adds up and can go a long way.
Start getting paid to go school now by searching and applying to thousands of scholarships available!
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.50%-16.12%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
5.54% - 15.70% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
4.63% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
5.66% - 14.72% Variable
3.69% - 14.56% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
3.69% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
|
|
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
