Paying for School: Alternatives to College Scholarships
There are many ways to pay for college. The most obvious options include college scholarships (typically awarded to students who excel in sports and academics) and student loans. But not everyone has access to these options. What are the non-scholarship financial aid options open to you when transitioning out of military life into college?
Paying for School: Alternatives to College Scholarships
The first college scholarship alternative veterans and some military family members turn to is the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which covers in-state tuition at public universities. This option includes a monthly housing allowance based on campus location and a book stipend. Service members can review eligibility details and application procedures through CollegeRecon’s Post-9/11 GI Bill guide.
But there are many options aside from the GI Bill.
The United States Department of Education distributes need-based financial aid for college, screening potential applicants through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and this is typically the first resource future students should use when planning their education.
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Pell Grants, Work-Study
Through FAFSA, undergraduate students with documented financial need typically apply for the Federal Pell Grant. Pell recipients do not have to repay these grants as long as they stay enrolled and maintain passing grades. The program supports millions of students each year across colleges, universities, and career programs.
Students who need money for day-to-day campus expenses may apply for the Federal Work-Study Program, which may help campus financial aid offices place eligible students in part-time jobs. Participants earn wages for hours worked at campus libraries, research labs, or local community centers. According to the official site, when using work-study,.
“…the student will be paid directly for the hours he or she works and the amount he or she earns cannot exceed the total amount awarded by the school for the award year. The availability of work-study jobs varies by school.”
Apprenticeships
Are you interested in a technical career? You may be able to reduce your tuition through the Registered Apprenticeship System, overseen by the U.S. Department of Labor under the National Apprenticeship Act.
An apprenticeship is a paid job agreement. Program sponsors pay for classroom training in healthcare, cybersecurity, clean energy, and skilled trades, and interested veterans/military spouses can learn more in CollegeRecon’s guide on using the GI Bill for on-the-job training.
You can also learn how to take advantage of skilled trade opportunities outside the GI Bill, including apprenticeships offered to those still serving in the military.
AmeriCorps
On the civilian side, AmeriCorps provides college funds in return for community service. Members support disaster relief, conservation, and classroom reading projects.
After completing full-time service, you may qualify for the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award, which matches the maximum Pell Grant award for that cycle under federal law. Members use award funds to cover tuition at participating colleges or pay off existing student loans.
Working adults may also pay for classes through employer-provided educational benefits. Section 127 of the Internal Revenue Code allows employers to offer their employees annual tax-free financial aid. Employers may cover tuition tabs or reimburse workers for approved college classes, job certificates, and technical textbooks.
Credit Transfer
One of the most important things you can do, in addition to applying for the programs listed above, is to make sure any military experience you have transfers as college credit where permitted. If you have prior college experience, don’t let those credits go to waste.
Community college transfer programs can help reduce bachelor’s degree costs through shared credit and/or transfer credit agreements. State agencies, like the Illinois Board of Higher Education, set transfer rules between two-year community colleges and four-year state universities. Students can spend their first two years at community colleges, where credit-hour fees stay low, and take advantage of transfer agreements between their school and the next one to keep their credit-hour costs lower.
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About the author
Joe Wallace is a 13-year veteran of the United States Air Force and a former reporter/editor for Air Force Television News and the Pentagon Channel. His freelance work includes contract work for Motorola, VALoans.com, and Credit Karma. He is co-founder of Dim Art House in Springfield, Illinois, and spends his non-writing time as an abstract painter, independent publisher, and occasional filmmaker.
