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Ironically, I did receive a paid in full scholarship to go to school, but it came with a huge caveat: I would have to enlist in the military, and that was a big no-go for me. Though, I support the US military, I’ve never been a fan of conformity – despite the enormous benefits the military offers, and I would know because my entire family is in the military.
There are tons of free programs out there waiting for people to apply. You never know if you’ll get an opportunity for funding if you never apply.
Funding For Educational Programs Available To You
Military
As I stated previously, I received a full-ride to a school from a military scholarship. I ended up declining because I wanted to forge my own path outside of the military, but this is an excellent way to go.
I also tried multiple ROTC programs and received better housing, and other grants through participation. There is plenty of funding available for education through the military. If you’re interested, take advantage. If you had family in the military, you can also use their benefits to help pay for your school.
Academic Programs
I received tuition for 4 out of the 5 years I attended due to a state-wide academic scholarship. The funding didn’t cover room/board, food, and books, but it covered all of my tuition which was helpful.
Scholarships
There are tons of scholarships available, and they can be difficult to find, but they are out there. I applied to many outside of the organization I attended, and I also applied to scholarships at my school. I got lucky and received two. Every scholarship adds up. Always apply – even if the scholarship amount seems trivial.
Low-Income Grants
Not everyone comes from money. There are different grants available that offer you generous stipends each semester that help cover different educational costs.
Full-Time & Part-Time Jobs
This isn’t a true program, but it is definitely a way to earn income, so I consider it a program. I worked several part-time jobs during my educational career; it saved me from taking out additional federal loans from the department of education.
Work-study programs
I completed a work study program at the University’s School of Art to help earn extra money during college. Work-study programs tend to not pay as well, but they still offer additional sourcing of income. Plus, it usually very easy work. You can often study and do other things on the job because of how light the workload is.
Job Aid – Educational Relief
When I worked at Apple, they reimbursed my educational tuition (related to computer science) up to a certain amount. This was pretty f*cking awesome, and I will be forever grateful. Check out programs at your job, and ask around; you never know what they may or may not pay for until you ask!
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This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.