Paying For Your Degree

If you think you may require some financial help to pay for your degree, you’re not alone. According to the most recent National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS), about 60% of all undergraduates in the US are receiving some type of financial assistance in the form of loans, scholarships or other help. About two-thirds of them are graduating with some school debt left to pay down. (Some 79% of students are also working while they are enrolled in college).

Loans and The Distance Learner
Online degree students often don’t get the same help from mom and dad as those who attend traditional brick and mortar schools. But many of the same grants for college offered to on-campus students can be used by nontraditional learners in online education as well. In fact, the government has very recently made it easier for elearners to qualify for financial aid. See our article on repeal of the 50% rule.

Your own situation will determine which kind of financial aid makes the most sense for you. But the most basic approach for students in most cases is to look first for scholarship money, which is available from a huge number of different sources, and then to government loans. The next most desirable option, which works particularly well for online learners who tend to be out in the world and working already, is to get an employer to pay for your degree. If none of those options pan out, there are still several ways you can finance your online education by borrowing creatively but carefully.

Start With A Quality School
Regardless of whether you’re financing a certificate, bachelors or masters degree, you need to start by selecting a school that’s respected by lenders. Make sure you are working on your degree that’s accredited by the appropriate agency. See our article on accreditation. Many government and private lenders are not allowed to give grants for college to students if their school is not properly accredited (though there are some specific types of degree programs that get accreditation from less-traditional agencies).

Next: How To Start Looking For Financial Aid

Getting Financial Aid For Your Online Degree
Paying For Your Degree - where to start looking for financial aid.
Finding A Scholarship - where to start your search for the "free money."
Getting Your Employer To Pay For School
Government Loans - they're definately available for online learners.
Smart Grants and Perkins Loans - some programs you may never have heard of can help you pay for school.
Private Loans For College