Paying for Online Education
As the ways that students learn evolves, so does how they fund higher education. If you’re pursuing an online degree, you’ll need to pay for it. However, this can be a bit trickier than it is with traditional course programs. Make sure you understand the following facts about funding your education.
Understand Your Costs
Online classes often require different tuition and fees than traditional courses. For instance, you might be able to waive fees like athletic costs, and you probably won’t have to pay for campus housing. On the other hand, you could end up being billed for technology and distance learning fees that other students don’t pay.
Getting to know your costs is crucial because it helps you budget better. It also makes it easier to find programs that you might be eligible for.
Apply for Financial Aid
Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is a form that all students can submit to learn whether they’re eligible to receive financial aid. It doesn’t just apply to students who attend classes in person.
Make sure you fill your FAFSA out when it becomes available in October before your next semester starts. If you can show that you have a financial need because your education expenses will be more than what your family can contribute, then you may be eligible for aid grants or loans.
Check Out Scholarships
Scholarships and academic programs vary widely. There’s a good chance that one of the many programs out there caters to your study program or degree field.
Applying for scholarships can be tedious, but every bit of aid you can get counts. Since you don’t have to pay this money back, why not take advantage of it?
Investigate Your Payment Options
Your school may let online degree seekers pay for their courses using installment plans. The eligibility requirements for such payment options vary, but they’re definitely worth exploring. This is especially true if you feel like you’ll struggle coming up with the entire tuition amount all at once.
Find Out Whether Your Employer Will Cover Some Costs
If you’re pursuing a graduate-level online degree, then your employer might help. For instance, many Executive Master of Business Administration, or EMBA, students take advantage of the fact that companies want more skilled workers and are willing to chip in to get them.
How will you pay for your online college degree? Let us know in the comments below.