Attending school is an expensive endeavor for many, but did you know there are ways to get paid to go to school?
This concept may seem unconventional, but it’s possible through various programs, grants, scholarships, and employer-backed education initiatives.
If you’ve been wondering, “Can I get paid to go to school?” this comprehensive guide will show you how.
In this article, we will explore the different ways you can receive income or financial support while pursuing an education, featuring real examples and verified income stories.
1. Scholarships: Free Money for Your Education
Scholarships are one of the most well-known ways to get paid to attend school. They are offered by a variety of institutions, such as universities, non-profits, and corporations, and provide funding that you don’t have to pay back. Scholarships can be merit-based, need-based, or focused on specific fields of study.
Success Story: The Gates Scholarship
The Gates Scholarship is an outstanding example of a scholarship that provides significant financial assistance. It awards 300 students annually, covering the full cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, board, and more. The scholarship focuses on low-income, minority students.
One of the success stories from this program is Jessica, a student who received a full ride to attend Stanford University. Jessica’s scholarship covered her entire $70,000 per year cost, saving her a total of $280,000 over her four years of study.
More information about the Gates Scholarship can be found here: Gates Scholarship
2. Employer Tuition Assistance Programs
Many companies offer tuition assistance programs to employees who wish to continue their education. These programs are designed to reimburse students for some or all of their tuition costs if the courses they take are relevant to their job. Some companies even cover education unrelated to the current job role as a means of professional development.
Example: Starbucks College Achievement Plan
Starbucks offers a generous tuition reimbursement program for its employees through the Starbucks College Achievement Plan. This program covers 100% of tuition for employees to earn a bachelor’s degree through Arizona State University’s online platform.
Starbucks employee Chris was able to complete his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration without incurring any student debt, thanks to this program. He estimates that Starbucks covered about $50,000 in tuition costs over four years.
For more information, you can visit the official page: Starbucks College Achievement Plan
3. Military Education Benefits
Another common way to get paid to go to school is by utilizing military education benefits. The U.S. government provides several programs through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help military members and veterans pursue higher education at little to no cost.
Example: The GI Bill
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is a government program that offers significant financial assistance to military personnel and veterans. The program covers the full cost of in-state tuition and fees for public schools and up to $25,000 per year for private schools. Additionally, students receive a monthly housing allowance and a stipend for textbooks and supplies.
John, a Navy veteran, used the GI Bill to attend the University of Southern California, where he pursued a master’s degree in engineering. The GI Bill covered $30,000 annually for his tuition and provided him with a $3,000 monthly housing allowance. Over two years, he received approximately $96,000 in benefits.
For more details, visit: GI Bill Benefits
4. Fellowships and Grants for Graduate Students
Graduate students can access various fellowships and grants, which can provide financial support for advanced research or academic work. These funds are typically awarded to cover tuition, living expenses, and other academic costs.
Example: National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program
The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program is one of the most prestigious grants in the U.S. It provides graduate students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields with a three-year annual stipend of $34,000, along with a $12,000 cost-of-education allowance to the institution.
Maria, a Ph.D. candidate in environmental science, received the NSF fellowship, which paid her $34,000 annually, allowing her to focus on her research without the financial burden of loans.
You can learn more here: NSF Graduate Research Fellowship
5. Work-Study Programs: Earn While You Learn
Work-study programs allow students to work part-time jobs while enrolled in school. These programs are typically need-based and allow students to earn money to cover living expenses or tuition while gaining work experience.
Example: Federal Work-Study Program
The Federal Work-Study Program is a U.S. government initiative that helps students earn money through part-time jobs on or off-campus. The jobs are often related to the student’s field of study, and students can earn up to $7,000 per year.
James, a student at the University of Washington, worked as a research assistant through the Federal Work-Study Program. He earned $6,500 over the course of his senior year, which he used to cover his living expenses and books.
For more details, visit: Federal Work-Study Program
6. Apprenticeships: Earn While You Learn a Trade
If you’re interested in learning a trade, apprenticeships are a fantastic way to get paid while gaining skills and education. Apprenticeships allow students to work in their chosen field while attending school or training programs.
Example: Union Apprenticeship Programs
Union apprenticeship programs are common in fields such as electrical work, plumbing, and carpentry. These programs often combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Apprentices earn a salary while they learn, with wages increasing as they gain experience.
Mark joined an electrical apprenticeship through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). He started earning $16 per hour during his first year, and by the time he completed the program, he was making $35 per hour. Over four years, Mark earned over $100,000 while learning his trade.
More information on union apprenticeships can be found here: IBEW Apprenticeships
7. Employer-Sponsored Scholarships
Some companies offer scholarships to students who are not yet employees but plan to work for the company after graduation. These employer-sponsored scholarships can cover a significant portion of tuition costs in exchange for a commitment to work for the company after graduation.
Example: Amazon Career Choice Program
Amazon’s Career Choice Program is an initiative that pre-pays 95% of tuition for students pursuing degrees or certifications that align with in-demand roles at the company. This program is available to current employees as well as those who intend to join the company after graduation.
For more information, check out: Amazon Career Choice
8. State and Federal Grants
Grants, unlike loans, do not have to be repaid, making them one of the best ways to get paid to go to school. Many states offer grants to residents attending state schools, while the federal government provides several grant options for students in financial need.
Example: The Federal Pell Grant
The Pell Grant is a need-based federal grant that offers up to $6,495 per year to undergraduate students. Students with exceptional financial need may qualify for additional funds through state-based programs.
Sarah, a low-income student at the University of Florida, received $6,495 per year through the Pell Grant, which allowed her to attend school without taking on loans. Over four years, Sarah received $25,980 in financial support.
For more information: Federal Pell Grant
Conclusion: Yes, You Can Get Paid to Go to School!
There are numerous ways to get paid to go to school, from scholarships and grants to employer-sponsored programs and apprenticeships. Whether you’re a high school senior preparing for college, a working adult considering going back to school, or a graduate student, there are opportunities for you to receive financial support and even income while pursuing your education.
If you’ve been asking, “Can I get paid to go to school?” the answer is a resounding yes. By exploring the options above, you can make education more affordable and avoid crippling student loan debt.
Alternatives To Getting Paid To Go To School
- How to Get Paid to Blog: Turn Blogging into a Profitable Income Stream
- How to Get Paid to Write: A Comprehensive Guide to Earning from Your Words
- Ways to Get Paid To Watch Netflix
Until we speak again, remember….
Be Yourself, Help Others, NEVER QUIT!
Seely Clark IV
Ready to get started? Explore the links below for more details on each program:
- Gates Scholarship
- Starbucks College Achievement Plan
- GI Bill Benefits
- NSF Graduate Research Fellowship
- Federal Work-Study Program
- IBEW Apprenticeships
- Amazon Career Choice
- Federal Pell Grant
