7 of the most affordable ways to get a degree
A college degree can be an invaluable tool for upward mobility and self-improvement. Unfortunately, getting a college degree is becoming increasingly expensive and unattainable for the average American. According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of college is $35,551, which is more than half of the median American household income.
We all know that scholarships, grants and even loans are widely available options to cover (or help cover) college costs. But scholarships and grants are extremely competitive and often require applicants to meet very strict qualifications. In other words, while it never hurts to try, there’s never a guarantee that you’ll get all the scholarships you’ll need to pay for your degree. And student loans seem like money from the sky in the short term, but you’ll be starting out in the world carrying significant debt and likely will be paying them off for years to come.
In today’s economic environment, it’s natural to worry about how to pay for your college education. But there are some creative options to help defray the cost. Outside of merit- and financial-based scholarships, there are plenty of ways to finance your college education without going into debt. Some institutions even pay you while covering expenses.
Here are seven of the most affordable ways to get a college degree.
Start at community college
Starting with two years of community college is significantly more cost effective than beginning your post-secondary education at a four-year institution. Even better, many community colleges have transfer programs with their four-year counterparts. Students who complete the required units with a minimum GPA are all but guaranteed admission.
Some states even offer free tuition at community colleges through a pair of special grant programs. First-dollar grants cover tuition regardless of other financial aid available. Last-dollar grants make up any deficit not covered by other programs. Some of these programs have income requirements, but most are open to anyone who meets specific academic qualifications.
Here’s a look at each state that offers free community college tuition and the type of aid that’s available:
Go abroad
A surprisingly cheap way to get a degree is by attending college outside the U.S. Several European countries offer free tuition to international students, including France, Germany, Austria, Norway and Sweden. Many schools will still ask for a small fee of less than $1,000 per semester, but this is significantly less than what you’d pay in the U.S. What you save in tuition can help cover room and board, which in many countries is still significantly cheaper than college housing in the States.
One obstacle to consider is language. Some universities require students to know their country’s native language and pass a proficiency exam. However, a handful of foreign universities offer instruction in English.
Germany is a perfect example where education at public schools is free. International students must pay a small but affordable fee. For instance, in the 2017/2018 academic year, the University of Freiburg and the University of Heidelberg charge just 1,500 euros per semester for international students. Both universities offer degree programs taught in English, making this an accessible way to fund education for American students.
Austrian universities cap their international student tuition fees at under $1,000. The renowned University of Vienna charges just 747.92 euros per semester.
Work full-time on campus
Many universities offer free tuition to full-time staff and their children. This can be a great way to finance an undergraduate or graduate degree. Many of these jobs do require a bachelor’s degree, but if you can snag one that doesn’t, your living expenses and tuition are covered.
Become a resident adviser
It may not sound like the most exciting way to spend your time as an upperclassman, but being a resident adviser (RA) has its perks. According to Debt.org, the average cost of room and board is $8,887 per year at public colleges and $10,089 at private institutions. You can reduce this cost significantly by becoming a RA after your first or second year (this depends on university requirements). The compensation varies by university, but many RAs receive free campus housing, a meal plan and a stipend.
Considering the average college student pays close to $10,000 for on-campus housing, this can take a significant expense out of your college budget.
Find a company that will pay for college
Many companies have begun offering tuition reimbursement programs for their employees, so if you’re willing and able to work while going to school, start looking for the options that make the most sense for you.
Starbucks offers employees free undergraduate tuition at Arizona State University (ASU) Online through its College Achievement Plan. In-state tuition for the 2021-22 year costs $11,338 while out-of-state tuition costs $29,428. Starbucks covers 100% of the tuition cost for both full- and part-time employees.
And Starbucks isn’t the only company offering free tuition. UPS, Disney, Verizon and dozens of others offer the same benefit to their part-time employees. The flexibility of a part-time job combined with tuition savings makes these companies ideal employers if you want to get a college degree for less.
Find a tuition-free college
That’s right — zero tuition. Nearly a dozen colleges in the U.S. offer tuition-free bachelor’s or associate’s degrees. Some simply don’t charge tuition, while others provide every student with a full scholarship. The requirements vary by school. Some schools have residency requirements and others offer work programs in exchange for free tuition.
It’s worth noting that while tuition is free at these schools, not all of them will cover your housing, books and transportation. Still, you can significantly reduce the cost of your education by attending one of these institutions:
Join the military
The military’s education benefits are a definite selling point for those who end up enlisting. Every branch offers Military Tuition Assistance that covers up to $4,500 per year toward tuition and fees. The Coast Guard caps this benefit at $3,750, while the Army limits it to $4,000. In addition, there is the GI Bill for veterans along with scholarships and loans available to all service members.
If you’re interested in joining the military part-time, you can join the Reserves and receive $384 per month toward tuition for 36 months through the Montgomery GI Bill. You’ll also earn a monthly salary for committing one weekend per month and two weeks of service per year. Various other education benefits are available to Reservists, particularly those interested in joining the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC).
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