My School Does Not Offer Financial Aid

Q: I am applying for a school that doesn’t offer financial aid. The course is a six week, certificate-type program which I am unable to pay for out-of-pocket. Is there any way to get financial aid for these types of programs, even if the student does not have good credit? I have qualified for FAFSA in the past, and used it when I was going to school for my Associate of Applied Science, but the school where I am taking my upcoming program does not offer financial aid and I don’t know how to pay for it?

A: It’s essential to be proactive and thorough in your search for financial aid options. Start early, research extensively, and explore all available avenues to fund your education while minimizing the need for loans or debt. There are some schools or certification programs that do not offer financial aid and/or are not accredited. If this is the case, here are a few things you can do:

1. Check to see if the school or college may offer a deferred payment plan where you can pay tuition in installments. If this is available, it allows the student to make small payments, instead of having to come up with one large lump sum of money.

2. Check with your employer (and some branches of the military, is this applies to you) to see if they offer tuition assistance. If the program is needed for work, or could benefit your employer, they may be willing to sponsor you for the program, or they may already have a tuition reimbursement program in place.

3. Research External Scholarships. Many organizations, companies, foundations, and community groups offer scholarships to students based on various criteria such as academic merit, financial need, extracurricular activities, ethnicity, or intended field of study. Spend time researching and applying for external scholarships that you may be eligible for. Websites like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and the College Board’s Scholarship Search can help you find scholarship opportunities.

4. Apply for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Even if your school doesn’t offer financial aid directly, you should still complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is used to determine your eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. Depending on your financial situation, you may qualify for federal Pell Grants, Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, or other federal aid programs.

5. Consider Federal Work-Study. If your school participates in the Federal Work-Study Program, you may be able to work part-time to earn money to help cover your educational expenses. Work-study jobs are often on-campus positions related to your field of study or community service.

6. Explore State Aid Programs. Many states offer financial aid programs for residents attending colleges and universities within the state. These programs may include grants, scholarships, or tuition assistance programs. Check with your state’s higher education agency or department of education to learn about available state aid programs and eligibility requirements.

7. Look into Private Student Loans. If you’ve exhausted all other options for funding your education, you may consider applying for private student loans from banks, credit unions, or other private lenders. Private student loans typically have higher interest rates and less favorable terms compared to federal student loans, so it’s essential to borrow responsibly and explore all other avenues for financial aid before turning to private loans.

8. Seek Alternative Funding Sources. Explore alternative sources of funding such as crowdfunding platforms, employer tuition assistance programs, educational benefits for military service members and veterans, or community-based organizations that provide financial assistance to students.

9. Negotiate with the School. While some schools may not offer institutional financial aid, it’s still worth reaching out to the financial aid office to inquire about any available resources or options for financial assistance. In some cases, schools may have emergency funds or discretionary aid that can be awarded on a case-by-case basis.

10. Consider Transferring to a Different School. If financial aid options are limited at your current school, you may explore transferring to another institution that offers more generous financial aid packages or has lower tuition costs.