5 Ways to Afford an Online Education

While college can open up invaluable doors in a person’s life, there’s no getting around the fact that it is also costly. School is an investment that can pay dividends, but even with that knowledge, it can be hard to swallow the cost of tuition and other expenses. Fortunately, if you’re reading this, it probably means you are considering or have already started looking into an online education—an option that is typically significantly less expensive than attending a brick-and-mortar school.

So, if you’re interested in taking online courses or enrolling in an online program, you are already on the right track towards an affordable education. But one way or another, you will still have to pay for school. In this article, we will dive into five ways to pay for your online education: MyCAA funding, VA Benefits, working while in school, and more. Some people use a combination of these resources to pay for their online education.

1. MyCAA Funding

If you are a military spouse, you may qualify for the My Career Advancement Account Scholarship (MyCAA). According to the MyCAA website, you must be the spouse of an active-duty service member on Title 10 orders or the spouse of a member of the National Guard or reserve to receive this funding, and this scholarship only applies to individuals with spouses in certain pay grades. In addition, you must have a high school diploma. Other restrictions apply as well. Detailed criteria can be found in the FAQs section of the website. Eligible students can receive up to $4,000 in tuition assistance. This is a scholarship, meaning the money does not have to be paid back.

Be sure to take advantage of this amazing opportunity if you are eligible. If you are unsure of your eligibility, the system will automatically assess if you qualify when you log in with your DS Logon. With Blackstone’s affordable prices, you can even complete multiple online education programs using your MyCAA tuition assistance.

2. VA Benefits

If you are a veteran, you may receive financial assistance through the GI Bill®. The Post-9/11 GI Bill® applies to veterans who have 90 days or more of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, as well as veterans who have been discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. The Montgomery GI Bill® applies to veterans who have served within the past 10 years. If you meet the qualifications, there is the potential for you to have 100% of your tuition covered for your online education. You can learn more about these programs here. If you believe you qualify, check out this guide to help you get started.

3. WIOA Funding

The Department of Labor and Department of Education created WIOA to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services primarily through state and local workforce development systems. The goal is to see individuals succeed in the labor market and to help employers hire and retain skilled workers. Depending on your situation, you may qualify to receive WIOA funding for your education. The WIOA plans vary by state. The WIOA funding allotment is $4,000, making our affordable online courses a great option for those who are looking to graduate debt-free.

Blackstone’s seven online career training courses approved for WIOA funding for the state of PA can be found here.

4. Working While in School

School can be all-consuming, and for some students, working while also taking classes just isn’t a realistic option. However, many students choose to take online courses because they feel that the flexibility in their schedule allows them to easily hold a part-time or even full-time job while in school. If you’re able to work while taking online classes, this can be a great way to keep yourself afloat financially and limit your debt.

If you’re interested in an entry-level position in a field related to your course of study, you can kill two birds with one stone—making money to pay for your education while also gaining valuable experience and making connections in your desired field. But some students who work simply choose a job that affords them the flexibility to prioritize school, and that fits into their already busy schedule. Service industry jobs like waiting tables, barista gigs, and bartending can be great options. Choosing courses that are self-paced will provide greater flexibility to work in a variety of fields while in school.

5. Transfer Credits

A lot of students who take online courses are returning to school after some time spent away from higher education. If you have previously taken college classes, be sure to check with the schools you’re considering to see whether they can be transferred and apply toward your program. You may be surprised to find that classes you took while attending school with a different intended course of study will transfer. Transferring credits is one of the easiest ways to save money on your online education. It will lower your overall tuition costs needed to finish your program and may also shorten the time you need to spend in school before graduating—allowing you to finish even sooner.

As you can see there are several ways to lower or fully fund your online education. There’s no time like the present to start building a better future. Blackstone Career Institute can help you get the credentials you need to enter the workforce.