13 Creative Paths to Get Paid to Go to School

Can a student really get money to study? Definitely! Let’s find out more about these incentives and the requirements to get paid to go to school. 

The practice of getting money to go to school has been around for a long time. However, it hasn’t changed the fact that, after college, graduates will be saddled with student loans for the next decade or so. 

The idea that college is financially challenging and stressful is reinforced, causing many students to drop out and work instead. A college degree is still considered an investment and a much-desired guarantee for higher pay and job advancement.

That’s why students should make the most of the available opportunities to get paid to study. Exploring the various options provided by the government, companies, schools and universities, institutions, charities, and other groups will enable you to learn more about what they offer and require.

How To Get Paid To Go to School

The concept of students getting paid to study isn’t new, but it’s gaining more attention in recent years. Numerous programs and initiatives offer financial incentives to students. The agenda is to help alleviate financial stress, encourage academic excellence, and make education accessible.

There are several ways that students can get paid to study. It might sound too good if someone says you can get paid to go to school. However, students can earn money while pursuing their education in several ways. Here are 13 legit ways to get paid to go to school and continue your education:

1. Start Campus Blogging

Starting a blog in college can be an exciting way to earn money while studying. Blogging can range from writing sponsored posts where you review products or services to running ads or offering freelance writing services. 

The income you earn can help cover your school expenses. Plus, blogging isn’t just about making money—it can also boost your writing, marketing, and communication skills. It could even catch the eye of scholarship committees or future employers.

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2. Federal Student Aid (FSA). 

The largest student assistance provider in the United States, FSA gave about $111.6 billion in federal grants, loans, and work-study funds to 9.8 million students in 2022. 

To qualify, current and incoming college students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to determine their eligibility for student financial aid. 

FAFSA evaluates whether a student is eligible for need-based or non-need-based aid, such as the Pell Grant (which need not be repaid), subsidized or unsubsidized federal student loans, federal work-study, or other types of aid.

3. School-Based Assistance 

In the United States, the following educational institutions top the list for giving the best financial aid to college students, providing an average of not less than $50,000 in student scholarships and grants: 

• Princeton University
• Columbia University
• Yale University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology 
• Harvard University 
• Stanford University 
• Amherst College
• University of Pennsylvania
• Northwestern University
• Pomona College

4. Scholarship Opportunities

You can continue your education and earn money simultaneously with the help of scholarships. Different schools have different criteria for scholarships. Some offer 25%, some 50%, and others may give you a 100% scholarship. It depends on how brilliant you are in terms of academics and co-curricular activities. 

However, there are need-based scholarships for needy students from humble backgrounds. The quota for both merit and need-based scholarships is different. Also, maintaining a required academic record or a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) is essential to remain eligible for the scholarships throughout your study period.

5. Joining the Military 

In some countries, you can get the military to pay for your school costs. Most of these programs will need you to serve in the military during or after school, depending on what works best for you.

If you join the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) in the U.S., you can get a scholarship that covers up to four years of school. Plus, you’ll also receive money every year.

6. Employer’s Tuition Assistance

Many businesses, such as Amazon, Disney, and Boeing, offer to pay for their employees’ school costs. You can look for paid internships or full-time jobs with this perk. If you want to get paid to go to school, check the job’s education benefits to know whether a company pays for its workers to get more education.

Every business has its own rules about paying for school. Some might pay for everything, while others only give a certain amount each month or year. You’ll need to pay the rest yourself. Also, most companies require you to keep good grades for this benefit.

7. Work for a College or University

Working for a college or university can be a great way to get paid while going to school. Many schools offer on-campus jobs that can help cover your tuition costs. 

These jobs, often flexible to accommodate your class schedule, can range from being a resident assistant in a dorm to working in the school library. Some part-time jobs even offer tuition perks. 

8. Choose Tuition-Free Schools 

Choosing a tuition-free school is another way to get paid to go to school. How does it work? These schools cover your tuition costs, so you can focus on learning without worrying about the bills. 

Some states even have free programs for residents to attend local community colleges. Certain universities offer tuition-free programs based on your family’s income. 

9. Register for Courses

Registering for courses might not directly pay you, but it’s vital to get an education that can lead to a higher-paying job. Some schools offer work-study programs where you can get a part-time job while enrolled in courses. It may help you earn money while you study. 

Additionally, picking suitable courses and doing well in them could make you eligible for scholarships or grants, which is like getting paid because they reduce your tuition costs. So, while registering for courses doesn’t pay you upfront, it’s an essential step towards earning more in the long run.

10. Be a Teaching Assistant

As a teaching assistant, you’ll assist a professor with their course, which could involve grading papers, leading study groups, or even teaching classes. The best part? Many schools pay their teaching assistants and often offer tuition discounts or waivers. 

Therefore, you will get paid and save on your education simultaneously. Plus, being a T.A. can provide valuable experience if you’re considering a career in education.

11. Find Tuition Reductions

Getting a tuition waiver is a great way to reduce your school costs. You can earn this by helping around school, like working for the school newspaper, assisting in a lab, teaching a class, or even being a resident assistant. 

On top of that, there are also government programs that can help. For example, if you plan to teach special education in Illinois after graduation, you might qualify for a four-year tuition discount.

12. Do College Assignments 

Websites like TutorMe, SweetStudy, and Chegg allow you to earn money just for doing homework. Whether helping other students with their assignments or completing tasks independently, these sites offer a unique opportunity to make extra cash while studying. 

13. Sell Things in School 

Who wouldn’t value some extra income during their school years? There are numerous ways to make money while at school. You can sell school supplies, candies, or crafty items such as handmade jewelry, DIY bath bombs, or candy bouquets right on campus.

There are a variety of side hustles you can pursue while in school, and the funds you generate can be put towards covering your educational expenses or saving for something special.

Companies and Programs That Pay Students To Go to School

The following are some of the companies and programs to make money while going to school:

• Amazon

Amazon offers tuition reimbursement to its employees for eligible courses and fields of study. They also provide a Career Choice program that pre-pays 95% of tuition for courses in high-demand areas. 

• Boeing

Boeing provides its employees with a Learning Together Program covering tuition, books, and fees for degree and certificate programs. 

• Starbucks

Starbucks’ College Achievement Plan offers full tuition coverage for all eligible U.S. partners (employees) to earn a bachelor’s degree through Arizona State University’s online program.

• AT&T

AT&T offers tuition assistance for approved courses and accredited institutions to full-time and part-time employees after a certain service period.

• Scholarship Owl

Scholarship Owl is an online platform that matches students with scholarships they qualify for. It’s an easy way for students to find and apply for scholarships to help fund their education.

• Chevron

Chevron’s International Reach Scholarship Program reimburses eligible expenses for approved educational programs. The program supports employees who want to pursue degrees or take courses in fields related to their current job or a foreseeable future job at Chevron. 

• Disney

Disney Aspire is an education investment program where the company covers 100% of tuition upfront for employees pursuing high school diplomas, college degrees, or vocational skills. 

Online Schools That Pay You To Go to College

• Southern New Hampshire University

The university has a program that gives you back 10% of the money you paid for your first year’s classes.

• University of Missouri

The University of Missouri pays full waiver to permanent U.S. resident students by offering a work-study opportunity. 

• Barclay College

Barclay College offers full scholarship funds to all accepted students, allowing them to study without financial worries.

• Columbia University

Columbia University offers free tuition to students whose families earn less than $150,000 annually and have limited assets. 

• Berea College

Berea College is famous for its Work-College Program that offers $100,000 for four-year scholarships to students from families with low income.

• University of People

It’s a non-profit educational institute providing free education to students. However, you must pay a $60 application fee and $120-$240 course assessment fee.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Get Paid To Go to School

Can I Get Paid To Go to School Full-Time?

Certainly! You can potentially get paid to go to school full-time through various avenues and programs. Scholarships, grants, and work-study programs can help cover your tuition and living expenses. Additional opportunities include joining the military or working as a research or teaching assistant. Be sure to research and apply for these opportunities early and understand any associated obligations or requirements, such as maintaining a certain GPA or fulfilling service commitments.

How Much Do You Get Paid To Go to School in Sweden?

Students at Swedish universities have access to financial assistance through grants and loans, discounts, and specialized insurance options. The study allowance/grant in Sweden is about 114.40 US dollars a month.

How Could I Earn Money as a Student?

You can earn money by selling crafts at school, doing assignments, and creating a campus blog, among other income-generating jobs. You can also participate in surveys and focus groups like Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and Survey Junkie.

What Companies Pay You To Go to School?

Amazon, Starbucks, Chevron, and Disney are just some major companies with programs that help students cover college costs. There are grants and scholarships for eligible students and tuition reimbursement or assistance of as much as $5,250 per year for their employees as part of their benefits package.

Conclusion – Get Paid To Go to School

Getting paid to go to school is an attractive opportunity for students seeking financial relief while pursuing education. With careful research and a few suitable strategies, students can secure financial aid programs based on their financial needs, effectively covering their college tuition, books, room and board, and other expenses. 

Make the most of your family income and available resources by combining these options, such as working as a teaching assistant while enjoying a merit-based scholarship. 

Getting paid for your education and preparing for a brighter future is undoubtedly a win-win situation. Now, start filling out those applications and take the first steps toward securing money for college.

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