If a career in local government is your target, acquiring the necessary education is essential. The biggest obstacle? It can be summed up in one word: money.
Yes, money may seem hard to come by, especially considering the rise in tuition and fees for colleges and universities within the U.S.
According to CollegeBoard, the average private tuition hit over $31,000 in the 2014-2015 school year. Regardless of how many jobs you take, coming up with that kind of money for just one year of schooling may not be all that feasible.
There is, however, a light at the end of the tunnel. You may qualify for federal, state or local government-funded grants, reduced rate loans or scholarships.
Before you can even think about for which of these you may be eligible, you must first fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
Without the FAFSA completed, many of the federal government student aid programs won’t be available to you, so it’s important that this first step get completed quickly.
Once that first step is completed, you may find that these resources are available to you:
Work-Study Program. The federally funded work-study program gives students the opportunity to work both on and off campus to earn extra income while at school. The positions and type of work available is dependent upon the college or university you attend, as well as the scope of local businesses or nonprofits that participate with your school and are appropriately connected to your major.
For more information on the work-study program, try contacting your school’s financial aid office, or read this article about Federal Student Aid.
Federal, State or Local Government Grants. Grants come in all shapes and sizes, as well as financial increments. Grants are unique in that they are typically free of repayment terms, unless a kink occurs in the duration of your stay with the college or university.
Grants are available to a variety of students, though there are specific ones available for those going into education or who have been part of the military.
Funding From Current or Potential Employers. Many companies in local government or public service offer continuing education funding or student loan forgiveness for signing on with them for a certain period of time. The criteria may vary, but checking with organizations that may be good candidates for future employment is a great idea for lowering that tuition responsibility.
Scholarships. Unlike some of the other categories of funding, the scholarship area considers merit far more than it considers need. Merit-based funding is dependent upon the scholarship requirements and scope. Some scholarships are worth thousands, though there are some that may be just a few hundred.
Scholarships also tend to be available for more specific and unique things, like region of the country in which you’re studying, whether or not you are part of a protected class – i.e. women, specific ethnicities, etc. – or if you have an interest in a specific sport. For more help on determining how to apply for scholarships, visit the Federal Student Aid website.
Military Aid. If you are thinking about going into the military, you may be able to get some of your education expenses covered at a reduced rate. The U.S. military offers tuition assistance programs, as well as many other types of aid.
Agency Programs. Even if you’re not planning on a military career, other major administrations and agencies offer assistance as well. Agencies like the Federal Railroad Administration have various opportunities. They offer grant and loan programs for major railway projects like All Aboard Florida, and also offer student initiatives for students at all education levels. No matter what your level or interests are, there’s likely a program for you out there.
Getting the right amount of change to cover the costs of your education does involve some research. However, just when it seems like it will be next to impossible to get all you need, you may find you qualify for some other form of aid.
The work-study program; federal, state, or local government grants; scholarships; funding from potential employer; and military benefits are all available to those who need it.
Sarah Landrum started Punched Clocks to share her advice on navigating the work world and achieving happiness and success in life and at work. She hopes her advice can help you grow your career and find happiness in your work-life!
