College Costs and Financial Aid

Man and woman managing finances Okay, deep breaths everyone. It's time to talk money — the subject that can turn a perfectly calm, family dinner into a screaming match. No one likes to discuss money. (Except for accountants. We created a special page for the accountants.) Nevertheless, you should have a financial plan for your online education.

And the bottom line is that you don't have to go broke earning your degree. Financial aid is available. Even if the very mention of the word "forms" makes your skin crawl, we're here to tell you that a little effort goes a long way.

The first step is getting informed. The aid sources below can help you find money for school. eLearners also created The Debt-Free College Guide, which is full of additional financial aid information.

1 Scholarships & Grants

Free money is ideal, but it isn't always easy. Many schools offer institutional scholarships and grants, which you'll automatically qualify for when you fill out their financial aid paperwork. Be sure to ask school representatives about these. You can also find, and apply for, private scholarships that match your personal profile. We'll show you how.
2 Federal Aid

Know what FAFSA stands for? We'll teach you that, plus a lot more.
3 Loans

The bad news is: yes, loans do have to be paid back eventually. The good news is that most financial experts view school debt as "good debt." Making regular payment on student loans helps to strengthen your credit score.
4 Employer Reimbursement

These days, lots of companies are adding tuition reimbursement to their list of benefits. Many employees qualify for such programs after only 6 months. Drop by your HR department and find out what's being offered. If you're in the market for a new job, you might want to actively seek a company that pays for advanced education.
5 Military Benefits

Thanks to the new G.I. Bill, more veterans and service members are eligible for educational funds. In some cases, these benefits can be transferred to spouses or children. Learn more about the opportunities available, and take advantage of allowances before they expire.
6 Earning Potential

Many people overlook the obvious answer when they think about paying for college… cash! You might not have extra funds on hand now, but that's part of the reason you're going back to school, right? A degree can dramatically boost your earnings. In many cases, it will pay for itself after just a few years.

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Student Loans

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FAFSA & Federal Aid

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Scholarships & Grants

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Employer Tuition Reimbursement

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Military Education Benefits

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Military Tuition Assistance FAQ

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