3 answers
Paige
Student
2
Questions
Asked
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What is the best way to obtain scholarships or receive help paying for school that is not in the form of a loan which puts me in more debt as a new young adult?
What is the best way to obtain scholarships or receive help paying for school that is not in the form of a loan which puts me in more debt as a new young adult?
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3 answers
Lindsay Bertell, CPA (she/her/hers)
Human Resources, formerly Finance
5
Answers
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Updated
Lindsay’s Answer
Hi Paige,
In addition to Karin's recommendation, I would also encourage you to look at companies that help assist employees with college tuition. There are many companies that invest in employees, even if you are part time. Despite common beliefs, it is absolutely possible to work and go to school.
I worked part time throughout my undergrad degree and full time when I did my master's. My leaders were very supportive and helped me adjust my schedule so I could do both. I knew others who worked evening shifts while going to school so that they could keep stability on both sides. It's not always easy but it is so worth it because you get the financial support as well as the hands on experience.
There are lots of companies that offer support, even if you are part time: Home Depot, Starbucks, UPS to name a few. Depending on the company, you may even be able to move into a role that aligns with the field you are studying so you get hands on experience that will benefit you.
Best of luck!
Lindsay
In addition to Karin's recommendation, I would also encourage you to look at companies that help assist employees with college tuition. There are many companies that invest in employees, even if you are part time. Despite common beliefs, it is absolutely possible to work and go to school.
I worked part time throughout my undergrad degree and full time when I did my master's. My leaders were very supportive and helped me adjust my schedule so I could do both. I knew others who worked evening shifts while going to school so that they could keep stability on both sides. It's not always easy but it is so worth it because you get the financial support as well as the hands on experience.
There are lots of companies that offer support, even if you are part time: Home Depot, Starbucks, UPS to name a few. Depending on the company, you may even be able to move into a role that aligns with the field you are studying so you get hands on experience that will benefit you.
Best of luck!
Lindsay
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
578
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Paige,
Scholarships are available from many different sources. You'll have to look all over and pick the ones that fit your profile.
Your first stop should be your school's financial office to see what the university can do for you. There are need-based and merit-based scholarships from universities as well as scholarships for student athletes.
Apply for FAFSA and check the work-study option. You'll get a job on campus, possibly within your department, that will help to offset costs and also counts as work experience.
Professional organizations, foundations and big companies have scholarship opportunities, usually in their field of interest.
There might be scholarships from your city, your state or a parent's employer.
There are scholarships for certain populations, like first-generation students, Black or Latino students etc.
You can also look for a part-time job or a summer job while you study.
I left some links to scholarship databases for you below.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Scholarships360.org
Scholarshipamerica.org
Scholarships are available from many different sources. You'll have to look all over and pick the ones that fit your profile.
Your first stop should be your school's financial office to see what the university can do for you. There are need-based and merit-based scholarships from universities as well as scholarships for student athletes.
Apply for FAFSA and check the work-study option. You'll get a job on campus, possibly within your department, that will help to offset costs and also counts as work experience.
Professional organizations, foundations and big companies have scholarship opportunities, usually in their field of interest.
There might be scholarships from your city, your state or a parent's employer.
There are scholarships for certain populations, like first-generation students, Black or Latino students etc.
You can also look for a part-time job or a summer job while you study.
I left some links to scholarship databases for you below.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Christopher Huber
Director at PwC
10
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Christopher’s Answer
Another route I would recommend is exploring various organizations on the college website and using the search function to look for "scholarship." Many people and groups offer smaller scholarships that often get overlooked because they aren't "full rides." This means fewer people apply, making it less competitive. If you can secure a few of these scholarships, they can really add up and make a big difference.
Thanks for the help.
Paige