4 answers
Lacey
Student
Bowie, Maryland
1
Question
Updated
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What is the best course of action to take when trying to fund a college degree in an engineering field??
I am trying to apply for scholarships, but I am not having good luck. I will most likely not have time in college for a job depending on my classes.
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4 answers
Ankita Pimple
Currently Student pursuing MS in Management Information System
43
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Ankita’s Answer
If scholarships aren’t working out, try applying for grants (free money based on need) through FAFSA or your state programs. Also look into school-specific scholarships once you enroll—many are only available after you start college. Some students also get paid internships later that help cover costs. Finally, talk to your college’s financial aid office—they can sometimes find help you didn’t know about. Don’t give up—funding often comes from many small sources combined!
Richard A. (Tony) Eckel
49
Answers
Updated
Richard A. (Tony)’s Answer
Lacey,
It is unfortunate that a student needs to be a good businessperson or economist first, and a student second... but those are the days we live in. The other answers provided herein all point toward increasing your income through various means. Perhaps you should look at reducing the cost of the education(?). There are several very simple means to do this.
Primarily, determine how much you are willing to pay for the degree, and how much extra you are willing to pay for a particular school (we call that "Goodwill" in the accounting business!). Obviously, a Harvard degree has more street value, but a University of Maryland degree may be all you need to get started in your career; Harvard has caché, but at a price. Also, an A average at a smaller less competitive institution is an easier sell when looking for work than a C+ at Harvard; be that big frog in a small pond!
Approaches to minimizing cost:
1) Subscribe to a 2+2 (or 2+3) program where a community college education will lead to a degree in the field of your choice. This ALSO allows you to demonstrate competence and persistance on your transfer to the four-year program, which will open many institutional scholarship opportunities.
2) State schools - many states (don't know about MD) have excellent programs that are very respected and very economical, and you may be able to qualify for in-state tuition after only a short time as a "non-resident".
3) Online Education - which requires careful selection - which may also be applied to a degree at a four-year institution. Online can provide the flexibility to allow addition income generation as well - but it is demonstrably cheaper than brick-n-mortar institutions.
Lastly - AVOID the loan pit/trap. If you need more than 10-15% of attendance costs covered by loans- think HARD. Loans can be a millstone on your career (do kids even know what a "millstone" refers to?). The less loans on your education, the more freedom to pursue lucrative opportunities after school.
Good Luck,
Tony
It is unfortunate that a student needs to be a good businessperson or economist first, and a student second... but those are the days we live in. The other answers provided herein all point toward increasing your income through various means. Perhaps you should look at reducing the cost of the education(?). There are several very simple means to do this.
Primarily, determine how much you are willing to pay for the degree, and how much extra you are willing to pay for a particular school (we call that "Goodwill" in the accounting business!). Obviously, a Harvard degree has more street value, but a University of Maryland degree may be all you need to get started in your career; Harvard has caché, but at a price. Also, an A average at a smaller less competitive institution is an easier sell when looking for work than a C+ at Harvard; be that big frog in a small pond!
Approaches to minimizing cost:
1) Subscribe to a 2+2 (or 2+3) program where a community college education will lead to a degree in the field of your choice. This ALSO allows you to demonstrate competence and persistance on your transfer to the four-year program, which will open many institutional scholarship opportunities.
2) State schools - many states (don't know about MD) have excellent programs that are very respected and very economical, and you may be able to qualify for in-state tuition after only a short time as a "non-resident".
3) Online Education - which requires careful selection - which may also be applied to a degree at a four-year institution. Online can provide the flexibility to allow addition income generation as well - but it is demonstrably cheaper than brick-n-mortar institutions.
Lastly - AVOID the loan pit/trap. If you need more than 10-15% of attendance costs covered by loans- think HARD. Loans can be a millstone on your career (do kids even know what a "millstone" refers to?). The less loans on your education, the more freedom to pursue lucrative opportunities after school.
Good Luck,
Tony
Cody Gaspar
C.I., Quality, and Reliability Engineering
43
Answers
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Updated
Cody’s Answer
Choosing the military might not be the most common path, but it's a fantastic way to cover college costs. You can join the National Guard and still be a full-time student, except during training. The GI Bill helped me pay for both my undergraduate and my first master's degree.
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
520
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
To fund your engineering degree without needing a job, try a multi-source approach. Start by looking into local options, such as the City of Bowie Education Scholarship for students with strong academics who need help, or Bowie State University’s BGE Scholars Program, which provides $10,000 and career support for STEM majors. In your region, groups like SAME, MAE, ACEC of Maryland, and WSSC Water offer scholarships for engineering students, often with extras like internships or networking.
Besides scholarships, apply early for paid internships or co-op programs. These can cover school costs while giving you valuable work experience. You can also look into tuition reimbursement programs from companies or military scholarships like ROTC. Save money by commuting, sharing housing, and using used textbooks. Develop flexible skills like coding or CAD modeling that you can use to earn money. Talk to professors about paid research roles and join student groups like SWE, NSBE, or ASME to find more opportunities. By combining scholarships, internships, and smart cost-saving methods, you can successfully fund your degree without needing a part-time job.
Besides scholarships, apply early for paid internships or co-op programs. These can cover school costs while giving you valuable work experience. You can also look into tuition reimbursement programs from companies or military scholarships like ROTC. Save money by commuting, sharing housing, and using used textbooks. Develop flexible skills like coding or CAD modeling that you can use to earn money. Talk to professors about paid research roles and join student groups like SWE, NSBE, or ASME to find more opportunities. By combining scholarships, internships, and smart cost-saving methods, you can successfully fund your degree without needing a part-time job.