How to Afford a New Degree
Thinking of going back to school? Smart savings practices can give you a strong head start toward a new degree and reducing your student loan debt. College savings can make the process more affordable than you might have thought.
To get started, all you'll need is some careful budgeting to make sure you can fulfill your academic dreams while still making ends meet.
The first step is picking a program that suits your needs. Traditional colleges or universities are a good place to start, as many have educational options beyond the traditional four-year degree.
Check into online learning, accelerated programs, community college courses, certifications and other options to find the classes that suit what you want to do and will take you where you want to be. For those looking to get a master's degree, there are many programs geared specifically toward working adults so you can still earn a paycheck while taking classes.
Can You Squeeze It Into Your Budget?
Once you've selected your program, you can figure out the ballpark price and how much you'll need to spend each month. Then you'll need to determine if you can trim your budget to cover the increased costs.
Cutting your home Internet connection might not be the best idea if you are going to need it to help with class work, but try examining how much you are spending for other monthly costs. Maybe you can trim back your TV package, movie rentals or other entertainment expenses that you might not have the time to enjoy when you're back in school.
A student ID can also bring discounts in many places. Ask about your potential school's student benefits to see if some might help you save money, such as a more affordable gym membership.
Before you register for a class, try out your new budget for a few months. Set aside the money that would go to classes and put it into savings. Can you live on such a budget? If not, it might be time to look at other funding options.
Your School or Work Might Be Able to Help
Check with your school's financial aid department, where the staff will be able to give you options on how to pay for the classes you want. You might find new scholarship opportunities for "nontraditional" students and those seeking a master's degree.
If you are looking to change professions entirely, check to see if there are special programs aimed just for the professions you are looking to join. Some in-demand careers offer tuition assistance to help bring people into the profession, particularly mid-career adults. Professional associations are a good place to start looking for information.
Similarly, check to see if your employer offers any tuition assistance programs. Particularly if your classes are directly related to your job, there might be some money already put aside for educational opportunities for employees. Talk with an accountant, too, as there may be tax benefits to going back to the classroom.
Take a Look at Student Loans
If your current income and potential financial aid aren't enough, you can always turn to student loans. Your first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, which is available online.
Regions Bank offers a Sallie Mae Smart Option Student Loan® which will help cover everything from tuition and supplies to room and board. Be sure to check with a Regions financial advisor, because you might find you can get even better loan rates with a home equity line of credit or other lending option.
One key benefit of a Smart Option Student Loan is that you won't need to make payments while enrolled in school. This gives you a great opportunity to set aside some money each month into an interest-bearing savings account. That way you'll be making headway on paying off your debt before you even get the first bill!
