Non-Loan Options

Non-Loan Options for Financing Higher Education

Student loans can help anyone finance their college dreams. But they aren't right for everyone. So if you're looking for options other than college student loans, you're in the right place. Here Student Finance Domain will take you through some non-loan options like college grants, college scholarships, work study, community service, tuition payment plans and ROTC programs that can help you realize your own college dreams.

FREE MONEY FOR COLLEGE! Now that we have your attention, you should know that there is such a thing as free money. In fact, there are two such things: College grants and college scholarships. Why are they free? Well because you don't have to pay either back. College grants are usually available for students who demonstrate financial need. College scholarships, on the other hand, are available for those students who fit whatever criteria a scholarship committee is looking for.

Work-study is another need-based federal financial aid program that can help you meet your college financial needs. Those who qualify for work-study receive part-time employment positions where they earn money to use towards education costs. Student aid awards will dictate how much money each student is eligible for through the program.

The U.S. military also offers options to help you finance your college education. ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) programs and scholarships are offered by the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force in conjunction with over a thousand schools in the United States. These ROTC programs train students to become officers in a branch of the military, while they study courses in their chosen major. In addition to taking certain required ROTC courses, students will be required to participate in military labs, presentations and training activities. ROTC scholarship recipients must commit to a period of service in their chosen military branch.

Although college has never been more expensive than it is today, there have never been as many financing options to help you get there. Getting a degree is important. Don't let the cost of getting one prevent you from obtaining your goal. Whether that's through college scholarships, college grants, ROTC, school loans, or a combination thereof. College is within your reach.

College scholarships are another free form of financial aid that can help you pay for college. There are thousands of scholarships available in the U.S., many of which you might qualify for, because in addition to those available to the athletically- and academically-inclined, there are scholarships for gamers, foodies, chess players, cheerleaders, Scouts and more.

College grants are usually only available to students with financial need. There are many different federal grant programs, as well as state and institutional (or college-sponsored) grants. Additionally, some private organizations and groups offer grant money to students.

If you'd like to make extra money while in college and meet other students across the campus at the same time, then a work-study job is great way to do both. Work-study is a federal financial aid source offered to students who demonstrate financial need, so it's an easy and fun way to make money to put towards your education expenses. It also offers flexible hours and looks great on a future resume.

Joining a community service program is a rewarding way to contribute to both your school and its surrounding community. You get to meet other students with similar goals and you gain a strong work ethic that prepares you for life after college. If you want to make a difference in the lives of others that need it, then community service is for you.

If you can't afford to pay off your whole college tuition at once, then tuition payment plans will make it easier for you to do this. Many of these plans are interest-free, and they help you avoid taking out large student loans that you'll have to pay back after graduation.