Getting started down a college path can be roadblocked almost immediately. As soon as a student sees the price, they might assume they don’t have much of a chance of affording it.

Director of Financial Education Initiatives at University of Phoenix, Christine Conway, doesn’t want potential students to be overwhelmed. Adult learners have options when it comes to financing their goals and may not have to pay nearly as much as they think.

(Mostly) Free Money

No money is ever truly free, but scholarships, grants, employer benefits and previous educational credits are all potential options that do not require students to pay anything back.

Scholarships

Every scholarship includes different qualifying criteria depending on who is offering the money. For example, students may need to prove they have specific skills or certain financial needs. Over several months in the fall of 2020, University of Phoenix gave out up to $1 million in scholarships to students.

Grants

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a way to see if you qualify for need-based grants, such as the Pell Grant. Instead of one comprehensive review per year, it might be better to have three or four shorter reviews. University of Phoenix adopted this system itself, and it has shown to be helpful in keeping connections with employees and fostering productive conversations. With remote work, losing the connection that forms from in-person interaction is easy. Frequent reviews allows more one-on-one time. Plus, there are fewer surprises for the employee. Staff will know exactly how they are doing and whether they are improving, without waiting an entire year for feedback. The employee also feels supported every step of the way.

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Educational Credits

From raising a child to holding a financial job for a decade, life can teach you a lot of things. That’s why University of Phoenix offers a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), so you can potentially get credit for what you’ve already learned.

Employer Benefits

Employer education benefits are offered by companies of all sizes. Check with an HR professional if you’re planning on taking classes that will help you advance in your current career.

Additional Alternatives

If you still need help paying for college, there are additional avenues that you can take to reduce the cost of your education or help fund your courses.

Lower-Cost Credits

If you’re planning to apply to University of Phoenix, you can classes through Sophia, StraighterLine or Study.com. Certain credits can be applied to your degree, which can make tuition that much more affordable.

Savings and Loans

Paying out of pocket means you can avoid paying interest. While difficult, this may be your best option for the long-term costs of your education. Securing financial aid or finding more affordable ways to fund your education is not easy and is not always fruitful. You might apply to 10 different scholarships and only be accepted for one or two. When Conway counsels students, she helps them keep the end game in mind. Your education is about your future earnings not your current costs. The more you remember that, the easier it should be to take the next step forward.