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Getting laid off? Not great. Getting laid off with student loans? Even worse. Although the payment pause for federal student loans has been extended well into 2023, now is a good time to plan ahead and rethink your payment plan.

Fortunately, there are options for borrowers to lean on when they lose their jobs or experience another change in circumstances.

While many of these repayment plans can increase the amount you pay over time, including interest, they can make your student loans more affordable during a temporary period of financial hardship.

How COVID Affected Student Loans

COVID-19 led to pretty major derailments for some of us. Whether you were just starting your career or had a rapidly growing resume, there’s a good chance your job situation looks different now than before the pandemic.

Unemployment filings reached a record high at the end of March 2020, meaning a slew of people wondered how to pay their student loans with no job. Educational debt can be difficult to keep up with under the best of circumstances, let alone in the midst of a crisis. Fortunately, the government made some moves to offer federal student loan borrowers some solace.

The Trump administration suspended both principal and interest payments on federal student loans through January 2021. President Biden then extended the forbearance several times, most recently until the second half of 2023. Payments automatically stopped on March 13, 2020, and the suspension doesn’t affect the borrower’s eligibility for student loan forgiveness programs.

To be clear, the ruling doesn’t affect privately held student loans, like the ones through lenders like Sallie Mae® or smaller providers. However, private loan holders may still have options that can help keep their loans from becoming financially overwhelming.

Recommended: How Do Student Loans Work? Guide to Student Loans

Talk to Your Student Loan Servicer

If your loans haven’t been automatically suspended, you can still reach out to your student loan servicer about a modified repayment agreement if you’ve lost your job or are otherwise experiencing trouble with your current plan.

Sallie Mae, for instance, has “instituted additional options for customers experiencing financial difficulty” due to COVID-19. The company invites borrowers to contact them via online chat or phone to discuss alternatives and assistance.

No matter who your lender is, there’s a good chance they can offer you a temporary solution if you’re unable to make your payments. You may be able to pause your payments, for instance — though you’ll probably still accrue interest during the pause.

Either way, it’s worth reaching out to lenders to update them on your situation and hear what they might be able to offer.

File for Unemployment

Unemployment insurance — commonly referred to simply as “unemployment” — is a joint federal-state benefit that offers cash relief to eligible workers who lose jobs through no fault of their own.

Each state has its own requirements and filing processes, which you can learn more about by selecting your state in the drop-down menu .

Unemployment benefits may offer you enough cash flow to make some payments toward your student loans, especially if you were able to modify your payment plan with your servicer. But if not, there are alternatives to consider.

Options for Paying Off Student Loans While Unemployed

Life moves in unexpected ways. Student loan servicers know that, which is why most have specific protocols in place for borrowers whose plans change in one way or another.

Here are some that might be helpful in the case of sudden joblessness.

Forbearance

Student loan forbearance allows borrowers to pause student loan payments or make a smaller payment for a set period of time. It’s available for both federal and private student loans, and it can take a big load off your monthly budget.

In many cases, it’s worth exploring other options before turning to forbearance. You may still be accruing interest during the forbearance period, which can drive up your total debt quickly.

You also may not be making any progress toward potential student loan forgiveness programs.

Recommended: Will Pausing Payments Affect My Credit Score?

Deferment

Another option that may be right for you is student loan deferment, which works similarly to forbearance: You won’t be required to make payments for a temporary period, but you’ll still be responsible for the interest that will accrue during that time.

The main difference between forbearance and deferment is that deferments are usually granted in response to a certain life change, such as going back to school at least half-time or actively serving in the military, whereas you can always apply for forbearance (though it may not be granted).

Losing your job is another life change that may make you eligible for student loan unemployment deferment. Again, it’s important to understand that you’ll likely still be responsible for the interest generated during the deferment period, which could mean you pay more for your loan overall.

Certain types of federal student aid may not incur interest during the deferment, such as Direct Subsidized Loans, but you’ll want to double-check with your servicer before you make any decisions.

Income-Driven Repayment Plans

If you have federal student loans, you can look into income-driven repayment programs, which allow borrowers to adjust their payments based on what they can afford.

The government offers a variety of income-driven repayment plans, including the Pay As You Earn Plan (PAYE), the Income-Contingent Plan (ICR), and the Income-Based Repayment Plan (IBR).

Income-driven repayment plans generally reduce your payments to 10% of your discretionary income, which could bring your payments down to $0. The plans adjust once you’re making money again, ensuring that your payments are affordable. But because they might extend your overall repayment period, you can also end up paying significantly more interest in the long run.

In August 2022, President Biden proposed changes to some income-driven repayment programs as part of his forgiveness plan. Payments for undergraduate borrowers would be reduced to 5% of discretionary income instead of the current 10%.

Recommended: REPAYE vs PAYE: What’s the Difference?

Student Loan Forgiveness

A variety of programs allow certain borrowers to have their student loans forgiven, canceled, or discharged if they meet certain requirements.

In many cases, you will be required to have made a certain number of qualifying monthly payments on the loan and meet the terms for the specific forgiveness program you’re considering.

Many student loan forgiveness programs are contingent on the borrower being employed in a specific industry or by a nonprofit organization. That means this option might not help you during unemployment. But it’s worth keeping in mind over the life of your student loan. You might want to bookmark our guide to student loan forgiveness.

Dealing With Late Student Loan Payments

When you’re late making a federal student loan payment, your account quickly becomes past due or “delinquent.” You’ll likely face a late fee, which is usually a percentage of the missed payment.

If you cannot make the payment, it’s important to call your loan servicer right away to make arrangements, such as deferment, forbearance, or a new repayment plan. Otherwise your account will remain delinquent, even if you continue to make subsequent payments on time.

If you are delinquent on your federal student loan for 90 days or more, your lender will report it to the three major national credit bureaus. Your credit score will take a hit, making it more difficult to qualify for good terms on loans and credit cards.

After 270 days, your loan will go into default. Defaulting on your student loan has serious consequences. First, the entire amount you owe on your loan, including interest, becomes due immediately. You won’t be able to take out any other student loans, and you’ll no longer qualify for deferment or forbearance. The government may take your tax refund and federal benefits and garnish your wages to pay off your loan.

Terms and fees for private student loans vary by lender, but the fallout from missed payments is essentially the same.

All you have to do to avoid delinquency and default is talk to your lender or loan servicer as soon as you can. The worst thing you can do is ignore the problem and hope it goes away.

Paying It Off: New Jobs, Side Hustles, and More

Although COVID led to layoffs, furloughs, and hiring freezes, many companies are now actively recruiting again. If you’re back at work but still struggling to make payments, consider ways to bring in some extra money each month.

That’s where the side hustle comes in. Many people have turned their crafting hobby into a small business on Etsy. Others are delivering groceries or pre-made meals with a service like Instacart. Check out our roundup of 9 ways to pay off student loans.

Once you’re back on your feet, refinancing student loans is one way to reduce your debt burden. It can be difficult to refinance while unemployed: Income is one of the factors lenders look at when assessing potential borrowers. But when you’re ready, refinancing private student loans, or a combo of private and federal loans, can lower monthly payments, the interest rate, or both. And that can make loans more affordable in both the short and long term.

It is important to remember that if you refinance your loans with a private lender, you forfeit all of federal benefits, including student loan forgiveness and deferment.

The Takeaway

After a job loss, student loan borrowers have options. Deferment and forbearance allow you to pause payments during times of financial hardship. Just be aware you’ll still be responsible for the interest that accrues during the payment pause. Income-driven repayment plans are another option that can lower your monthly loan bill to as little as $0. Talk to your lender as soon as you foresee a problem paying your bill. That way you can protect your credit score and reduce the stress that comes with loan delinquency or default.

^*If you become involuntarily unemployed, deferred payments may be applied for a maximum of 12 months, in aggregate, over the life of the loan. Additional terms and conditions apply; see SoFi.com/faq-upp for details.
SoFi Student Loan Refinance
SoFi Student Loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). SoFi Student Loan Refinance Loans are private loans and do not have the same repayment options that the federal loan program offers, or may become available, such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Income-Based Repayment, Income-Contingent Repayment, PAYE or SAVE. Additional terms and conditions apply. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal.

Scholarships can be a helpful resource to pay for grad school. The tricky part can be tracking the right scholarship down and applying. Scholarships are available through many different avenues, including states, organizations, nonprofits, companies, and more.

Grants and scholarships are similar in that they’re both gift aid you don’t typically have to repay after graduation. The main difference is that scholarships are typically merit-based, while grants are need-based.

Let’s look at some common scholarships and grants for prospective graduate students.

Federal and state governments offer a variety of grants and scholarships for graduate students. While scholarships and grants are similar in that they are often considered “gift aid,” many grants can come with need-based stipulations.

When applying for any scholarship or grant, it’s important to read the fine print to make sure to qualify and can hold up your end of the bargain if you are indeed awarded the money. Here are a few common options for graduate students.

State Scholarships & Grants

To find scholarships and grants at the state level, you can try contacting your state’s Department of Education for assistance and resources. Scholarships and grants vary state by state.

Federal Scholarships & Grants

Some federal grants, including the Pell Grant, are only available for undergraduate school programs.

For example, graduate students do not qualify for Pell grants, except for post-baccalaureate certification programs. Again, paying close attention to the qualifications for a grant before applying is crucial.

To apply for federal grants and scholarships, students will need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student aid, or FAFSA® each year.There are several types of federal grants available:

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants

TEACH grants are available to graduate students at participating universities. This is a federal grant awarded to students who intend to teach in high-need fields, including bilingual education, foreign language, special needs, reading specialist, mathematics, and science, as well as any other field the government considers high-need.

The grant offers up to $4,000 a year for students who intend to teach after their studies. To apply, fill out the FAFSA and read the government’s requirements carefully. You must take certain types of classes, and you have to accept a specific kind of job after graduation, otherwise, the grant will turn into a loan you have to pay back.

Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants

This federal grant is for graduate students with a parent who died serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. The grant amount is the same as the maximum amount of a Federal Pell Grant award for that year, which was $6,895 for the 2022-2023 school year. Apply via the FAFSA.

Fulbright Grants

The US Department of Education provides Fulbright Grants for graduate students to study and research in designated countries abroad.

When you visit the Fulbright website, click on your country of interest to view the details. For example, in Germany, there are 75 study/research grants available, the program lasts for 10 months, and its recommended participants speak German at the beginner level. In Iceland, there are only three grants available, the program lasts nine months, and there is no foreign language requirement.

Finding Additional Federal Grants

There are even more grants offered by other federal institutions and departments. For a comprehensive search, take a look through Grants.gov or the U.S. Department of Labor’s database. On these sites, students can specify their search by things like their program, field of study, or other qualifiers.

Private Graduate Scholarships & Grants

When it comes to finding money for grad school, there are plenty of organizations, companies, and nonprofits that offer scholarship opportunities. The scholarships could be merit-based, need-based, or simply granted based on your affiliation or application.

Some scholarships are on the smaller side, others much larger, but any amount of aid can help. You may want to consider these elements while you’re on the hunt for private scholarships for graduate school:

Your College or University

Your school might offer merit-based scholarship or grant opportunities. Possible action item: connecting with your department, as well as the office of financial aid to see if you qualify for some scholarship from the school and what additional steps you may need to take to apply.

Your Course of Study

You may be able to find scholarships related to your field of study. Possible action item: searching national foundations, or even companies that might provide a scholarship. This might be especially helpful in STEM fields, or other careers where there’s a high need for employees in the workforce.

Your Neighborhood

Are you involved in any community organizations? Possible action item: seeing if your religious organizations, local civic groups, and other community organizations you belong to offer scholarships. You could reach out to see what may be available and perhaps complete the necessary applications.

Your Background

Based on your ethnicity or cultural heritage, you may be able to qualify for several grants. Possible action item: reaching out to national foundations or local community groups to see what they offer.

Some specific private scholarships and grants include:

Greek Life Scholarships

Contrary to what society may think, enrolling in a fraternity, sorority, or other Greek organization has more benefits than the wild parties. Many Greek organizations reward their high-achieving members and alumni who pursue master’s degrees.

For example, members of Alpha Chi Rho could receive up to $3,500 for their graduate studies.

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship

The Truman Scholarship is for students who want to make a difference in society. If you’re pursuing a degree such as Master of Public Administration, Master of Education, or Master of Social Work, and you have significant community service experience, you could qualify for the Truman Scholarship.

To apply, you must be a junior in college or third-year students with senior standing. Between 55 and 65 students receive the Truman Scholarship per year, each receiving $30,000.

Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Scholarships

GFOA Scholarships are for graduate students intending to pursue a career in state or local finance. The association offers five types of scholarships to eight to 11 students.

The five kinds of graduate school scholarships are as follows:

•   The Goldberg-Miller Public Finance Scholarship for full-time students. Award amount is $20,000.

•   The Frank L. Greathouse Government Accounting Scholarship for full-time accounting students. Award amount is $10,000.

•   The Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship for part- or full-time minority students. Award amount is $10,000.

•   The Government Finance Professional Development Scholarship for part-time students. Award amount is $10,000.

•   The Jeffrey L. Esser Career Development Scholarship for part-time students who have already worked in state or local finance for at least three years. Scholarship amounts range from $5,000 to $15,000.

NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship

The NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship is for athletes who have attended an NCAA member institution for their undergraduate studies. Students must be in their final year of undergraduate athletics to apply.

The distribution of graduate school scholarships is unique. Three times per year (autumn, winter, spring) the NCAA gives scholarships to 21 men and 21 women per each sports season, for a total of 126 scholarships per year. This timeline splits up candidates based on the sports they play. Each scholarship is $10,000.

American Association of University Women

This is an example of a grant offered by a private organization rather than the federal government. The grant is specifically for women, and you must have received your most recent degree before June 30, 2013, to qualify.

The Career Development Grant recipients will receive between $2,000 and $12,000 for graduate school.

The Geological Society of America Grant

If you’re going into geological research, joining the Geological Society of America (GSA) and applying for their
Graduate Student Research Grant may open up some opportunities. The GSA awarded 360 students money in 2020, with over 50% of students receiving aid. The average grant amount was over $1,820.

These are only a few avenues to consider when looking for private graduate school scholarships. Databases and search engines can help, but don’t be afraid to get creative.

Fellowships

Unlike a grant or scholarship, fellowships are money typically tied to an opportunity. Those who get a fellowship, likely have to meet requirements to study, research, or work in a field for a short period. Not only will fellowships help students pay for graduate school, but they can also be a valuable opportunity to gain relevant experience.

Finding a fellowship will be specific to your field of study. One place to start your search process is by talking to your academic department for assistance, or finding a nonprofit institution specializing in your field of study. Applicants should be aware that fellowships typically require a fairly rigorous application process.

How to Qualify for Graduate School scholarships

Each graduate school scholarship may have different criteria, so be sure to read the requirements for each application and scholarship carefully.

Types of Graduate Student Scholarships Available

As already outlined, graduate school scholarships are available through the federal government, your school, or through other local corporations or nonprofits.

Where to Find Scholarships for Graduate Students

When looking for scholarships for grad school, fill out the FAFSA as the first step. Just like undergraduates, the FAFSA is required for graduate students interested in federal student aid, including scholarships, grants, and student loans. Some schools may also use the FAFSA to determine aid awards.

From there, you can check in with your school’s financial aid office. They may have more information on the scholarship opportunities and requirements available at your school.

Community organizations can be another source of scholarships. Some career or professional organizations may also offer scholarships.

When to Apply for Graduate School Scholarships

Fill out the FAFSA as early as possible. Some aid may be awarded on a first-come-first-served basis, so completing the application early could potentially improve your chances of qualifying for some aid.

For private scholarships, be sure to track all relevant deadlines. Scholarships may have their own deadlines, it may help to put together a spreadsheet so you can see a high level overview of important deadlines and application requirements.

Recommended: FAFSA Guide

Factors to Consider When Applying for Graduate School Scholarships

Applying for scholarships is a time commitment, but it may be time well spent if you can secure money to help pay for your graduate school program. Consider the following factors when applying to graduate school scholarships:

Eligibility Requirements

Review eligibility requirements closely. Do you need to be enrolled in a specific school or program of study? Be sure you understand and meet the eligibility requirements so you don’t waste time applying for grad school scholarships you aren’t actually eligible for.

Application Requirements

Some applications may require an essay and letters of recommendation. Think carefully about who you want to ask to write a letter of recommendation on your behalf. Be mindful of deadlines and ask with enough advance notice to give them enough time to write a letter.

Deadlines

Each scholarship may have its own deadlines. Track these closely. Many scholarships won’t accept late submissions.

Some scholarships may go unclaimed when the school year starts. Consider checking in with your financial aid office to see if there are any unclaimed scholarship funds available. For more information on appealing for these awards, take a look at SoFi’s guide to unclaimed scholarships.

Using Student Loans to Cover Grad School

Scholarships and grants aren’t the only options for paying for graduate school. You may also choose to take out student loans.

After you receive grants and scholarships, it’s possible to fill in the gaps with financial aid for graduate school. Consider focusing on scholarships and grants before student loans. You don’t have to repay scholarships and grants when you graduate or even if you leave school before finishing. Student loans on the other hand will have to be paid back. If you’re applying for federal or private loans, it’s worth noting that the process is different from applying for undergraduate loans. You can borrow more as a graduate student, but you might be looking at higher interest rates.

As a graduate student, you may qualify for a Direct PLUS Loan through the US Department of Education. To qualify, you must be enrolled at least half-time and not have an adverse credit history.

If you don’t receive enough financial aid through a Direct PLUS Loan or want to search for other loan options, another option is to try researching private student loans. Rather than being provided by the government, these loans come from private businesses, banks, and colleges. Students should focus on private student loans as a last resort, as private student loans lack the borrower protections afforded to federal student loans. Check out more information in SoFi’s private student loan guide.

Alternative Funding for Graduate School

Other than taking on student loans, there are several alternatives to funding your graduate degree. If you’re able to work while attending school, you can save and budget to cover a portion or all of your tuition.

If you are working, you can speak with your employer to see if they offer a tuition reimbursement program.
Employee tuition reimbursement might require you to stay at the company for a number of years, or pursue a specific degree. Program requirements will vary by company.

If you do decide that taking out a private student loan is right for you, check out SoFi. SoFi offers no-fee private student loans to help you pay for school. SoFi makes the process simple — so paying for school may be less stressful.

The Takeaway

There are a wide array of grants and scholarships available for students pursuing graduate school. These include those offered by federal and state governments, individual schools, and other interest groups like nonprofit organizations. To find grants and scholarships, students can review online databases, speak with the financial aid office at their school, and fill out the FAFSA each year.

SoFi offers graduate school loans with competitive interest rates. See what options you could qualify for in just a few minutes.

FAQ

How do I get a full scholarship to graduate school?

It’s possible to get a scholarship that will pay for all of your graduate school costs. It can be very competitive to qualify for full-ride scholarships, so it may help to complete an application and make sure you meet all requirements. If an essay is required, be sure to allocate enough time for writing and editing to be sure you are submitting a strong application. Some schools may offer full-ride scholarships to the top students.

What scholarships are available for graduate students?

There are a variety of scholarships available for graduate students including federal and state scholarships, school-specific scholarships, and scholarships from private companies and nonprofit organizations.

Do master’s programs give scholarships?

Yes, master’s programs may offer scholarships. A master’s program is one type of graduate school program.

Are scholarships available for graduate school?

Yes, scholarships are available for graduate school. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid if you are interested in federal scholarships or grants. Check in with your school’s financial aid office for more resources.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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A trade school, often called a vocational or technical school, provides specific job skills to start a career quickly in a given trade, with the requisite certifications and licenses. That career can range from being an electrician to a physician’s assistant to a cook. As opposed to a four-year college, a trade school education is generally completed in just two years and focuses on getting students hands-on experience and securing the job they want.

Trade school costs can vary anywhere from around $3,000 to $15,000+ per year. While trade school can be significantly less costly, and require less time, than a four year degree — there are still expenses to consider. Continue reading for more information on how expensive trade school is and planning for trade school costs.

What Is Trade School?

College is not for everyone. Trade school can provide a path to a rewarding career, without the time and money required to pursue a four-year degree.

As previously mentioned, trade school is a type of education that provides training in a specific job or skill set to allow students to start a given trade or career with the requisite certifications and appropriate licenses. Also known as vocational or technical schools, trade school can be a stepping stone into a career as a plumber, electrician, plumbing, dental hygienist, pharmacy technician, paralegal, and more.

Trade schools may be private or public institutions. And it can take as little as a few months to two plus years to complete a trade school program. Community colleges may offer vocational programs or more general education classes for students planning to transfer to a four-year institution.

How Much Does Trade School Cost

The cost of trade school can vary widely based on factors including the school, the program you are pursuing, your location. According to TradeSchools.net, the average cost of annual tuition at a trade school can range from $3,600 to $14,500.

Tuition

As mentioned, the cost of tuition can range dramatically, averaging anywhere from $3,600 to $14,500 per year. According to data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Affordability and Transparency List, for the 2020-2021 school year, the average cost of tuition and fees at two year institutions was:

•   2-year, public — $3,863

•   2-year, private not-for-profit — $15,549

•   2-year, private for-profit — $15,033

•   Less than 2-year, public — $8,683

•   Less than 2-year, private not-for-profit — $13,127

•   Less than 2-year, private for-profit — $13,127

Books and Supplies

Again, the cost of books and supplies will vary based on the vocational program or trade school. According to data from The College Board, the average cost of books at a two-year public institution was $1,460 for the 2021-2022 school year.

Living Expenses

Unsurprisingly, the cost of living expenses can also vary quite dramatically from student to student. Some students who are attending trades school may be able to live at home with family members. This could help them reduce costs because they may be able to have little to no rent, and share meals with family members.

Trade school students who are living on their own may need to budget for more expensive living costs.

Paying for Trade School

When it comes to paying for college, or trade school, there are a few options available to students including loans, federal aid, grants, and more.

Trade School Loans

The term “trade school loan” is just a way to refer to a student loan, personal loan, or outside funding measure used to pay one’s way through a training or vocational school.

Many trade and vocational schools may qualify for federal student loans and other forms of federal financial aid. To apply for federal loans, students will need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) each year.

There are limits for federal student loans, and some students may consider a private student loan. Private student loans are available from private institutions but they may not offer the same benefits or protections as federal student loans.

After all other funding options have been exhausted, a private student loan could be a tool to help fill in the gaps. SoFi private student loans have zero fees and qualifying borrowers can secure competitive rates. While SoFi’s private student loans’ aren’t available to pay trade school, some graduate certification programs may qualify.

Working Part-Time

Trade schools generally offer flexible programming — for example, night classes — so students may be able to work part-time to fund their education. Students may consider getting a part-time job in the field they are studying, or working at a gig that is willing to accommodate their school schedule so they have enough time to take classes and study.

Financial Aid for Trade School

As already mentioned, trade schools may qualify for federal financial aid — including student loans, grants and scholarships. Federal aid can be used for technical schools and some certificate programs as long as the schools are accredited and eligible for federal funds. You can check the Department of Education’s database of qualifying schools to confirm your chosen trade school program qualifies.

Again, to apply for federal financial aid, students will need to fill out the FAFSA each year.

Grants

Students at eligible trade schools may qualify for a Pell Grant. A Pell Grant is a type of federal grant that is awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional financial need.

Scholarships

There may also be scholarships available for trade school students. Certain trade schools may offer scholarships and there are vocational school scholarships available from private organizations too. Check in with your school’s financial aid office for more information or look through an online database or SoFi’s scholarship search tool to peruse scholarships you may be eligible for.

Tips on Selecting a Worthwhile Program

Trade school can make a lot of sense for students who are interested in pursuing a specific vocation and are not interested in attending a more traditional four-year school. To evaluate trade schools, consider the following factors:

•   Program Accreditation. This can give you an idea of a program’s reputation. Accredited schools may qualify for federal financial aid.

•   Time to complete. This can inform the total cost of the program.

•   Opportunities for paid on-the-job training. Some programs may offer a combination of in-classroom learning and paid job training. Gaining this real world experience can be valuable.

•   Employment assistance or support. Some trade schools have close connections with local businesses or industries. Find out if there is a career connections office or any job placement assistance.

Private Student Loans for Trade School

SoFi doesn’t offer student loans for trade school programs, but does offer student loans for eligible graduate certificate programs. If you’re a college student interested in pursuing a certificate program, a SoFi private loan could be a tool to help you finance the program.

SoFi student loans have zero fees and qualifying borrowers can secure competitive interest rates. Find out if you prequalify in just a few minutes.

FAQ

Are trade schools more affordable than 4-year universities?

Trade schools are generally more affordable than a college or university. In addition to having a more affordable annual tuition, typically trade school programs can be completed in less than four years.

What are the most high-paying trade jobs?

According to Accredited Schools Online, some of the top-paid trades school jobs include construction managers, radiation therapists, and dental hygienists.

How long is trade school?

The length of trade school can vary based on the program. Some trades school programs can be completed in a few months while others may take two years to complete.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Pursuing a college degree can put you on a path to the career of your dreams. But the price tag of tuition, housing, and textbooks can be pretty steep. And if you’re a parent or caregiver, you’re faced with an added obstacle: “How can I afford child care while I’m in school?”

Fortunately, there are a bevy of options out there for adult students with children. On-campus daycares, grants, scholarships, and refinancing student loans can all help alleviate the cost of child care. You don’t have to let the challenge of going to college with kids stop you from reaching your goals.

Paying for Daycare as a Student

One of the biggest financial struggles working parents face is paying for daycare. In 2020, American households spent more than $10,000 annually for child care costs, according to Child Care Aware of America . If you’re a parent returning to college, you may have the extra burden of tuition, housing, and textbooks. You may have to scale back your job hours to accommodate your schedule. Paying for child care while tackling college costs and a possible income reduction could feel like too much.

But child care is essential for adult students. Someone has to look after your little one while you attend class. Even if your school is 100% online, you’ll need uninterrupted time to study and crank out those papers.

Let’s take a look at some avenues of financial support, so you can focus on getting your degree while caring for your family.

Tips to Help Pay for Child Care as a Student

The decision to return to college may not have been in the budget when you financially planned for a family. And with the cost of child care being more than some tuition, the prospect of going back to college with kids can be daunting. Take solace in the fact that you are not alone.

Fortunately, there are resources to help you. Many higher education institutions provide child care grants and subsidies. You can also turn to federal student aid, private student loans, and scholarships to help get you that degree and daycare for your children.

Financial Aid

Student financial aid provides funding used to cover the costs of higher education. It can come in the form of student loans, either from federal or state governments. Scholarships and grants are another fantastic way to help ease your financial anxiety.

To apply for federal financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and federal student loans, students will need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) annually. This form will determine how much financial aid you qualify for. It’s also prudent to contact your school financial aid office directly. Talk to them about how they can help you factor child care into the cost of your attendance.

Private Scholarships

Because a private college scholarship doesn’t generally need to be repaid, it can be thought of as free money awarded to pay for school. Scholarships are available from numerous organizations. They are typically based on financial need or merit — grades, test scores, or talent — and (good news!) there are also scholarships available specifically for students with dependent children .

Scholarship money does not have to be paid back, so you may be better able to focus on career and family post-graduation instead of student debt.

You can find more information on scholarships and how to use them toward child care from government resources, a college financial aid office, or a high school counselor. Be sure and pay attention to scholarship submission deadlines so you don’t miss out on funds.

Federal Student Loans and Grants

Many students seek financial aid for college through federal student loans. Federal loans typically have low, fixed interest rates and don’t require a cosigner or a credit check. You don’t have to worry about repayment until after college. These student loan funds are used for tuition, housing, computers, and textbooks, but it’s also possible to put them toward child care. Reach out to your school to ask if they can factor in child care costs to the price of attendance.

A Federal Pell Grant is awarded by the government to students from low-income households, based solely on financial need. While a Pell Grant won’t guarantee you free child care, the expense of having a child reflects directly on your income, which can consequently raise the amount of funds you may be eligible to receive. That money could help pay for daycare. Like scholarships, grants also do not usually have to be repaid.

Private Student Loans

When scholarships, federal loans, and a Pell Grant, aren’t enough, you can turn to private student loans to help cover the cost of daycare. These loans are issued by online lenders, banks, and credit unions. The lender will check your financial history and credit score to calculate the amount you qualify for. If you have limited job experience or your credit score isn’t the greatest, a cosigner can pledge responsibility for your loan.

With private student loans, you can typically borrow up to the cost of tuition and other qualified educational expenses. Unlike federal loans with strict deadlines, you can apply for a private student loan at any time during the year. Private loans could also be an option for parent student loan refinancing.

Unfortunately, private loans tend to have higher interest rates, and some may require payment while you’re still attending college. Additionally, private student loans aren’t required to offer the same benefits or protections that are available to federal student loan borrowers, things like deferment options in the event of financial issues. For this reason, they are generally borrowed only after all other financing options have been thoroughly considered. Be sure to do your homework on the pros and cons of federal vs. private student loans before committing.

Seek Out Lower Cost Daycares

Once you’ve secured some financial wiggle-room via scholarships and student federal and private loans, another step is to find affordable daycare, so you can stretch your monetary aid to the fullest.

In 2018, Congress tripled what’s called CCAMPIS — Child Care Access Means Parents in School. CCAMPIS awards funds to educational institutions to help make child care affordable for low-income students, either at accredited daycares off campus, or on-campus centers. Contact your school to see if they’ve received such funds and have child care services available.

You can also investigate not-for-profit organizations such as Child Care Aware of America, who provides tools to search for lower-cost child care care facilities near your school.

Schools with Child Care Resources

Many schools, including community colleges, have low-cost child care facilities on campus for undergrad and graduate students. These supportive centers not only offer developmental programs for your child, but are tailored to the needs of student parents, with extended hours in the evening and weekends. Spots can go fast though, so be sure and inquire about program availability as soon as possible.

Some colleges offer child care subsidies to adult students in the form of daycare grants, a taxable subsidy. Whether you have a newborn or a high schooler, you may meet the criteria for these funds, and many have no requirement for the money to be used solely for daycare. Daycare grants are purely to support student-parents to achieve their dreams of higher education.

And don’t forget to ask about work-study programs through your college—jobs offering flexible hours to earn money toward your tuition and child care expenses. You can even come up with creative ideas for a passive income stream, so you can spend more time with your kid and with your studies.

Remember, it takes a village to raise a child, and a college is a community. Most institutions have online student-parent support groups, where you can search for daycare services, nanny shares, and babysitting services. Valuable information can often be found on the school’s website or through student services.

The Takeaway

Being a parent can be stressful. Being in college and a parent? At first thought, the idea may seem overwhelming. But between federal and private student loans, grants, and scholarships, you don’t have to wait until your baby’s all grown up to get that college degree. There are loads of resources to support you, from parent groups on campus, to outside sources on how to refinance a student loan once out of college.

Go for it! A college degree can bolster your self-esteem and create new career opportunities. With a higher paying, post-college job, you can start saving for your kid’s college tuition.

FAQ

Can I use student loans to pay for child care?

Student loans can be used to cover tuition and other qualified education expenses like books, room and board, and other supplies. In some cases, child care costs may also be paid for with a student loan. However, it’s generally best to prioritize a grant or scholarship first to cover the costs of child care.

What can I spend my maintenance loan on?

Student maintenance loans are issued by the United Kingdom for students attending a U.K. university. It can be used for everyday expenses, including child care, food, rent, restaurants, and clothes.

Can I get a student loan to take care of my child?

It is possible to use private student loans toward child care. It may be an option to use federal loans too. Talk to your school about factoring child care into the cost of attendance.

Photo credit: iStock/Moyo Studio

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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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