One of the many reasons people put off going to college is the fear of student debt. But getting a degree doesn’t have to put you in debt if you know some alternative ways to pay for college, like scholarships, grants, and work-study programs. At Capital IDEA, we want every single one of our Central Texas neighbors to have the opportunity to get a quality education without getting into debt. To help more people do that, we’ve compiled a list of the top three ways to pay for college. These options can help you get your degree, debt free and maximize your chances of success.

Debt Free College – Get Started »

Ways To Pay For College #1: FAFSA

Applying for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can provide students with four ways to pay for college. By submitting a FAFSA, students can receive grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and low-interest federal loans, significantly reducing out-of-pocket expenses. We highly recommend students say ‘no’ to loans, if possible, and only accept money they don’t have to pay back. By doing so, they avoid the trap of student loan debt.

Ways To Pay For College #2: Scholarships

Applying for scholarships can be an excellent way for students to fund their college education. Scholarships can cover various expenses, including tuition, fees, textbooks, and living costs. A scholarship can significantly reduce a student’s financial burden, allowing them to focus on their studies and pursue their career goals without worrying about accumulating debt. Some colleges, like Austin Community College (ACC) offer a single application, making it easy for students to apply for multiple scholarships at once. Applying directly through your college is also a great way to make sure it’s a real scholarship, not a scam. Check with the student services or financial aid department at your college to see what scholarships you’re eligible for.

Ways To Pay For College #3: Workforce Development Programs

There are numerous workforce development programs in Central Texas that can help you pay for college. Depending on the program, they can provide financial assistance for skills development, professional certifications, or college degrees. These organizations often look to help their community fill workforce gaps in high-demand fields and will offer financial assistance only to individuals willing to enter one of these career fields. If it’s a field you’re interested in, they can help you with the cost of tuition, textbooks, and other expenses, making higher education more accessible.

30 Free Degrees – Choose Yours »

Capital IDEA is a workforce development program in Central Texas that provides one of the best ways to pay for college. Capital IDEA covers 100% of your college expenses. You can choose from a list of degrees in healthcare, tech, or trades offered at Austin Community College and Temple College. College expenses include tuition, textbooks, school supplies, testing, and certification fees. As a nonprofit, we can also help with things like childcare assistance, gas cards, and more. Capital IDEA works with every student from the moment they are accepted until the moment they get a job.

Not only is Capital IDEA a great way to pay for college, it’s also a great way to get hired. Our graduates have gone on to work for companies like Facebook, VISA, Ascension, St. David’s Healthcare, KIA, and other well-known companies. Our relationships with numerous employer partners give our graduates a leg up over the competition when looking for a job.

Don’t let the fear of debt stop you from earning a college degree and a great career! You have options because there are many ways to pay for college. If you live in Central Texas, start by checking out Capital IDEA. We can help you go to college and get a degree for free in an in-demand career field.

Sign up for a CareerUp info session to learn more about our program. It’s a great way to pay for college without getting into debt.

CareerUp – Learn More »