By Emily VanKoughnett
Education is the key to success, but college isn’t cheap. As tuition continues to rise and student loan debt reaches historic highs, traditional financial aid often isn’t enough. The average college student graduates with over $30,000 in student loan debt. Fortunately, employers are stepping in to help with jobs that pay for school. From federal student loan forgiveness programs to nonprofit and corporate tuition reimbursement, these plans seek to alleviate the burden of student loan debt, while providing great professional opportunities. To get you started, here are 10 jobs that pay for college and offer additional financial aid to help you pay for school.
Armed forces
First in the jobs that pay for college are armed forces kind of jobs. There are numerous military scholarships and financial aid opportunities available for students seeking higher education. Each branch of the military offers different programs, so be sure to check out the specific details for each.
1. US Coast Guard
The U.S. Coast Guard provides tuition assistance for any accredited university. Active duty members of the military are eligible for $4,500 of tuition assistance annually, of which the Coast Guard will provide $3,375. In addition, members receive numerous benefits, such as a competitive salary; 30 days paid vacation each year; free health, dental, and vision coverage; as well as tax-free money for housing and food.
2. Military
The Post-9/11 GI Bill instituted a great number of benefits for members of the military, part of which helps pay for school. Under the bill, the government pays all resident tuition and fees for public schools and up to the national maximum for private schools.
3. ROTC
The Army Reserve Officer Training Corps allows students to train as officers while going to college. The ROTC offers two-, three-, or four-year scholarships ranging from partial to full tuition and fees, based on merit and grades.
Volunteer and public service
Second, jobs that pay for college are volunteer and public service jobs. There are a wide range of government scholarships and programs that provide student loan forgiveness in exchange for community service or volunteer work at home or abroad.
4. AmeriCorps
The Segal AmeriCorps Education Award is offered after a full year of service in an AmeriCorps program. Since 1994, AmeriCorps has helped reduce student loan debt by providing education awards to more than 800,000 alumni.
5. Peace Corps
Volunteers who live and work abroad for two years with the Peace Corps may be eligible for student loan relief. Federal, as well as private student loan forgiveness programs are available.
6. Teaching
After five years as a full-time teacher in an eligible low-income elementary or secondary school, members of the noblest profession are rewarded not only spiritually, but also financially, up to $17,500, through the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program.
7. Public service
Through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, graduates working full-time in a qualifying government or nonprofit organization may be eligible for forgiveness of their remaining balance after making 120 qualifying monthly student loan payments under a qualifying repayment plan.
Corporate
Lastly, jobs that pay for college are corporate jobs. Many companies offer scholarships to provide student loan relief and help pay for college, but some go the extra mile and promote educational advancement by providing tuition assistance.
8. UPS
The United Parcel Service offers an Education Assistance program, allowing students to work and earn $5,250 in tuition reimbursement each semester, up to a maximum of $25,000.
9. Verizon
Learning is the key to new opportunities. Verizon’s Tuition Assistance Program offers up to $8,000 in tuition reimbursement and assistance per year to employees to help pay for school.
10. Intel
Employees of Intel may be eligible for 100 percent of the cost of work-related courses or degrees. Their tuition reimbursement program covers tuition, books, and fees. These jobs don’t just help you pay for college, they set you up for career success. If you’ve participated in one of these programs, share your experience by leaving a comment below.