How to Get an Online Degree with a Bootstrapped Budget

If you think that college is simply impossible due to your tight financial situation, you may be in for a pleasant surprise. Online degree programs make it possible to get the degree you want and need on almost any budget. Never give up on your educational dreams - just get more creative and more determined to find a way, and one will certainly open up for you.

Look into financial aid. Many students are surprised to learn they can get their degree without spending a penny out of pocket. Pell Grants are available in addition to student loans, and Pell Grant money never has to be repaid. Students are often able to qualify for enough money to pay for four to five classes per semester or quarter, and text costs, lab fees and other expenses are sometimes covered, as well. New government regulations have lifted the ban of online programs from federal student financial assistance programs.

If your Pell Grant does not completely cover the cost of all the online classes you want to take each quarter or semester, consider taking fewer classes at a time. It will take you longer to graduate, but it is a far better option than never graduating at all. The extra free time may also permit you to get another job and earn money as you study. Holding a position in the field you are studying improves your chances of getting a job in your chosen profession upon graduation.

Shop carefully for your online college or university. Sometimes it is less expensive to get a 2-year associates degree from a less prestigious institution and finish your bachelor's or higher degree at the more prestigious school. It is always better to have any degree than no degree, so be willing to go to a school you can afford rather than missing out on an education entirely.

Students are often unaware of the scholarships they may be entitled to. Even a part-time job in fast food often comes with scholarship opportunities for employees. Fastweb.org and Scholarships.com are great resources for students who may be missing out on scholarship opportunities they qualify for. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement programs. This helps cover the cost of classes that are not covered by Pell Grant money, and saves you from having to take out student loans that must be repaid upon graduation.

A few online schools are willing to negotiate prices or accept payment plans. Discuss these options with the institution you are considering. Above all, make your education a priority. If you are trying to save up to go to college, put your goals on paper. Put up a photo of the university you dream of attending or print a mock diploma and hang it where you will see it every day. These visual reminders help you save money when you want to spend it on a night out with friends or a new outfit.

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