It is common knowledge that obtaining a degree, online or at a traditional school is very beneficial. This is because it opens up new doors globally and makes way for great career opportunities. Hence, everyone should attend a higher institution, regardless of their circumstances.
However, In the economy of today, getting an excellent education is quite costly. For many with many commitments and priorities, it can be very tough to attend and pay for college as they would have to pay tuition fees and other essential expenses such as accommodation, feeding, transportation, and lots more.
But do you know that there are online colleges that pay you for attending their programs? Certainly, these colleges pay you to attend and enrol in their programs. You would not have to bear the various debts of tuition even after you graduate. These schools not only remove the financial burden of paying for education without incurring any debt but even give you income as you learn to secure your future career.
So, if you are still worried about attending college with no funds in your account, you should read this article. In this article, we will be showing you the online colleges that pay you to attend. You would also learn why they pay you and how you can be paid. Â
Let’s dig in!Â
Why Should You Get Paid to Attend College?
You should understand that higher education plays a significant role and acts as an anchor for your future career. However, financing this schooling is becoming tougher because of the increasing tuition and cost of college. Hence, there is a need for financial aid.
In this light, some colleges exist that pay their students for attending and enrolling in their programs. These schools pay their students through grants, scholarships, and financial aid.
This financial assistance is vital because it assists students and their families in paying higher education costs. Some statistics show that parents contribute 30% of the student’s higher education fees. In short, financial aid reduces the family burden.
How Do You Get Paid to Attend Online College?
The accreditation of a college is a critical element in deciding the college’s legitimacy and quality for so many reasons. It can also determine whether the college can deliver graduates with the knowledge and skills vital for the job. Thus, we have highlighted below some of the ways you can get paid to attend college.
1. Corporate Tuition Refund
If your boss provides a tuition reimbursement as part of your benefits package, you can use it to receive payment to attend college. The policy regarding tuition refunds is distinct. Some companies pay for any program, while others exclusively pay for studies that are relevant to their industry. In most circumstances, there is an annual restriction on the amount of tuition fees that can be reimbursed. Employees must maintain a particular grade to remain eligible. Additionally, if your employer participates in an IRS-approved education assistance program, the first $5,250 you receive will not be considered taxable income. Anything above that, however, can be taxed.
2. College Financial Aid
Many colleges have financial assistance opportunities which in some instances can cover the total college costs.
Public college tuition is generally low and affordable but on the other hand, some private schools with more expensive tuition fees give more substantial financial support.
To qualify for need-based financial aid such as scholarships and grants, you’ll need to complete and submit the FAFSA form. FAFSA refers to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid by the federal governmentÂ
3. Merit and Minority Scholarships and Grants
Many online schools offer the merits of scholarships to attract the target learners. They may also award scholarships to athletes or other students with extraordinary skills. Minority students may also be awarded scholarships and grants at college. You should note that full scholarships are very uncommon. However, this type of assistance can help you to avoid a substantial amount of college costs.
What Are the Requirements to Apply to Online Colleges That Pay You to Attend?
The standards for admission to these universities are different, but they are typically the same as for regular colleges. After all, these are traditional colleges that are now offering part of their programs online, and you will be applying as if you were a regular student.
The general application requirements are as follows:
- Transcripts or diplomas from prior colleges or universities attended
- Statements of purpose, essays, and letters of recommendation
- English proficiency tests such as TOEFL and IELTS.
The college may want to administer an internal test and conduct an online interview for further evaluation.
Online Colleges That Pay You to AttendÂ
Below are some of the best online colleges that pay you to attend, they include;
1. Berea CollegeÂ
Berea College was founded by reformers and abolitionists with the mission of spreading the teachings and principles of Jesus Christ. It is located in Berea, Kentucky. Equity, harmony, and love are emphasized in the curriculum offered by this free Christian institution.
Students can pick from over 33 different majors. Students who do not want to select from one of the 33 majors can create one of their own. Berea does not pay you with cash, but rather in kind, because a student’s education is free. For meals, accommodation, and fees, students are only required to spend an average of $1,000. Students acquire an education worth around $100,000 for a four-year degree.
2. Columbia University
Columbia University is situated in New York City, United States. Learners can now enrol in a wide range of online programs, including technical, social work, environmental sustainability, and leadership, as well as a variety of other professional development opportunities.
The university is devoted to offering education and resources to students wherever they may be through Columbia Online. The demand for authorized American institutions’ online education is increasing, and Columbia University is ready to meet it.
The institution has teamed up with Coursera to provide free online courses. Even better, they provide financial assistance in the form of sponsorships, and AmeriCorps Awards, among others.
3. Athabasca University
Athabasca University (AU) is a Canadian online distance education university and one of Alberta’s top four research universities. It was the first Canadian institution to specialize in distance education, having opened its doors in 1970.
Athabasca University, also known as Canada’s Open University, is a world pioneer in online and remote learning. The university offers learning options tailored to your goals with over 70 online undergraduate and graduate degrees, diplomas, and certificate programs, as well as over 850 courses.
Scholarships and bursaries, as well as a variety of applications, nominations, and student awards, are available to students enrolled in their programs. Although annual rates vary greatly based on the program, students from outside of Canada should expect to pay to take classes via the Internet.
4. The University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge was established in 1209 and is based in Cambridge, United Kingdom. The institution provides free online courses through iTunes. This institution offers free downloaded course materials from a wide range of colleges throughout the world, allowing you to learn what you want when you want.
Over 300 audio and video files are now accessible for free download through the software, which can be accessed on a Mac or Windows computer as well as an Apple or any Android mobile device, depending on the university.
5. Lipscomb University
Lipscomb University, a private Christian liberal arts college in the centre of Nashville, is passionate about cultivating people whose academic excellence, religion, and practice embody their values of global citizenship.
Lipscomb Online provides undergraduate and graduate programs that are tailored to your professional objectives and hectic schedules. Their academically rigorous online degree programs can help you identify and build the skills you’ll need for your current and future jobs.
Business, entertainment, technology, social science, and many other areas are covered in the online courses. These online classes will prepare you to be confident, and caring, and become a globally conscious leader.
6. edX
edX delivers 2,270 online courses in about thirty different topic areas. All of the courses are free to attend and originate from colleges throughout the world, including Harvard, Rochester Institute of Technology, MIT, the University of California, and many others. There are hundreds of courses that are self-paced, and there are also plenty of instructor-led alternatives depending on what you prefer.
You can sort classes by level (introductory, intermediate, or advanced), explore by subject, and select from 16 languages.
Some of the courses can be used for credit. The cost of credit-eligible courses ranges from $49 to $600, with the bulk falling under this price range. MicroMasters among other programs are also available through edX. All of them will cost money; nevertheless, every for-credit program provided through edX is less expensive per course than formal classes.
7. Bethel University
Bethel University is situated in Arden Hills, Minnesota, and is a private accredited Christian university. Bethel University is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities and is partnered with Converge, formerly known as the Baptist General Conference.
It began as a Baptist seminary in 1871 and now there are over 5,600 undergraduate, graduate, and seminary learners at Bethel University. In addition to providing financial assistance to its students, it also offers online courses. These programs, which encompass 90 majors in over 100 fields of study, have been approved by the Higher Learning Commission.
8. Southern New Hampshire University
This university is a private university in New Hampshire, halfway between Manchester and Hooksett. The New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Institutions of Higher Education has accredited the university, as well as national accreditation for various hospitality, and health degrees. among others.
SNHU is one of the most reputable institutions in the United States, thanks to its expanding online programs. SNHU provides a very strong online program that is tailored to your future career, as well as a generous financial aid package to ensure that its students do not fall behind on their payments. If you qualify for a grant or scholarship, your entire education could be paid for.
9. Ashford University
This online university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The mission of Ashford University is to provide high-quality, accessible, inexpensive, and innovative educational programs that meet the diverse requirements of people desiring to advance in their careers, communities, and lives.
Higher education meets technology at Ashford University. University students can successfully finish their degree online while accessing information and engaging with coursemates from anywhere they have a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
In addition to a superb online learning environment, they provide financial assistance, grants, loans, and even military perks to their learners.
10. University of the People
The University of the People is an absolutely online institution. Its headquarters are located in Pasadena, California. It is one of the online colleges that compensate students for their attendance.
It takes pride in being the United States’ only non-profit, authorized online college. Since its establishment in 2009, this free online school has enrolled over 9,000 students from over 194 countries. Even though the University of the People does not charge tuition, you will be required to pay application costs.
11. Barclay College
Haviland, Kansas is home to Barclay College. It began as a Bible school in 1917. Barclay is a Quaker-run free Christian college. It does, however, accept students from all evangelical denominations. The purpose of the school is to prepare students for Christian service and leadership.
Bachelor’s degrees in worship arts, pastoral ministry, and youth ministry are among the undergraduate degrees available. Students can also enrol in several important master’s degree programs. When enrolled in Barclay, all domestic students get a $15,000 grant, allowing them to attend tuition-free. The scholarship was made possible by the school’s supporters. These sponsors believe that Christian students should be able to get a good education without going into debt.
Conclusion
Online colleges do not literally pay you to attend, they rather offer education at no cost at all or scholarships, grants, and other financial aid options. You should consider this as a win-win situation as you get to pursue your favourite academic program from the comfort of your home and still not pay a dime. Â