How to Make College More Affordable

Explore tips and information on your Union College Benefit to help you manage college expenses and fit a degree or certificate into your budget.

Earning a college degree is one of the most proven pathways for improved career opportunities and increased earning power, but for many the cost of higher education is a significant barrier.

There are, however, several ways to minimize the overall cost of a college education, whether that’s earning an undergraduate degree, graduate degree or specialized certificate.

1. Use your Union College Benefit

Edvance partners with universities and colleges to offer low-cost college options. Most of our schools offer a significant discount to their online tuition rates to make college more affordable for union members and their families. What's great about this discount is it can be used in combination with other available financial aid, education benefits and scholarships you may be eligible for.

2. Consider Scholarships & Grants

Scholarships and grants are money given to eligible students based on certain criteria. Grants, like the Pell Grant, are typically needs-based based on financial situations. Scholarships are often merit-based, based on various criteria.

To find out if you're eligible for any grants, complete the FAFSA® (see below for more information on how to complete this form!).

Additionally, work with the specific college or university you're considering to see what grants and scholarships you may be eligible for.

You can also research other potential scholarships online. This scholarship finder is a great tool to discover any scholarships you may be eligible for. We also encourage you to talk to the financial aid staff at the college or university you're considering to see if there are any institution-specific scholarship opportunities.

3. Explore Financial Aid Eligibility

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is an application that students can complete to potentially receive student aid for college, including Federally funded Pell Grants which, unlike student loans, do not need to be paid back.

This form takes less than an hour for most people to complete, and it will determine your eligibility for federal student aid, and in some cases, can determine your eligibility for state financial aid. There are four types of financial aid:

1. Grants
2. Scholarships
3. Work-Study Funds
4. Student Loans

To start your FAFSA form, click here. It's recommended that any student, regardless of income, who wants to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid, should fill out the application.

When you fill out the FAFSA form, be sure to enter the school code you are interested in attending. Edvance can provide you with the FAFSA codes of the schools participating in the Union College Benefit, or you can search for them.

Once the school receives your FAFSA, they will use that information to calculate any student aid you may be eligible for and send you an aid offer. We encourage you to walk through your offer letter with your financial aid counselor at the school so all of your questions are answered.

The FAFSA form needs to be completed every year. If you have any specific questions about the application, the Office of Federal Student Aid has many resources and even a chatbot to help answer your most pressing questions! You can also connect with the financial aid department.

4. Transfer Existing Credits

If you already have some credits or a degree, you may be able to transfer those credits to your new program. This could reduce the total number of credits you need to complete for a degree, which will reduce the total cost of the degree and help you earn your degree in less time. 

All schools in the Edvance Education Marketplace are regionally accredited, which is the highest level of accreditation, and are “transfer friendly” helping you leverage as many of your previously earned credits as possible towards completing your degree.

5. Look into Employer Tuition Assitance or other Tuition Assitance Programs

Some employers may assist with the cost of your degree. These may include tuition assistance, which can be applied to your tuition up front, or reimbursement, which is repaid to students after successful course completion. 

Either way, you should take the time to see if your employer directly offers tuition benefits and/or would consider offering financial assistance in any way - like covering the cost of books each semester.

If you are military or a military family, there may be tuition assistance available to you as well. Check with the school's financial aid staff to learn more.

In addition to the Union College Benefit your union may offer vouchers to help offset the cost of tuition, so check with your local representatives at your union as well.

6. Look into Military Benefits (if applicable)

The GI Bill is a series of educational benefits offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to military veterans, service members, and their families. It is designed to help cover the costs associated with education and training, providing financial support for tuition, housing, books, and other educational expenses.

Key GI Bill Components:

• Post-9/11 GI Bill:

1. Eligibility: For those who served on active duty after September 10, 2001.
2. Benefits: Covers up to 100% of tuition at public institutions, with a housing allowance and book stipend. Private school tuition is capped annually. The Yellow Ribbon Program helps cover additional costs.

• Montgomery GI Bill:

1. Eligibility: Active-duty members with at least two years of service or veterans with six years in the Selected Reserve.
2. Benefits: Offers a fixed monthly payment for education, based on service length and type of education.
1. Transfer of Benefits: Eligible service members can transfer their benefits to spouses or children.
2. Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E): Provides tailored education and training for veterans with service-connected disabilities.

The GI Bill can be used for various types of education, including degrees, vocational training, and apprenticeships. Benefits typically last 36 months and must be used within 15 years for the Post-9/11 GI Bill (this limit is waived for those who left the military after January 1, 2013).

Application:

Veterans and service members apply through the VA’s online portal or by paper https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/. Approved students coordinate with their school’s VA certifying official to ensure benefits are applied.

The GI Bill is a powerful tool for veterans and their families to pursue higher education and training, making it a key consideration when exploring financial assistance options. The US Department of Veterans Affairs is a great resource for individuals wanting to know more https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/.

7. Consider Other Cost Savings

When exploring colleges and universities, be sure to ask them about other fees. This may include application fees, technology fees, and book costs that can add up quickly. You'll want to account for them in your decision-making process.

8. Start with a Certificate

Some schools offer for-credit certificate programs. These programs can be completed in a shorter amount of time than a full degree program and, because they are credit-bearing, these courses are applied to your full degree at the current institution or you can transfer these credits to a different school later. Certificate programs great for people who:

• Already have a degree but want to update or expand their skills and credentials in a specific career field
• Want to earn a college degree, but also want a faster more affordable path to career-focused credentials that can help them advance or find a new opportunity
• Are not interested in a full degree at this time, but want the peace of mind that credits earned in their certificate program could be applied towards a degree in the future