230 | College Hacks from the ChooseFI Community
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Episode Highlights
Military Scholarships
Military scholarships offer students a unique opportunity to graduate debt-free while gaining valuable experience. shares insights from Jay and AJ, who highlight the benefits of military academies and ROTC scholarships. These programs cover tuition and provide stipends, with graduates often securing well-paying jobs post-service 1. emphasizes the importance of considering these options, noting that they can help avoid the financial burden of student loans 2.
The military has paid every penny of my undergrad master's and doctorate degrees, and to repay them, I have to do a job I love and make great money.
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These pathways not only offer financial relief but also ensure job security and career advancement.
Employment Programs
Employment programs like those offered by Starbucks and Western Governor's University provide innovative ways to fund education. discusses how Starbucks employees can earn a degree from Arizona State University online, with tuition covered for those working 20 hours a week 3. Jonathan Mendosa4.
Starbucks will pay tuition and mandatory fees, and you will pick up the cost of books and other supplies.
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These opportunities demonstrate how employment benefits can significantly reduce the cost of higher education, making it accessible to more individuals.
Negotiating Costs
Negotiating college costs is a powerful strategy to reduce financial burdens. explains that few people pay the full "rack rate" for college, and emphasizes the importance of negotiating for better financial aid packages 5. adds that colleges are often willing to offer discounts to fill their spots, especially in uncertain times 6.
Everything is negotiable. You just can't be shy.
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By leveraging negotiation, students can significantly lower their education costs, making college more affordable.