If you don’t qualify for a student loan and don’t have the money to pay for college yourself, there are still many things you can do to ensure that you get an education.
Log on. There is no better way to save money on college classes that to take classes online. Accredited degrees (especially Associates and Bachelors) are available at hundreds of online institutions covering almost any subject (except medical ones). Just make sure the school is fully accredited and that you are required to take exams and present legitimate coursework (institutions that claim to give you an experience degree in as little as a day are scams).
Step2
Apply for a scholarship. While you may not qualify for a full scholarship from the government, you may still be able to obtain financial help from local institutions or companies, or even get a break from a sponsor or a private investor.
Step3
Don’t discount past education. If you have significant job experience, you may be able to take GRE (General Records Examination) exams to obtain college credits. You can also transfer credits from educational institutions you attended, not matter how long ago and how many different ones.
Step4
Consider enrolling in the military. Full scholarships are available to anybody on active duty (and sometimes to people enrolled as reserve officers) as long as they are serving. Even if you are not planning a long-time career in the military, you can still put in some time and serve the country while furthering your education.
Tips & Warnings
Talk to a career counselor at a local college. Some small community colleges may agree to give you a discount on their classes in exchange for services or volunteer hours provided.