Affording a School for Criminal Justice

The importance of getting an education and a degree seems to be constantly growing, but unfortunately, tuition prices seem to be growing just as quickly. But individuals who hope to earn a degree can relax and know that hope is not lost. Though the cost of attending any college can be steep, more and more students are finding that there are many ways to finance an affordable education.

Financial aid and choosing a school you can afford

If you haven’t filled out the application for federal financial aid through the FAFSA website, then do that straight away. Your eligibility for grants, subsidized government loans, and work-study, as well as the amount you will be able to borrow will be calculated according to your unique financial situation and needs. Over the years the financial aid process has become more and more streamlined, so don’t worry: the application is straightforward, easy to understand, and painless. Just make sure you have all your tax documents, bank statements, and W-2s handy.

Paying for school is much easier when you choose a school that not only suits your career and education goals, but is also within your budget. Tuition, room and board, transportation fees, and textbooks can all add up, so make sure that your annual wages or loans will be able to cover a good amount of the cost. Once you’ve determined how much you can actually borrow, you’ll have a much better idea about what schools are within your range. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is a tool that can be used to determine how much aid you could potentially receive. You simply enter your information and it calculates both eligibility and amount; with this information you will have a much better idea about what schools to apply for.

Federal work-study programs

Financial aid through the FAFSA comes in three forms: grants, loans, and work study. According to your need, you may be awarded aid in one of the forms, or a mixture of two or all three. Students who qualify for work-study qualify for great part-time jobs, often on campus, and can use their salary to pay for school. Because work-study wages are subsidized by the federal government, many employers are eager to hire work-study students in great positions such as research, public safety, administrative work, or campus security. Think of it as on the job training and preparation that is helping you to pay for school. Keep in mind that wages for these programs are fixed, and they’re based on your financial needs as well. Applying for a federal work study is another option to choose when filling out your FAFSA information.

Grants

In addition to the federal Pell grant that is offered by the federal government, there are many others that you should be on the lookout for. Most others are offered by the federal government, but quite a few others are state, city, or privately sponsored. Grants are preferred over any other form of assistance because they don’t have to be repaid.

Scholarships

Fortunately, there are lots of scholarships available for criminal justice students (or adults returning to school). Most are offered by foundations, companies, or institutions; you will have to meet certain criteria to be considered for these scholarships. Research scholarship opportunities and don’t stop applying. The competition may be stiff, but the more you apply to, the more likely you are to receive one!

Don’t get discouraged

Keep in mind that on average, college graduates make around twice the amount of money that high school graduates make during their careers. The amount of money you have to devote towards school may seem astronomical right now, but be encouraged by the thought that your education will pay for itself many times over. If you’re serious about a career in criminal justice, develop a plan involving all of the elements discussed. Money should never be a barrier to your educational goals. Research all the options, be persistent, and good luck!