Even though pursuing higher education is one of the major keys to successful careers, the rising cost of education is not helping out, especially when the economy is getting worse. Lots of people desperately want to acquire a nice degree certificate, but it’s as if their dreams are being fought against.
The good news is that there are government jobs that pay for college, they either pay you directly or pay the school for you to continue your education with no or less money out of your pocket. This payment comes through several means whether through hourly wage, tuition reimbursement, government scholarships, paid internships, etc.
This government help will assist you to obtain the quality education you deserve with fewer student loans after graduation. Speaking of government help, if you’re a single mother, there are different kinds of help you can receive from the government, it even goes beyond educational funds.
Whether you’re a recent high school graduate, just got admitted to college, or recently came out of college, there are pathways you can get funds from the government to continue your education.
Table of Contents
Government Jobs That Pay for College
One thing you should know is that most of these government jobs don’t necessarily send funds to your account, they mostly send the money to your school as tuition fees.
1. U.S. Coast Guard
The U.S. Coast Guard provides 100% tuition-free assistance for those on active duty who are taking college courses. You can use the Coast Guard Tuition Assistance (TA) to take different courses including up to two cultural immersion or language classes.
You can receive up to $4,500 per calendar year. But, TA won’t cover some fees like technology or internet fees, transit fees, etc.
2. Military Service
This is one of the government jobs that pay for college through the GI Bill and tuition assistance programs. The program helps qualifying Veterans and their family members get money to cover all or some of the costs for school or training.
The program can cover up to 100% of your out-of-pocket tuition and fees cost. And, not just that, it can even cover your housing allowance, transportation, and school books and supplies.
3. Army Service
The United States Government also provides other help for those serving in Army ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps). And the good thing is that you will also be gaining invaluable leadership skills while you serve, and then you can enroll in college education from one of their more than 1,000 eligible schools for free.
Not only will you graduate as a respected Army Officer with a secured career path, but you’ll also graduate from college with less debt. To spice it up, they will still cover your accommodation, and monthly stipend for living and books.
4. Federal Work-Study Program (FWS)
The government can also hire you for part-time employment and pay you while you further your undergraduate or graduate degree program. The total amount you’ll receive completely depends on when you apply, the level of your financial need, and the funding level of the school.
You need to be a student pursuing a postsecondary educational degree or certificate to be eligible. Also, you need to first complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility.
5. Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
This is among the government jobs that pay for college which benefits those that have worked in public service (federal, state, local, tribal government, or a non-profit organization) for 10 years or more (it must not be consecutively). Eligible candidates may be qualified to have all their student debt canceled.
However, you need to have made at least 120 monthly payments and have been employed full-time by a qualifying employer to be eligible. Also, you can still be qualified if you’re working full-time volunteer service for AmeriCorps or Peace Corps volunteer service.
6. AmeriCorps
Through the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award, those that serve at the AmeriCorps will receive funds that can be used to pay student loans, and if you intend to further your education, can be used to pay for educational expenses at eligible institutions of higher education and training programs. The amount you’ll receive varies based on the terms of service completed.
To be eligible, applicants need to have completed a term of service within 12 months, in one of the following programs.
- AmeriCorps NCCC
- AmeriCorps State and National
- AmeriCorps VISTA
7. FBI
One of the things I love about this internship program is that the FBI will pay you to partake in the 10-week internship, and it can even be a pathway to full-time employment. Whether you’re an undergraduate or graduate student you can apply, and it doesn’t even matter the field of study you applied to.
You’ll be privileged to work alongside FBI employees at FBI headquarters or in one of their 56 field offices located across the country. Candidates need to be U.S. citizens, attend college full-time, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and pass all FBI background investigation requirements, plus other additional requirements.
8. CIA
The Central Intelligence Agency easily earns its spot on our list of government jobs that pay for college due to their provision of paid internships. Their Intelligence Analyst Intern for the CIA can pay you between $50,018 to $52,877, and you’ll be working alongside their full-time analysts, studying and evaluating information from all available sources—classified and unclassified—and then analyzing it to provide timely and objective assessments to customers such as the President, National Security Council, and other U.S. policymakers.
Different fields of study are welcome to apply, whether from Liberal arts, Engineering, Science, or other Technical programs, etc.
9. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
NASA offers different paid internship programs to high school, college-level students, and recent graduates to contribute to agency projects under the guidance of a NASA mentor. Their internships can also be a direct pipeline to full-time employment at NASA after graduation.
However, you need to be pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, together with other requirements to be eligible.
10. Peace Corps
The Peace Corps allows you to serve as a volunteer, but in return for your service and generosity, they will provide accommodation for you plus pay you a stipend. Also, when you’re done with your service after 2 years, they will reward you with $10,000 (pre-tax) that you can use as you wish, including college fees.
Furthermore, you can still be eligible for their student loan, and they provide career support when you’re done with your volunteer service.
What is it Called When the Government Pays for Your College?
The common name when the government pays for your college is “government-funded college tuition assistance.”
Do all Government Jobs Pay for Schooling?
No, not all government jobs provide educational benefits.
Conclusion
You must go through these government jobs that pay for college eligibility requirements, to know how to take advantage of them.
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