Skip to main content
_FB_2018-Icons-finalized-cleaned-up_new_FB_2018-Icons-finalized-cleaned-up_newGroup 9
Find Your Local Branch
Back
Scroll to top

How to Get Help Paying for College

Personal Finances 3 min read
A college campus sidewalk with building in the background

Ready to talk to an expert?

Find A Location Get In Touch

With the cost of college rising each year, it’s refreshing to hear about the companies and organizations that are stepping up to help pay the way.

Below, we’ve highlighted a couple of options for students, whether you’re able to work your way through or heading straight to college from high school.

FAFSA

The first stop for all students is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, better known by its acronym FAFSA. Once filled out and submitted to the US Department of Education, this form helps all students—regardless of income—determine eligibility for federal financial aid for college.

It’s also used by a number of universities to award other types of financial support, such as state-specific aid, scholarships, grants, or work-study programs.

A FAFSA is required each year you’re in school, so be mindful of deadlines. For more information, check out the Department of Education’s FAFSA website.

Starbucks

Earlier this year, Starbucks made headlines when they announced their new College Achievement Plan. Available to both part- and full-time employees, the coffee company offers full tuition reimbursement to those looking to earn their bachelor’s degree, all through Arizona State University’s (ASU) online program.

According to the Starbucks College Achievement Plan website, “Partners admitted as a junior or senior, according to ASU’s admission requirements, will earn full tuition reimbursement for each year of coursework they complete toward a bachelor’s degree. Freshmen and sophomores will receive a partial scholarship and need-based financial aid toward the foundational work of completing their degree.”

And notably, the company does not require a commitment from its employees after graduation.

For more companies willing to shell out the cash for college, peruse Business Insider’s convenient list of the 15 Companies That Will Help Pay Your College Tuition.

The University System

Besides the general collegiate atmosphere and oft-touted work/life balance, many universities and colleges offer a tuition assistance program (TAP) to their full-time employees, at all levels, as part of their benefits package.

This can take the form of tuition reimbursement for courses related to your job, or as is the case at Harvard University, Ivy-League classes at a greatly reduced rate, sometimes as low as $40 per class.

Employees who take advantage of the TAP at Harvard attend classes through the highly regarded Harvard University Extension School. There they can learn new skills, earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree, or gain a subject-area certificate—all for the fraction of the price.

If you can score a full-time job on a college campus near you, it’s an incredible bonus you shouldn’t ignore.

The Best Places to Work Lists

Not only will you find great healthcare coverage and a lively culture, but many companies on nationally ranked “Best Places to Work” lists likely earned that recognition by also offering some sort of tuition reimbursement or continuing education fund to their employees.

Both Fortune and Forbes put together a list of top places to work each year, highlighting companies all over the United States. And it’s worthwhile to check with your local business journal to see if they laud a particular company for a good working atmosphere and benefits, or if there’s a business you’re interested in that’s repeatedly highlighted for something good—whether it’s an investment in the local community, increasing growth and employment, or smart business moves or partnerships.

Ready to talk to an expert?

Find A Location Get In Touch
Share:
First Bank’s Good To Know Logo
Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to know about new tips, insights, and products from First Bank.
First Bank may use this email address to contact you about products, services, and promotions.

You may be interested in...

Bank Rewards What if you had a card that gave you the ability to redeem points for what you want when you want it? How would you feel if those points could be redeemed for travel, experiences, gift cards to restaurants, retail and merchandise stores, donations, or even for cash back? 2 min read
What Is a Child Savings Account? “What is a child savings account?” In a child savings account, you can deposit spare change, birthday money and other loose funds to accrue some interest throughout their childhood. This teaches children the lesson of “a penny saved, is a penny earned.” Read on to learn more about a child savings account and how you can set one up with First Bank. What Is a Child Savings Account? A gateway to education. Research suggests that a child savings account greatly increases the odds that a child from lower to middle income will attend—and even graduate—from college. The research, conducted by Prosperity Now in Washington, DC, shows that children with savings accounts are more likely to start planning for college early and consider themselves college bound. A pathway to financial independence. Additional research conducted by the University of Kansas finds that children with savings accounts are four times more likely to invest in the stock market in adulthood. So, while the return on a child savings account might seem minimal on the surface, the benefits can pay big dividends in the long run. A child savings account is a great way to teach your son or daughter financial literacy and responsibility. Open a Child Savings Account with First Bank With just a $10 initial deposit, customers under the age of 18 can open a MyFirst Savings account and get started on a lesson with a lifelong payoff. A MyFirst Savings account comes with no monthly maintenance charge and no minimum balance needed. Interest is earned as long as certain requirements are met. Our account also comes with eStatements or paper statements, online and mobile banking* and two withdrawals per month free of First Bank fees. Learn more about our child savings account and guide your child to a brighter future with First Bank. *While First Bank does not charge for mobile banking, your mobile carrier’s message and data rates may apply. 2. Withdrawal fee of $2 each after the first two during the month. Federal regulations limit withdrawals of preauthorized transfers to two (2) per month, including checks, drafts, online transfers, telephone transfers and debit card purchases. ——— Prosperity Now: https://prosperitynow.org/blog/empirical-evidence-support-childrens-savings-accounts 2 min read
First Bank One Rewards Program: Learn More There are a lot of advantages to being a First Bank credit card holder, but the First Bank One Rewards Program is the most beneficial to you. By simply using your Platinum Rewards Mastercard® or Mastercard® Business Card with Rewards, you’ll earn rewards for qualified everyday purchases like groceries, gas, utilities, tuition, and more. 2 min read
A couple looking and pointing at a laptop working on budgeting for a home Budgeting For a Home For most people, buying a house is not a spontaneous decision. It takes time to prepare your finances for a mortgage, to clean up your credit to get the best rates, and to save up for a down payment. 4 min read