Author: Kelsey Fox / Reviewed by: Melissa Anderson / First covered: March 2018 / Updates: 4
Key Takeaways:
- Scholarships and grants are key ways to cover college costs, offering “free money” that doesn’t need repayment.
- Work-study programs provide flexible jobs on campus, reducing student debt by earning money while attending school.
- Taking core classes at a community college can save money by transferring credits to a four-year program.
In this guide, we explore 30 creative ways to pay for college without relying on loans.
With the rising cost of tuition, many students wonder how to afford college and what other options they have besides federal loans to cover educational expenses. From scholarships and grants to work-study programs and tuition reimbursement plans, there are plenty of ways to pay for college that don’t involve long-term debt. Whether you’re pursuing a degree online or on campus, these strategies can help you manage the cost of your education without breaking the bank.
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1. Apply for Grants
Grants, not student loans, are arguably the best way to pay for college education expenses. Unlike loans, grants don’t need to be paid back and are, therefore, an excellent source of funding for college. It’s almost like free money! According to The College Board, most students receive grants from the college they plan to attend, with private schools giving out more than public schools. Eligibility for grants varies, as do the maximum amounts that can be awarded. Most students are automatically considered for grants from their college upon their acceptance. However, additional federal grants like the Federal Pell Grant can be found through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or on scholarship websites.
The Pell Grant, for example, has a maximum limit of $7,395 per student (AY 2024-2025). The maximum amount changes every year. The actual amount you receive will depend on your SAI, the cost of attendance, and your enrollment status.
2. Scholarships
Regarding financial assistance, scholarships are among the best ways to avoid student loans. Millions of dollars in scholarships are up for grabs every year for students wondering about the best ways to pay for a bachelor’s degree (or higher), but they take dedication and a little extra work to obtain. Scholarships.com, fastweb.com, and unigo.com are just three of the most popular websites where students can conduct a scholarship search for private scholarships for which they are eligible. Eligibility criteria may include requirements like financial need or grade point average. Just like those from the federal government, private scholarships are given for large and small amounts. They usually require an essay and/or letters of recommendation. Like grants, scholarships are gifts and do not need to be paid back (again, free money!). Check out your nearby credit unions for local scholarship opportunities.
3. Ask for More Money
It’s a little-known secret that when it comes to paying college costs, haggling to save money is totally acceptable. Financial aid experts suggest starting your appeal for more money with a letter to your chosen college’s financial aid office. The letter should explain your financial situation, as well as reemphasize just why attending that particular college or university is important to you. Your letter should be followed up with a phone call, and you should always remain sincere and polite as you find solutions to how to pay for college classes. Be prepared to discuss how you plan to make student loan payments once you graduate.
4. Get a Work-Study Job
If you’re asking, “How do I pay for college without student loans?” you should know that many college campuses offer students the opportunity to work in exchange for college tuition. These work-study programs can include jobs such as filing papers in a department office or scooping food in the cafeteria. Work-study jobs can usually be found through the financial aid office and are flexible enough to accommodate your class schedule. Some work-study programs pay the student directly, while others send your earnings right to whichever college employee is in charge of your finances. No student loan is required!
Remember that your amount in a federal work-study program must not exceed your stated award amount. Your employers will also consider your course load when determining your working hours. The wages for work-study student-employees must not fall below the local minimum wage.
5. Take Required Core Classes at the Local Community College
Every college degree includes a big selection of core college classes that every student must take, regardless of major. That means even if you plan on studying art history, a class on biology or human anatomy is still required. The good news is that many of these basic core classes are transferable. This means you can take them at the local community college and transfer the college credit back to your degree at your college or university (or any other higher education institution). That way, you’ll save money for the same exact credit.
According to the Education Data Initiative, the average tuition in a public community college is $3,598 per year, on average (in-district). For a four-year college, it’s $9,750 per year, on average (in-state). This means savings of $6,152 per year on tuition costs.
6. Live Off Campus
Many colleges require freshmen to live in on-campus housing, but moving to an off-campus house or apartment as soon as you are able has the potential to save you a ton of money and avoid federal student loans to fund your higher education. A certain amount of personal responsibility is required for it to be truly worthwhile. Living at home or renting a place during the school year will almost always be less expensive than $12,640 — the average cost for room and board at public universities. Find a roommate or two, and the costs will shrink even more as you figure out how to pay for college.
7. Take Advantage of Employer Reimbursement Programs
Employer reimbursement programs are often overlooked as a form of financial assistance for college. There are a ton of different companies that offer to pay either half or all of an employee’s college costs. This includes IBM, UPS, Chipotle, Chrysler, and Starbucks, to name a few. In fact, for any employee working a minimum of 20 hours a week, Starbucks offers to pay half of their tuition through freshman and sophomore years, then full tuition reimbursement for their junior and senior year. Some of these companies even cover living expenses as part of the financial aid package. Some of them don’t even require the employee to remain with the company after graduation, so this is an ideal way to avoid a student loan. If you combine this strategy with one of the cheapest online master’s degrees, it can seriously cut costs.
8. Ask Friends, Family, and Even Strangers
For college students, money for college savings is always a helpful birthday, holiday, and graduation gift. This year, ask your friends and family to skip the birthday card and send you money via your profile on websites like Edulender or Sponsor My Degree. These crowd-funding sites allow students to collect financial aid from family members, friends, and even strangers to put towards their college costs or student loans.
9. Sell Your Body — Legally, Of Course
It’s not uncommon to hear of students selling blood and plasma to make a little extra money for their college education. Though amounts vary from place to place, you’re not likely to make enough selling plasma to pay college costs for your entire degree. If you’re up for it, fertility clinics often pay between $100 and $150 for a sperm donation and $8,000 for an egg donation. Of course, these donations come with huge long-term outcomes and should be thoroughly thought through before any commitments are made. Egg donors, for example, must go through a rigorous screening process, which includes genetic testing, blood work, and even a psychological evaluation before their donation can be accepted.
10. Participate in Clinical Studies
If you attend college near a facility that runs sleep and/or medical trials, consider signing up to participate in their studies to earn money for your college savings. This could be another way to avoid a hefty student loan payment in the future. Trials can usually be found on places like Craigslist or ClinicalTrials.gov; sometimes, they pay as much as $750 per session. If your college includes a medical school or psychology department, they may also have opportunities.
11. Rent Out Your Possessions
Thanks to the latest “shared economy” trend, there’s good money in renting out your things to earn money and avoid taking on a student loan. If you live off-campus, consider renting out a spare bedroom on Airbnb or make the whole place available when you head home on weekends or breaks. If you have a car, you can make that available for people to rent through apps like Getaround and Turo. If you live in a city and rent a parking space, you can even rent that out on JustPark.
12. Drive for Uber or Lyft
If your car is clean and dependable, you can become a driver for Uber or Lyft and make some good extra money that you can put towards a bachelor’s degree. Like all part-time jobs, you’ll invest time, but both companies allow you to choose your hours, an ideal situation for busy college students looking to avoid student loans. Paying for college expenses could be a road trip away!
According to Lyft, the median U.S. driver using their personal vehicle was $30.68 per hour (including tips and bonuses, 2023).
13. Start Freelancing
Freelance writing is a fantastic opportunity for college students who love to write. Websites like Upwork constantly post new opportunities for writers, who can apply for each job. Best of all, you can take on as many projects as you can successfully complete. Depending on how many projects you can complete, this may be a good way to avoid federal student loans.
Your income depends on the type of work you do, your employers’ policies, work experience, and the number of hours you work, among other factors. You can generally earn between $15 and $45 per hour as a ghostwriter, academic tutor, and virtual assistant, to name a few possible jobs.
14. Become a Paid Note-Taker
You’re likely already attending class, paying attention, and taking notes — so why not get paid for it? At many colleges and universities, the disability resource office buys students’ notes for those who cannot attend class regularly and/or take notes themselves. If your school doesn’t offer such a service, consider launching a side hustle to pad your savings accounts. It could help you avoid student loans entirely.
According to ZipRecruiter, note-takers earn between $17 and $29 per hour.
15. Join the Military
Not only does joining the military allow you to serve your country, but it’s also a great way to pay for college without student loans. If you serve before attending college, you’ll receive GI Bill benefits that pay net tuition and mandatory fees at a public university – or up to $28,937.09 at a private university, non-college degree programs, and foreign colleges OR up to $16,535.46 for flight training OR up to up to $14,055.13 for correspondence school – no student loans necessary! You can also obtain sizable scholarships by joining your college’s ROTC program with the intent to serve after graduation. Military families are also eligible for many private scholarships.
16. Get Crafty
If you have a craft skill, consider selling some of your products on Etsy to make some extra money to offset college costs and avoid a student loan. Etsy shop owners often make hundreds of dollars per month selling handmade clothing, original artwork, and just about anything else you might be able to think of. This could be a great way to steer clear of federal loans.
17. Take as Many Credits Per Term as Possible
Before taking out a federal or private student loan, do a little research to discover if the tuition you’re paying is based on full-time status. If it is, find out how many college credits are considered “full-time.” While most college advisors recommend students take 3-4 academic classes per semester, it’s possible you could add an extra class for the same amount. Getting classes done sooner rather than later can save you from paying for an additional semester further down the road and having to take out more student loans as a result. It’s a good start towards a financial plan for the future.
18. Complete Classes During the Summer and Winter Terms
Many colleges offer a limited number of classes during the summer and winter terms, and while these classes are often more intensive due to fewer class weeks, they are also cheaper. Spending less on a class or two that you will need to take anyway can save you big bucks in the long run and help you avoid student loans. Your bank account will thank you!
19. Get Paid for Your Opinion or to Surf the Internet
You’re a college student, so chances are pretty good you’ve got strong opinions and like to spend time online. Turn both of those things into money-making endeavors! Websites like Survey Junkie offer multiple daily opportunities to fill out surveys in exchange for instant money, while companies like Swagbucks pay people to search the internet. Both companies are reputable, and while you may not get rich, they’re a great resource for extra money.
However, the income earned by online survey takers runs the gamut. You can earn $10-$20 as an incentive for a 30-minute survey to $100-$150 for a 90-minute survey. But you can also earn pennies for a 5-minute interview. There are also jobs that pay $600 and up for specialized surveys.
20. Take Advantage of Rebates
Many apps allow you to claim rebates for the things you purchase. One of the best of these is Ibotta, which essentially pays you to purchase certain items. The list of stores and products is extensive, allowing you many options. To make the most money, scan the app before you shop so you know which products and brands will get you the biggest rebates.
21. Deliver Food
Taking on an evening job delivering pizza or other food through an app like Uber EATS is an excellent way to earn an additional wage and make some great tips. Most delivery drivers earn around $15 per hour to drive around and can work during the busy evening and night hours when classes aren’t in session.
22. Hang Out with Kids
Thanks to websites like care.com, finding nannying jobs or the occasional babysitting gig is easier than ever. Not only can you screen potential clients through the website, but you can also set your own rates and hours.
According to ZipRecruiter, babysitters earn $17.62 per hour on average.
23. …or Pets
If kids aren’t your thing, rover.com is a similar website for pets. Sign up and find clients who will pay you to walk their dogs or watch their pets for a day or during their vacation.
24. Teach _______ Lessons
If you have a particular skill, consider offering lessons either on campus or in the local community. Ideas might include dance, language, or soccer lessons, and you can set your own rate and hours for each client.
25. Set Up a Tutoring Service
College students always need tutoring, so if there’s a particular subject in which you are especially talented, consider offering your services. Not only does tutoring allow you to work your own hours, you can also set your own rates.
The average pay for academic tutors is $21.86 an hour.
26. Sell T-Shirt Designs
CafePress, a popular website, allows users to design t-shirts, tote bags, tumblers, and other products and then sell them via the website. When someone orders your design, CafePress makes the product, sends it out to the customer, and sends you a slice of the profits. This can be incredibly lucrative if you belong to big fan groups or have a sizable social media following.
27. Sell at the Farmers Market
If you can spare a few hours on a Friday afternoon or evening, bake up some tasty treats to sell at a Saturday morning farmers market. Pies, cookies, dog treats…the possibilities are endless, and there’s enormous potential to make a tidy profit.
28. Pick Up Some Paid Tasks
Paid tasks are an excellent way to earn extra money for college, as they can often be done quickly and on your own schedule. Join apps like Task Rabbit or CashApp to find local tasks that fit your lifestyle. Tasks include everything from painting a living room for a neighbor to playing a new mobile game for an hour. Simply choose the tasks you have the time to complete and make some money! If you have more time to spare, check out the website Outsourcely, which offers temporary virtual assistant jobs to students and other hustlers.
29. Computer Repair
When you live in an environment where every person is highly dependent upon their computer (i.e., a college campus), there are tons of money-making opportunities for tech-savvy people. Advertise your computer repair services with flyers or a listing on the college community website, or get a part-time job with the on-campus IT department.
Note that the average salary for computer technicians is $23.22 an hour.
30. House Sit
No matter where you live, there is always an opportunity for house-sitting. Join a website like care.com or advertise your services throughout the local community. Not only does housesitting give you a comfortable place to stay while your clients are out of town, but it often pays quite well, too.
The average per hour salary is $16.58 for house sitters.
Here’s a quick reference of the 30 ways you can fund your college education without taking out student loans.
| Ways to Pay for College | Estimated Amounts Earned or Saved | |
| 1 | Grants, such as Pell and private grants | Varies, but savings of $12,640 per year on room and board is possible |
| 2 | Scholarships | Varies, but full-ride scholarships are possible |
| 3 | Ask for More Money | Varies depending on your negotiation skills |
| 4 | Get a Work-Study Job | Varies, but your income earned cannot exceed your federal work-study award |
| 5 | Take Required Core Classes at the Local Community College | Varies, but savings of up to $6,152 per year, on average, on tuition costs |
| 6 | Live Off Campus | Varies with sperm and egg donations ranging from $100 to $8,000 and up |
| 7 | Take Advantage of Employer Reimbursement Programs | Varies depending on your employer’s policies |
| 8 | Ask Friends, Family, and Even Strangers | Varies based on your persuasive skills and network |
| 9 | Sell Your Body — Legally, Of Course | Varies based on your working hours; the average rate for babysitters is $17.62 per hour |
| 10 | Participate in Clinical Studies | Varies, but it’s possible to earn up to $750 per session |
| 11 | Rent Out Your Possessions | Varies based on the type and amount of rentals |
| 12 | Drive for Uber or Lyft | $30.68 per hour (including tips and bonuses), median wage |
| 13 | Start Freelancing | Varies, but it can be between $15 and $45 per hour |
| 14 | Become a Paid Note-Taker | Between $17 and $29 per hour. |
| 15 | Join the Military | Net tuition and mandatory fees for public schools (in-state) OR up to $28,937.09 in private schools |
| 16 | Get Crafty | Varies depending on your sales and expenses |
| 17 | Take as Many Credits Per Term as Possible | Varies depending on the maximum number of credits allowed per term |
| 18 | Complete Classes During the Summer and Winter Terms | Varies depending on the per-credit tuition |
| 19 | Get Paid for Your Opinion or to Surf the Internet | Varies from $10 to $600 for surveys |
| 20 | Take Advantage of Rebates | Varies |
| 21 | Deliver Food | Varies, but delivery drivers earn $15 per hour, on average |
| 22 | Hang Out with Kids | Varies based on your working hours; the average rate for babysitters is $16.05 per hour |
| 23 | …or Pets | Varies based on your working hours; the average rate for academic tutors is $21.86 per hour |
| 24 | Teach _______ Lessons | Varies depending on what you teach |
| 25 | Set Up a Tutoring Service | Varies based on your working hours; the average rate for computer repair technicians is $23.22 per hour |
| 26 | Sell T-Shirt Designs | Varies based on your sales and expenses |
| 27 | Sell at the Farmers Market | Varies based on your sales and expenses |
| 28 | Pick Up Some Paid Tasks | Varies based on your tasks, work hours, and experience |
| 29 | Computer Repair | Varies based on your working hours; the average rate for house sitters is $16.58 per hour |
| 30 | House Sit | Varies based on your working hours; average rate for house sitters is $16.58 per hour |
