Could Your Job Finance You In Advancing Your Education?
When people think of a McDonald’s employee, they usually think of a person who either is using this type of job as entry to the work field or who is doomed to perpetual limbo asking if customers want fries with their burgers. Actually, the land of the Golden Arches also offers a program it calls the McDonald’s USA National Employee Scholarship Program. Employees who have worked for them for only four months can get anywhere from $2,500 to $5,000 a year in college grants, online or on campus. The only other proviso is that the person continue working there 15 hours a week. While this type of scholarship is for those who work for that company, other types, such as Pell grants for college, are not that job-specific.
Many corporations see programs like these as a way to generate loyalty and a resource pool for future executives. $5,000 a year more than likely will not cover a full year’s tuition, yet it still goes a long way towards it. As such, all prospective students should see about federal grants and any other academic scholarships they are eligible for. If you need more information about college grants and scholarships, look on the internet.
Companies give employees an academic boost, which is something the web site College For Katie details. Those considering an online degree should talk with their company to see if they have any of the following:
Direct Pay Tuition Assistance: The most direct of the forms of financial assistance. The employer pays up front for the course, certificate or degree program. The employee has no out of pocket expense. One could say this is as pure a form of financial aid outside of government grants and academic scholarships as is possible.
Reimbursed Tuition Assistance: One could call it a sort of loan. The employer pays for the course, certificate or degree program after the employee has successfully completed the course or program. The employer may pay after each course or after the degree is completed. Again, reimbursement could be tied to grade point average. There is an abundance of information about grants for college on the web.
529 College Savings Program: The employer may offer a college savings program as a part of their benefits package. As a part of this program, the employer may match contributions made by the employee into the program. Parents in particular should think about this for their children.
On the Job Training: Literally the employee advances his/her education while working. Employers have developed comprehensive training programs that mix classroom and working. It’s a common method used by hospitals, particularly when they want to see a young nurse’s aid move up to a registered or licensed practical nurse. Many manufacturing operations also use this to turn their blue collar workers into white collar management.
If you are currently working, in addition to exploring Pell grants for college, you should see what your employer offers. Talking with your employer will let you know if financial aid is available or if you need to go outside the company for such assistance as student loans. Consulting with a college advisor can also provide more information sources.
