In a perfect world, students wouldn’t need to work while they pursue postsecondary education in order to make ends meet. But in reality, students who work part time, or even full time, are the norm rather than the exception in the current economic times.
Working while you are in college has several benefits. For example, working while in school can help you minimize your student loan debt, provide job experience, help you with time management, and more.
Just remember to find the best fit possible when looking for a job. Many employers are considerate of your class schedule and understand that your schooling needs to be your priority.
Work-study is an effective method of helping students pay for postsecondary education and minimize the debt burden they accumulate through student loans.
Most colleges in the Montana University System offer waivers or exemptions that pay a portion of tuition. For more information about them and how to qualify, students should contact the financial aid/admissions office at their school or visit the Montana Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education.
Montana foster care youth are eligible to receive up to $5,000 per year to cover the cost of attending a postsecondary institution through the Foster Care Education and Training Voucher (ETV) program. The program is offered through a partnership between Student Assistance Foundation and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (Montana Foster Care Independence Program). For more information download our ETV Fact Sheet.
“The money I received through the ETV program helped me move from the dorms, to an apartment off campus, and aided my transition into the Bozeman community. This, and the ETV program helped make it possible for me to live on my own and make it in the real world.” — Katie Yother, Montana’s first ETV graduate.
Contact Rhonda Safford, community outreach manager/foster care coordinator, at (406) 495-7750, or rsafford@safmt.org, or call the Montana Foster Care Independence Program at (406) 444-5900.
Indian Student Fee Waivers — American Indian students may be eligible to have their tuition waived through this program. In order to qualify, students must:
American Indian Business Leaders (AIBL) Scholarship Fund — This scholarship is available to AIBL members to help them achieve their dreams of higher education, and ultimately, assist in improving tribal economic environments. In order to qualify, students must:
TANF Education Assistance — Individuals who are both students and parents may be eligible for cash aid and help with childcare, transportation and job or training expenses through Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF). For more information, students should contact the welfare office in their community.
Veterans’ Benefits — The Montgomery GI Bill provides educational benefits for participating individuals who served on active duty, Selected Reserve and National Guard. Service members have 10 years from their last separation from service to use all of their benefits through the GI Bill. For more information, go to www.gibill.va.gov.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Students with Disabilities — Students with disabilities who meet the academic qualifications for college should apply for admission and, if necessary, financial aid. Students who fit this category should work with their financial aid officers when they apply for admission, making sure that the officer fully understands their particular needs. For more information, students should contact the disabled students’ office at their school, national or local organizations serving their particular disability, or the local office of their state’s vocational-rehabilitation agency.