Can I Get Paid to Go to School Full-Time?

It is possible to pursue full-time education while receiving financial support beyond tuition. Balancing higher education costs and daily living expenses is a significant challenge. Fortunately, various programs exist to provide financial assistance, allowing students to focus on studies without needing external employment for living costs. This article explores avenues for comprehensive financial support.

Government and Military Programs

Government and military initiatives offer substantial financial support for full-time students. The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides comprehensive benefits to eligible service members and veterans. This program covers up to 100% of tuition and fees at public in-state institutions, along with a Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) equivalent to the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents, based on the school’s zip code. An annual stipend of up to $1,000 is also provided for books and supplies. Eligibility typically requires at least 90 days of active duty service after September 10, 2001, with the benefit percentage increasing with longer service.

Federal grants, such as the Pell Grant, are another source of government-backed financial aid. While primarily for tuition and fees, these need-based grants can result in a surplus if the student’s cost of attendance is less than the awarded amount. The maximum Pell Grant award for the 2024-2025 academic year is $7,395, and any remaining funds after institutional charges can be used for living expenses. Eligibility for Pell Grants is determined through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Specialized government-funded programs exist for specific fields, often tied to a service commitment post-graduation. The National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program (NHSC SP) covers tuition, eligible fees, and other educational costs, plus a monthly stipend for living expenses. In return, recipients commit to providing primary care health services in underserved communities for a minimum of two years. The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant provides up to $4,000 annually for students who commit to teaching full-time for four years in a high-need field at a low-income school. If the service obligation is not met, the grant converts into a Direct Unsubsidized Loan that must be repaid with interest.

Employer-Sponsored Education

Many employers recognize the value of an educated workforce and offer programs that financially support employees pursuing full-time education. Tuition reimbursement or assistance programs are common, where companies either pay for or reimburse an employee’s tuition costs. While these programs typically focus on tuition, the financial relief frees up personal funds for living expenses. Under Internal Revenue Code Section 127, employees can exclude up to $5,250 per calendar year in qualified educational assistance benefits from their gross income, making this benefit tax-free.

Beyond tuition, some companies offer corporate scholarships or grants directly to employees, which may include funds for living expenses in addition to academic costs. These scholarships can be competitive and often require employees to maintain a certain academic standing or commit to continued employment with the company for a specified period after graduation.

Paid internships and apprenticeships with integrated educational components represent another avenue for employer-sponsored education. In these arrangements, individuals receive a salary or stipend while simultaneously pursuing a degree or certification. The compensation provided directly supports living expenses, allowing participants to gain practical experience and academic knowledge without financial strain. Company-sponsored degree programs, though rarer, involve an employer fully sponsoring an employee’s full-time study, sometimes continuing their regular salary or providing a substantial stipend.

Academic Funding Opportunities

Educational institutions provide various funding opportunities that offer financial support beyond tuition. Scholarships that include a stipend provide funds for living expenses, books, or research, distinguishing them from tuition-only awards. These scholarships can be awarded based on merit, financial need, specific fields of study, or demographic criteria. While the portion of a scholarship used for qualified education expenses like tuition and fees is generally tax-free, amounts used for living expenses such as room and board or travel are typically considered taxable income.

Graduate students often have access to graduate assistantships, including Teaching Assistantships (TAs) and Research Assistantships (RAs). In exchange for performing teaching, research, or administrative duties, graduate assistants receive a stipend and often a full or partial tuition waiver. Tuition waivers for teaching or research assistants are typically tax-exempt, while waivers for administrative duties are taxable if they exceed $5,250 in a calendar year. These positions allow students to balance work responsibilities with full-time academic pursuits.

The Federal Work-Study program enables eligible students to earn money for educational expenses through part-time jobs, often located on campus. Although it involves working, the program is integrated into a student’s financial aid package, allowing them to earn income without conflicting with their academic schedule. Earnings from Federal Work-Study are generally subject to federal and state income tax, but are exempt from FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare) for students enrolled full-time and working less than half-time. Prestigious fellowships also offer substantial stipends for living expenses and research, often covering tuition, allowing recipients to dedicate themselves to their academic endeavors.

Vocational and Apprenticeship Pathways

Vocational and apprenticeship pathways offer hands-on training and paid employment for those seeking specific skills or trades. Registered apprenticeships integrate on-the-job training with related technical instruction, allowing apprentices to earn a progressively increasing wage while learning a skilled trade. Apprenticeship programs are regulated by the U.S. Department of Labor and state agencies, ensuring quality training and fair compensation.

Vocational or technical schools sometimes offer programs that include integrated paid internships or clinical rotations. These opportunities are common in fields such as healthcare, technology, or various skilled trades, where students receive a stipend or direct payment during their training period. These payments help cover living costs while students gain practical experience.

Many trade unions provide comprehensive training programs that pay participants while they learn. These union-sponsored programs often lead to union membership and stable employment upon completion, offering a direct route to acquiring valuable, in-demand skills. These pathways provide a practical alternative to traditional four-year degrees, allowing individuals to earn an income concurrently with their education and skill development.