Learn My Three Ways to Pay for a College Education - It's Never Too Late

For many individuals and families, the expense of college can make continuing education a challenge. However, there are a variety of online colleges and universities that strive to accommodate people with low income by offering scholarships, online courses (some free) and financial aid.

The wonderful thing about scholarships is that they're free and you don't ever have to pay them back. Begin in your own backyard and ask local associations and businesses if they offer scholarships. You'll need to write an essay, and if they choose yours, you'll receive financial reward and praise.

Many scholarships are directed towards women and minorities. AARP has a scholarship for moderate and low income older women (ages 40+). Seventy awards are given out each year in the amounts of $500-$5,000.

There are online colleges that offer courses free of charge, enabling you to advance your career and realize your dream. Some colleges offer real time classes where you can interact with students and teachers.

If you choose a free course, you will not receive college credits, but you will receive the great gift of knowledge that might help advance your career.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offers more than 1,800 free courses. Under the umbrella "MITOPENCOURSEWARE" you can attend MIT, one of the leading colleges for science and technology worldwide.

The University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) is ranked as one of the best public universities nationally and offers free courses which include engineering, biology and philosophy.

If you have a full time job or care for children, don't let the cost of tuition scare you. Financial aid is available, including federal grants and low cost student loans.

You must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form which includes your personal and financial information, as well as school codes.

However, be cognizant of the deadline dates when applying for financial aid, there are both state and federal guidelines.

Capella University in Minneapolis, MN is an accredited school with online courses such as education, accounting, business and nursing.

Wow, according to the survey below, you or someone in your family has received a scholarship.

That's great! For those who are about to take on this effort, the best of luck.

The good news is there is money available, if you qualify.

It's never too late to begin your search for obtaining scholarship money.

The year is 2016 and hopefully president elect Donald Trump will pardon some of student loans and instead have colleges partially pay or charge less for a necessary education.