How to pay for college

Start by building a funding plan

Now that you’ve decided that you want to study at Strayer, the next step on the path is figuring out how to fund your education. It’s a good idea to sketch out a plan for how you’ll cover the cost of your education. Here’s what the decision-making process could look like.

Estimate your total cost

Get a personalized education plan with an estimate of how much your program will cost and when you’ll graduate. The plan is yours to keep, modify and share with your admissions officer or student services coach.

Personalized cost calculator

Additional fees

The following list is not exhaustive, but here are some of the basic costs to keep in mind:

Textbooks

Plan to spend approximately $150 per course for textbooks and supplies. Textbooks and supplies that are not included as part of the course materials fee in select JWMI courses and must be purchased separately.

Technology

You’ll pay a technology fee of $65 per term. (The fee is included in your tuition per course for new JWMI students.)

Evaluation fee

A final academic requirements evaluation fee of $150 ($25 for certificate or diploma programs) is charged per degree awarded. (Fee is included in tuition per course for new JWMI students.)

Additional fees may apply as you progress through your program.

Explore tuition and fees

Myth #1: All financial aid depends on your past grades

Some scholarships depend on your past grades. But the most common forms of financial aid – grants and loans from the federal government – generally don’t depend on past educational performance. However, once you’re enrolled, you will need to maintain satisfactory grades in addition to maintaining a satisfactory pace of completion to continue receiving aid.

Explore ways to reduce your tuition

If the cost of a degree seems overwhelming, here’s the good news: There are lots of ways to potentially reduce the overall cost of your education at Strayer.

First, explore how to apply credit you’ve already earned

Transfer credits

You may be able to transfer credits from courses you completed at other accredited institutions, potentially reducing the time it will take to complete your Strayer degree. Most programs accept transfer credits, but there’s a limit on the number allowed. The good news is we can estimate your transfer credits in three easy steps right now.

Estimate transfer credits

Prior learning experience

At Strayer, we recognize the value of your experience – so we offer ways to leverage your prior education, military experience, work experience, proven skills and more. Talk with an admissions officer to see if your experience can apply toward your degree and find other ways to earn credit here. Fees may apply.

Take courses on us

Access no-cost gen ed courses. Each one you complete saves $1,525 on the total cost of your bachelor's degree.

To access no-cost gen ed courses through Sophia, you’ll need to enroll in at least two Strayer courses per quarter at $1,525 per course.

Discover how

Next, talk to your employer

Tuition reimbursement

Many employers offer tuition assistance for eligible employees who go back to school. Check with your employer regarding educational benefits.

Employer partner search

See what savings may be available.

Find my employer

Then apply for funding you don’t have to repay

Scholarships

Community organizations, national foundations and professional associations may offer financial assistance to qualified students based on financial need, personal background or chosen field of study. Strayer scholarships do not require repayment at any time and your eligibility for them is not based on financial need.

Explore scholarships

Federal grants

Federal Pell Grants are available to students based on need. And the good thing is grants do not have to be repaid! Learn more here.

To apply for a federal grant, you’ll need to complete the FAFSA to see if you qualify. Use Strayer University school code 001459 when you apply.

Finally, look into different organizations you’re affiliated with

Military assistance

Strayer offers special military scholarships for service members – active duty, National Guard and Reserves – and their spouses. We’re also approved for veterans’ educational benefits and participate in the Yellow Ribbon program.

Military assistance

Employer Assistance

More than 500 organizations – including corporations and community colleges – invest in their employees by partnering with Strayer University to offer access to discounted education programs. If your employer is a Corporate Alliance Partner, you may qualify for programs that can help you advance in your company and your career.

Get the details

Myth #2: I’ll never meet the qualifications for scholarships

You may not receive a scholarship, but you might qualify for federal loans, grants, employer discounts or other deductions.

Consider self-funding

After you’ve explored ways to reduce your out-of-pocket tuition expenses with scholarships, grants and discounts, consider some additional ways you can fund your education without borrowing.

Pay out of pocket

Planning ahead so that you know your financial options is key to success when it comes to paying for college. Our time and tuition estimator can help you better understand costs so you can decide if you want to offset any future loans by paying out of pocket.

Borrowing for college

After you’ve reviewed all your options for financial aid and paying from existing resources, you may want to consider borrowing money. It’s important to borrow only what you need to finance your education. Smart borrowing involves making a careful assessment of what you need to borrow and the terms for paying back your loans.

Federal student loans

The U.S. government provides several low-interest student loan options for degree and certificate students. Some loans don’t require a credit check or cosigner and typically don’t require repayment until six months after leaving college. They also have flexible repayment plans.

Take a look at how borrowing impacts your finances with Loan Simulator.

To apply for a federal loan, you’ll need to complete the FAFSA. Use Strayer University school code 001459 when you apply.

Private loans

Some private lenders, like banks, credit unions or other organizations, offer educational loans. Make sure you evaluate the interest rate and repayment terms carefully before taking out a private loan. Federal loans often have more advantageous terms.

Smart borrowing

Remember that you can borrow less than what you are offered. Talk to your admissions officer or student services coach to find out exactly how much you need each quarter for tuition.

Myth #3: It’s not worth your time to fill out the forms

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can be completed online quickly and easily. It can be worthwhile to help you understand your financial aid eligibility even if you elect not to take out any student loans. The interactive form includes step-by-step instructions, and if you have questions as you go along, help is available by chat, email or phone.

Create your plan to pay for your education

Now that you have a better understanding of the cost of your degree and ways to reduce that cost and find available funding options, let’s put a plan together. Use this checklist to map – and regularly track – the costs of your education. (Don’t forget, we have a team here to help you if you have questions.)

Document your total program costs (tuition, fees, resource kit, etc.).
Apply all tuition reductions.
Apply all funding source options.
What are you willing to pay out of pocket?
Determine what amount is left, and that’s what you should borrow.

Apply now

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