“During times of economic recession, enrollments tends to go up,’’ Sloate says. “That’s fueled by people who lost their jobs and are trying to gain more skills to get a new job (and by) people who still have their jobs and are looking to improve their skills.’’
Here are some tips on making the quest less intimidating and more affordable.
1. Boss buy-in: Before you even fill out an application form, develop a clear plan and schedule a meeting with your boss to talk it through.
Explain what you hope to accomplish. Emphasize how the classes will make you a better contributor to the team.
”Employers will always respond positively when there’s a clear benefit for the company,” says Jennifer Grasz, a spokeswoman for CareerBuilder.com.
Keeping surprises to a minimum will help: Be clear about when and how often you would need to shift your work hours or be allowed to leave promptly.
2. Money for nothing: Even community college classes can be costly if your budget is tight. But there’s free money to be had — if you know where to look.
First, check whether your employer offers tuition assistance. Some major corporations cover the full cost of classes. Others will reimburse you if you make a specific grade, or they’ll let you use pretax dollars.
Next, fill out the Free Application for Student Aid. Many schools and many groups that offer scholarships require it. Even if you plan to take a light load, you may be eligible for aid. And if you have kids in college, mention them because that can improve your position.
“Maximize all the free money you can get, and use your own resources,’’ says Patricia Nash Christel, spokeswoman for student lending company Sallie Mae.
Most federally supported loan programs require students to carry at least half the credits of a full-time student so you likely will narrow your options by taking just one class at a time. And outright grants from the federal government are limited to the very poorest students.
