Returning to school as a working adult is one of the best investments you can make in your career. But between tuition, fees, books, and everything else that comes with adult life, figuring out how to fund your education is more than a little daunting.
We’re not downplaying the financial reality of continued education, because we know the costs can be steep. But for many adult learners, there are more funding options available than you might realize. With the right strategy, you can piece together a plan that makes your education affordable without sacrificing your financial stability.
Here are seven practical tips to help you fund your continued education.
1. Understand your employer education benefits fully
Before you start researching a payment strategy, make sure you fully understand what your employer already offers. Many adult learners significantly underestimate or underutilize their education benefits.
Common benefits to explore:
- Tuition reimbursement: Your employer reimburses you for education costs, or pays schools directly, up to an annual limit
- Tuition assistance: Some employers partner with institutions for discounted rates
- Student loan repayment: Some employers offer contributions toward existing student loan debt
For example, EdAssist® by Bright Horizons® partners with employers to make continued education more accessible for adult learners. We have over 230 partner schools that offer discounted tuition exclusively for program participants, and many employers offer tuition assistance, tuition reimbursement, or student loan repayment benefits to eligible employees. Make sure you ask your manager or HR to see if any of these benefits apply to you.
If your employer works with EdAssist, your plan may also include free academic, education finance, or student loan advising. Our expert coaches work one-on-one with you to select the right program, understand student loan repayment, create spending plans, and determine how to make your continued education goals a reality.
Timing your enrollment strategy to maximize benefits
When you start school can have a significant financial impact, and it's a tool many adult learners overlook. This is particularly true when you want to get the most out of your education benefits (which you should!).
Start by maximizing your annual benefit window. If your employer offers a calendar-year tuition reimbursement cap (say, $5,250 per year), starting in fall instead of spring can help you get a jump start on classes without tapping into your next year’s balance.
If you want time to prepare instead of jumping right in, you can also take some time to get started. Give yourself six to 12 months to build up your education savings before your first semester. This cushion reduces financial stress when tuition bills arrive. And during that time, you can select and apply to the programs of your choice.
2. Apply for federal student aid
Federal aid is often overlooked by adult learners who assume it's only for traditional students straight out of high school. That's simply not the case. It's worth completing the FAFSA to see what you're eligible for, even if you think you might not qualify.
One of the most important steps you can take— and one that many adult learners skip— is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Even if you've been out of school for years, completing the FAFSA can unlock grants, low-interest federal loans, and work-study programs.
It’s also important to note that Pell Grants are now available for part-time students enrolled in non-degree programs, which is a significant expansion for adult learners who may be pursuing a certificate or taking courses while working. Previously, eligibility was more limited.
3. Explore scholarships and grants
Scholarships aren't just for traditional 18-year-old students. There are thousands of scholarships specifically designed for adult learners, working professionals, and non-traditional students.
Where to look:
- Your college and chosen program: Financial aid offices often have funds available for continuing students. Ask every year, even if you’re already enrolled.
- College Board scholarship search: collegeboard.org offers a free scholarship search tool
- Scholarship databases: Sites like Scholarships.com and Scholarly.com let you filter for adult learner-specific awards
- Professional associations: Many industry organizations offer scholarships for members pursuing continuing education in their field
- Your employer: Some companies offer internal scholarships or education grants beyond standard tuition reimbursement
- State grants: Some states offer grants specifically for part-time adult learners returning to school
Important: Grants and scholarships are free money, meaning they don't need to be repaid. Even small awards of $500-$1,000 can meaningfully reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
4. Create a dedicated education budget for continued schooling
Many adult learners already have tight budgets. Creating a separate, dedicated education budget—distinct from your regular household budget—helps you see exactly what your education will cost and where the money will come from.
Your education budget should include:
- Tuition, after employer reimbursement
- Mandatory fees (technology, lab, and registration fees)
- Books and course materials
- Transportation or parking
- Technology needs such as a new laptop
- Childcare during class or study time
- Lost wages if reducing work hours
Once you see the full picture, you can work backward to determine how much you need to save each month to cover out-of-pocket costs. Even setting aside $50-$100 per month adds up significantly over a year.
Budgeting tools to try: Apps like YNAB (You Need a Budget), Monarch, EveryDollar, or Rocket Money can help you find money you didn't know you had. You can also get started with a simple spreadsheet if that’s more your style.
5. Understand your student loan options
Even with employer benefits, other financial aid or scholarships, some adult learners need additional funding. Understanding your loan options helps you borrow strategically. You want to prioritize borrowing only what you need and at the best possible terms.
That means starting with federal student loans first. Always consider exhausting federal options before considering private loans. Federal loans offer:
- Fixed interest rates
- Income-driven repayment plans
- Deferment and forbearance options
- Potential for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (if you work for a qualifying employer)
- No credit check for most loan types
Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a good place to start. It can unlock grants, low-interest loans, and work-study programs, even for students who have been out of school for years.
Start with federal loans. Private loans may have higher interest rates, and fewer protections than federal loans. If you need to borrow privately, shop around carefully and only borrow what you truly need. That said, many lenders are developing programs geared specifically toward graduate students who may need additional funding.
Remember: borrow conservatively. Before taking any loans, make sure that you’re only borrowing what you need and that the loan will benefit you in the long run. EdAssist financial coaches can help you think through this.
6. Take advantage of payment plans and cash flow strategies
Some schools offer tuition payment plans that let you spread costs across the semester rather than paying a lump sum upfront. This can make a big difference for your monthly budget, especially when you're working and managing other financial responsibilities at the same time.
It's worth asking your school's billing or financial aid office about installment options. Some plans are interest-free as long as you make payments on time, which makes them a smart alternative to borrowing.
You can also think strategically about cash flow. If your employer reimburses you after you complete a course, for example, you'll want to plan for the gap between when you pay tuition and when you get reimbursed. Having a plan for that interim period— whether it's setting aside a small buffer in savings, using a payment plan, or timing courses around your budget— can help you avoid unnecessary stress.
7. Choose lower-cost programs that are well-suited for adult learners
Choosing programs thoughtfully can dramatically reduce your total out-of-pocket costs. Tuition at one school may cost tens of thousands of dollars more than other options, and weighing your choices can help make continued education much more affordable.
These are a few cost-saving strategies that may work, depending on your current situation:
- Start at community college: Community college tuition averages around $149 per credit hour, compared to $400+ at four-year public universities, and some states even offer tuition-free community college for qualifying students. If you can complete general education requirements at community college before transferring to a four-year school for your major, that’s a great option.
- Choose in-state public universities over private schools: The cost difference can be tens of thousands of dollars over the course of a degree.
- Consider online programs: Online programs often cost less than in-person equivalents and can eliminate commuting costs and childcare needs.
- Look for EdAssist partner schools: EdAssist partners with 230+ schools to offer discounted tuition rates exclusively for program participants—check your portal to see partner schools.
- Explore stackable certificates: If you don't need a full degree right away, stackable certificates cost significantly less and can often be applied toward a degree later.
Putting it all together
The most effective education payment strategy combines multiple approaches. Here's what a practical plan might look like for a working adult:
- Review your employer benefits and understand your exact annual reimbursement limit and eligible expenses
- Build a dedicated education budget– Replace with strategy that accounts for all costs, not just tuition
- Apply for FAFSA to understand what aid you may be eligible for
- Search for scholarships every academic year, and not just when you enroll
- Time your enrollment to maximize annual benefit windows
- Choose programs strategically to minimize costs while meeting your goals
Education is one of the most valuable investments you can make in yourself, and with the right financial strategy, it's more accessible than you might think.
How EdAssist can help
Figuring out how to fund your education is exactly where EdAssist coaches shine. Our education finance coaches can help you:
- Map out your true costs so you know exactly what you're working with
- Maximize your employer benefits and understand the tax implications
- Identify scholarships and grants you may not know about
- Create a realistic education finance strategy that fits your budget
- Navigate student loan options if borrowing becomes necessary
Ready to build your education savings plan? Log in to your EdAssist portal to schedule a free session with an education finance or academic coach. We'll help you figure out exactly what your education will cost and how to make it work for your budget.
