Ready for a new career direction or want to revive that dream of a college education? There are many ways of getting college financial aid when you’re looking for a career with a bright future. Healthcare, as you probably know, is a quickly expanding job sector.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare occupations are projected to grow 15% from 2019-29 and likely will add more jobs than any other occupational group. The demand for healthcare services is mainly due to an aging population. In fact, the U.S. Census Bureau notes that 20% of the U.S. population will be 65 or older by 2030.
The number of Americans with chronic conditions also continues to rise. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that six of 10 adults have at least one chronic condition: heart disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer, and arthritis.
Consult career guidance websites, and you’ll discover healthcare support jobs like occupational therapy assistant and radiologic technologists (diagnostic imaging), which require a two-year associate of applied science degree. These occupations are in the top 15 of “best healthcare support jobs,” as ranked by the 2020 U.S. News and World Report.
You may even want to explore the doctor of chiropractic (D.C.) or emerging careers in exercise science or health and wellness promotion. Want to explore the world of biological sciences? A B.S. in Human Biology or biology and an associate of arts degree in biological sciences are excellent choices.
College Financial Aid: There Are Many Options
The U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid office provides more than $120 billion each year in financial aid to help pay for college or career school. If you’re a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, learn about additional resources here.
The first step is to complete a no-obligation Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Do this even if you think you might not qualify for getting college financial aid because income by itself doesn’t determine eligibility for financial assistance. The FAFSA application results will determine what kind of federal aid you may be able to access.
1. Grants A grant doesn’t have to be paid back. Grants are need-based and are helpful for those who desire to achieve but don’t have many resources. Grants consider income levels along with other variables.
2. Scholarships Scholarships are financial gifts. There are many types of scholarships, and you can explore which ones you may qualify for online.
Some schools have scholarship opportunities, so it’s up to you to discover what’s available. Although private and local scholarships don’t always provide large awards, it’s possible to combine them.
3. Federal Student Loans The U.S. Department of Education offers low-interest loans. The FAFSA application is used to determine which loan programs fit your situation. There are many different options.
If you choose to take out a student loan, work with your college financial aid team to create a budget and ask questions about your repayment options. This way, you’ll know what you need to do to pay off your loan and how long it will take you to do so.
When considering a healthcare career, make sure you include Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) in your school search.
CUKC is a nonprofit, private chiropractic and health sciences university in Overland Park, Kansas, a major suburb of Kansas City. Check out our degree options here.
If you want to explore healthcare career opportunities and be informed about getting the college financial aid to achieve it, request information now. You can also get an overview of financial aid options by downloading this free eBook: Your Guide to Navigating College Financial Aid.
