7 Ways To Pay for College With No Money in 2025

Going to college can feel impossible when your bank account is empty and tuition prices continue to climb. Just because you don't have money doesn't mean college is off the table — there are options.

Every year, students with little to no money find creative, practical, and completely legal ways to pay for their education. From federal aid and scholarships to community colleges and alternative programs, there are more resources than ever to help you turn your college dreams into reality without breaking the bank or taking on mountains of debt.

We'll break down exactly how to go to college when your budget is zero, but your ambition is high.

Current private student loan rates

1. Apply for federal financial aid

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is how you determine your eligibility for federal financial aid, including grants, work-study programs, and federal student loans. Submitting it each year can open doors to valuable resources that help cover the cost of college.

After completing FAFSA, each school that accepts you will send an award letter outlining the types and amounts of federal aid you qualify for. These amounts depend on the school's cost of attendance and any other financial aid you will receive, such as scholarships. You're not required to accept all the aid offered — just what you need.

Maximizing your federal student loan options before considering private loans is typically a better approach. Federal loans offer advantages most private loans don't, such as income-driven repayment plans and potential loan forgiveness.

“Private loans provide more choices on the front end, but federal loans offer more protections and choices in repayment,” Wang says.

2. Look for scholarships and grants

Before you look into loans, prioritize scholarships and grants for college since they don't require repayment, like Pell Grants. There are many merit and need-based options that you can learn about through school counselors and online databases.

Tom O'Hare, college adviser at GetCollegeGoing.com, suggests starting your scholarship search at the beginning of your sophomore year.

“Many families wait for the announcement from their high school guidance department to apply for graduation programs, leaving potentially large sums of financial resources on the table,” says O'Hare. To track down the right opportunities, he recommends using national search sites like FastWeb and Scholarship America or setting up a daily Google alert.

Jack Wang, a college financial aid adviser at Innovative Advisory Group, points out that colleges themselves tend to offer the highest number of scholarships and grants — not the federal government.

“Colleges provide aid based on different criteria, but it's not always based on grades or test scores,” Wang explains.

Check Out: How To Get a Scholarship for College

3. Attend community college

Choosing a more affordable college can significantly reduce your overall costs. One popular strategy is the 2+2 model: attending community college for the first two years and then transferring to an in-state public university to complete your degree.

Community colleges are a budget-friendly option, with an average annual tuition and fees cost of $4,050, according to the latest data from the College Board. In contrast, in-state public universities charge an average of $11,610 per year.

Starting at a community college can save you roughly $15,000 in tuition costs over two years, making it a practical choice for students looking to minimize debt while earning a degree.

Check Out: Student Loans for Community College

4. Consider going to a trade school

College isn't the only way you can build a solid career. When student loan debt isn't something you want to take on, there are plenty of other paths worth exploring. Trade schools offer hands-on training in career fields like court reporting, sound engineering, or dental hygiene. They're not only faster, but more affordable than a four-year degree program.

5. Apply for work-study programs

Finding an on-campus job can help students earn money for college expenses. Start by checking with your school's financial aid office for financial aid tips and to determine whether you're eligible for a work-study program.

If you're interested in finding work in a specific department, you can reach out to the head of that department to learn about potential openings. Your school should also have an online job board where a variety of new opportunities will be posted.

“There are work colleges that do not charge, or charge minimally, in exchange for work and/or service requirements. An example of this is Berea College in exchange for a 10-hour-per-week work requirement to help sustain the college,” says Wang. He says another way to pay for school is by joining ROTC, but that comes with a military service requirement post-graduation.

Check Out: Best Jobs for College Students

6. Look for jobs that help pay for college

Many employers offer tuition assistance and reimbursement programs to support employees pursuing a college education. Students can receive up to $5,250 in tuition reimbursement tax-free, and these funds can be used towards qualified education expenses such as tuition, fees, books, supplies, and more. Contact your HR department or review your employee handbook to check for educational benefits and eligibility.

These are some employers that offer tuition assistance:

• Amazon offers several educational programs, including free training in certain industries, tuition support, and paid tuition opportunities.
• Walmart Live Better U offers low-cost or no-cost college degrees and professional certificates to Walmart and Sam's Club associates.
• Starbuck's tuition reimbursement pays a maximum of $1,000 per year towards tuition, books, and fees for eligible employees who've worked at the company for at least 6 months.
• Target's Dream to Be education assistance offers eligible team members tuition-free degrees from more than 250 programs across 40 schools.
• Home Depot Tuition Reimbursement Program partners with colleges to allow associates to obtain a degree at a discounted rate.
• AT&T reimburses employees between 50% and 100% to help cover the cost of qualified educational expenses.

7. Take out a private student loan

If you've explored all other options and still need to cover college costs, private student loans can help bridge the gap. While they don't offer the same benefits as federal loans, private loans have their own advantages. They typically let you borrow as much as the total cost of attendance at your school, and many lenders provide quick approval and funding.

On the downside, qualifying for a private student loan can be more challenging because lenders look at your credit score and income. As an undergraduate, you might not have established credit — or any credit history — making it harder to qualify on your own. That's why many students apply with a cosigner. To get the most competitive rates and terms, choose a cosigner with excellent credit and reliable finances.