Career training can be a faster way to prepare for a new occupation than earning a traditional four-year degree. Programs are available in healthcare, technology, transportation, skilled trades, manufacturing, and many other fields.
But career training is not always inexpensive.
Tuition, fees, books, equipment, transportation, and certification costs can create a major financial barrier. Federal student aid may make some programs more affordable for eligible students, but there is an important detail to understand:
Not every career school or training program qualifies for federal financial aid.
Before enrolling, students should verify both the school and the specific program they are considering. Taking a few extra steps before signing an enrollment agreement could help prevent an expensive mistake.
Understand Which Career Programs May Qualify
Federal student aid is not limited to students attending four-year universities.
Eligible programs can be offered by different types of postsecondary institutions, including certain:
- Community colleges
- Technical colleges
- Vocational schools
- Career schools
- Two-year colleges
- Four-year colleges and universities
Depending on the institution and program, career training may be available in fields such as welding, information technology, healthcare support, automotive technology, advanced manufacturing, and other occupations.
However, simply being called a "career program" or "trade school" does not make a program eligible for federal student aid.
Schools and educational programs must meet applicable federal requirements.
That means students should verify eligibility before paying tuition, making a deposit, or assuming the FAFSA will cover their program.
Accreditation and Federal Aid Eligibility Are Different
Students may see a school advertise that it is "accredited" and assume that automatically means federal financial aid is available.
The situation is more complicated.
Accreditation is an important part of evaluating a school, but accreditation alone does not guarantee that a particular student or program qualifies for federal student aid.
A school generally must participate in the federal student aid programs for eligible students to receive federal assistance there. Individual programs can also have requirements affecting eligibility.
Students should therefore investigate accreditation and federal student aid eligibility separately.
Use Federal Resources to Research Schools
One useful place to begin is Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education.
Students can use federal education resources to research schools and learn more about financial aid requirements.
Another resource is College Navigator, maintained by the National Center for Education Statistics. It provides information about postsecondary institutions across the United States.
When researching a career school, look for details such as:
- The school's official name
- Location
- Type of institution
- Accreditation information
- Programs offered
- Tuition and fees
- Graduation information
- Federal student aid participation
Do not rely only on advertisements or statements from an admissions representative.
A school may offer many different programs, and the rules affecting federal aid can vary. Ask specifically about the program you want to enter.
Ask the Financial Aid Office Directly
After researching a school independently, contact its financial aid office.
Be specific.
Instead of asking, "Do you accept FAFSA?" ask:
"Is this exact program eligible for federal student aid?"
Provide the program's official name and, if necessary, the campus where you plan to study.
You can also ask:
- Does the school participate in federal student aid programs?
- Is this specific certificate or diploma program eligible?
- What is the total estimated cost?
- What federal aid could an eligible student potentially receive?
- Are there additional fees for tools, books, uniforms, or exams?
- How long does the program normally take to complete?
- Are there academic requirements for maintaining financial aid?
Get important information in writing whenever possible.
Complete the FAFSA to Determine Your Eligibility
Once you identify a potentially eligible program, the next major step is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for federal student aid and may also be used for some state or institutional assistance.
Students should not assume they make too much or too little money to complete the FAFSA.
Eligibility depends on federal requirements and information provided through the application.
Federal student aid can include different forms of assistance. Depending on eligibility, these may include:
- Federal Pell Grants
- Federal Work-Study
- Federal student loans
These forms of aid work differently.
A Pell Grant generally does not have to be repaid, although repayment may be required in certain circumstances. Federal student loans, on the other hand, are borrowed money and generally must be repaid with interest.
Students should understand exactly what they are being offered before accepting an aid package.
Financial Aid May Not Cover Everything
Even if a student qualifies for federal aid, that does not mean every education-related expense will automatically be covered.
Suppose a career program costs more than the grants or other assistance a student receives. The student may still have a remaining amount to pay.
Career training can also involve expenses beyond advertised tuition, including:
- Books
- Tools
- Uniforms
- Equipment
- Transportation
- Licensing fees
- Certification exams
- Other required supplies
Before enrolling, ask for the total estimated cost of completing the program, not just the tuition price.
Then compare that amount with grants, scholarships, personal resources, and any loans included in the financial aid offer.
Compare the Program With Your Career Goal
Financial aid eligibility should not be the only reason to choose a career program.
A program can qualify for federal student aid and still be a poor match for your goals.
Research the occupation before committing to training.
Find out:
- What education employers usually require
- Whether a license is required
- Whether professional certification is expected
- How long training takes
- What the work involves
- Whether employers are hiring in your area
- Whether additional education will be needed later
This is particularly important for careers regulated by state governments.
If your intended occupation requires a license, check with the appropriate state licensing agency or professional board. Make sure the training program satisfies the education requirements needed to pursue that credential.
Look Beyond Promises About Jobs
Be cautious when a school uses aggressive employment claims to encourage enrollment.
Statements about quick training or career opportunities should be researched independently.
Ask the school for information about program completion and employment outcomes when available, but also investigate the occupation yourself.
Federal resources from the U.S. Department of Labor can help students learn about occupations, typical education requirements, job duties, and labor-market information.
The goal should be to find training that is both financially realistic and connected to a career you actually want to pursue.
Explore Other Help if Federal Aid Is Not Available
If a training program does not qualify for federal student aid, other options may exist.
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) supports employment and training services for eligible workers. Local workforce agencies may help qualifying participants access approved occupational training.
An American Job Center can be a useful starting point for exploring WIOA services.
Other possibilities may include:
- Registered Apprenticeships
- State workforce programs
- Employer-paid training
- Employer tuition assistance
- Scholarships
- Community college workforce programs
- Veterans education benefits for eligible individuals
Each program has its own eligibility requirements and funding rules.
Before paying for training yourself, explore whether any workforce or education programs apply to your circumstances.
Verify the Program Before You Pay
Finding career training is easy. Finding training that fits your career goals and qualifies for the financial assistance you expect requires more research.
Start by identifying programs that prepare students for the occupation you want. Research the school using resources from the U.S. Department of Education, verify its accreditation, and ask whether your exact program is eligible for federal student aid.
Then complete the FAFSA when appropriate and carefully review any financial aid offer you receive.
Pay attention to the difference between grants and loans, and compare your assistance with the total cost of completing the program.
If federal financial aid is not available, investigate WIOA, American Job Centers, Registered Apprenticeships, employer education benefits, and state workforce programs.
Most importantly, verify your options before signing an enrollment agreement or paying a large amount of money.
A little research before enrolling can give you a clearer picture of the true cost of training and help you choose a program that better supports your career plans.