There are a number of degree programs that are notorious for costing students a small fortune in tuition. While it would be wonderful to think your future career path isn’t dictated by the cost of your education, unfortunately, reality kicks in. If you’ve got dreams of one day becoming a lawyer but you’re not sure it’s an affordable degree, you may want to take a look at these tips and advice that could help you see it in a new light.
Don’t Write Off an Online Education
Where it used to be that an online degree didn’t necessarily hold the same weight and regard as a degree you earned by attending the campus in person, today, times have changed greatly. Many of the most well-known universities in the country now offer an online degree path, which means employers no longer look at them differently. Not only that but the schools themselves have perfected the technology and delivery method of these online programs, giving students an incredible and highly-regarded education.
So how can an online education make a law degree affordable?
Online degrees are just cheaper overall. The tuition is cheaper, you won’t need to buy books since it’s all online, you don’t need to commute to and from school, the courses tend to be fast-tracked so you can get through them faster, and because the schedule is flexible you can keep working while attending school.
Take a Look at Those Lesser-Known Schools
Another tip is to take a look at those lesser known school outside of the Ivy League group. Just because the school isn’t Harvard or Yale doesn’t mean you are sacrificing the quality of your education. Take a look at the USD Law School in South Dakota as an example. You are getting a high-quality education where you will be prepared to practice law anywhere in the country, and you pay a fraction of the tuition in comparison to some of the more well-known schools. The USD School of Law also happens to be ranked as the top school when it comes to judicial clerkships.
Downsize Your Current Living Arrangements
Part of making school affordable may include making adjustments in your current living arrangements. Downsizing can end up saving you quite a lot of money, which you can then put towards your tuition. This can be a tough pill to swallow for many people, but remember this is only a temporary arrangement. Once you are in your chosen career path as a lawyer, you’ll be able to find a home that is better suited to your tastes and needs.
Look Into Grants and Scholarships
There is also the option of grants and scholarships that are available all across the country. A good tip is to steer away from the big ones that are incredibly popular and look for those smaller programs that are lesser known and the competition is less fierce. There’s no reason you have to settle for just one scholarship, so if you get a few small ones, suddenly your whole tuition is paid for.
Making it Work
There’s no question about it, earning your law degree isn’t going to be cheap. With that said there are ways you can make it more affordable so that it works with your lifestyle and budget.
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