Many students assume going to college always costs money, but there are programs and schools that can actually cover your living expenses or pay you while you learn. Beginner’s Guide To Schools That Pay You To Go To School. This article breaks down the common ways institutions and programs provide financial support, how to find them, and what to watch for when evaluating offers.
How schools pay students to attend (what to expect)
Colleges and other training providers use several mechanisms to offset costs or provide direct income to students. Some options are university-funded stipends, paid internships and apprenticeships, employer-sponsored tuition, research or teaching assistantships, and federal or state programs. Each model has different eligibility rules, obligations, and long-term effects on your career and finances.
Common program types
- Work-study and campus jobs: Part-time positions on campus that provide a paycheck and sometimes cover tuition costs. The federal Work-Study program is one example that helps low- and moderate-income students find on-campus employment; see official Federal Work-Study program details for more.
- Tuition remission and scholarships: Full or partial tuition coverage provided by the school for merit, need, or special categories (e.g., children of alumni, employees).
- Research and teaching assistantships: Common in graduate programs; stipends often accompany tuition waivers for research or teaching duties.
- Paid apprenticeships and cooperative education (co-op): Structured work-education blends that pay employees while they complete training, often with strong job-placement outcomes.
- Employer-sponsored tuition assistance: Employers pay part or all of tuition in exchange for a work commitment during or after study.
- Income-share agreements (ISAs): A school funds your education in exchange for a percentage of your future income for a set period, which can feel like being paid up front but carries repayment risk tied to earnings.
- Military and public service programs: Branch-specific benefits or service commitments can cover tuition and provide stipends while you train or serve.
How to evaluate offers and avoid pitfalls
Not all “paid” programs are created equal. Some reduce your tuition but pay little or nothing for living costs; others require long-term commitments. When evaluating a program, consider total cost of attendance, duration of any work commitment, whether stipends are taxable, and how offers interact with other aid (some grants may be reduced if you accept a paid position).
Key questions to ask
- Is tuition fully covered, or only partially?
- Do I owe money if I leave early or switch majors?
- Is the income classified as wages (taxed) or as a stipend (possibly taxed differently)?
- Will the opportunity delay graduation or limit course choices?
- How does this affect eligibility for federal aid and scholarships?
Where to look for programs
Start with the financial aid and career services offices at the schools you’re considering. Departmental pages often list funded positions for research or teaching. For vocational and apprenticeship pathways, state labor or apprenticeship offices maintain registries of employer-sponsored programs. For more about federal work-based aid and eligibility, check the official Federal Work-Study program details.
If you want a quick internal overview or consolidated resources maintained on this site, visit this page for links and local guidance.
Quick checklist before you commit
- Compare the total value of the offer (tuition + stipend + benefits).
- Confirm work hours and academic load; make sure you can manage both.
- Read the fine print on repayment, service obligations, and tax implications.
- Ask about job placement rates for graduates from the program.
- Talk to current or former students in the same program for firsthand perspective.
FAQ
Can undergraduate students be paid to attend college?
Yes. Undergraduates can receive paid campus jobs, paid internships, some scholarships that include stipends, and, in certain cases, tuition remission or employer-sponsored support. The prevalence and generosity vary widely by institution and program.
Will being paid to attend affect my other financial aid?
Sometimes. Income from paid positions can be counted as part of your financial resources and may reduce need-based grants. Always report earnings and ask the financial aid office how a paid position will interact with existing aid packages.
Are income-share agreements better than loans?
ISAs can be attractive because payments scale with income, but they can cost more than traditional loans for high earners and may include terms that limit future flexibility. Compare repayment caps, payment percentages, and timeframes to typical loan scenarios before choosing an ISA.
