How to Save Money on Continuing Education
If you’re in a career field where you’re required to get regular continuing education in order to stay certified or competitive, the costs can add up. Thankfully, you don’t have to go broke to get these credits. There are ways to save money and still have good results.
- Explore Employer Tuition Reimbursement
Many employers value continuous learning and offer tuition reimbursement programs as part of their benefits package. Before enrolling in any courses, check with your HR department to see if your company offers such a program.
Some organizations may cover a part or all of the cost of continuing education courses, especially if they are directly related to your job role. Make sure to understand the terms, though. Some companies require you to stay with the company for a certain period after taking the course or achieve a specific grade to qualify for reimbursement. And in other cases, they limit which types of courses you can take or the providers you can use.
If an employer does cover tuition reimbursement for your continuing education units (CEUs), consider finding the best possible courses, certificates, or classes you can take. If there are options that you otherwise wouldn’t have paid for on your own – but that enhance your resume or give you opportunities for growth – take advantage of these.
- Consider a student loan
Opting for student loans can be a strategic decision for those pursuing higher education, especially when personal or family savings fall short of covering tuition and related expenses. Student loans provide immediate access to the funds needed to invest in your future, allowing you to focus on your studies without the stress of financial constraints. However, it’s important to approach student loans with caution, understanding the long-term commitment they entail
- Enroll in Online Courses
The internet is a treasure trove of learning opportunities, many of which are free or inexpensive. Websites like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy offer courses in a variety of fields from respected institutions around the world.
While some courses are free to access, obtaining an official certification might require a fee. However, the cost is usually much lower than that of traditional education methods. Also, these platforms often have financial aid options or allow you to audit the course for free, meaning you can access all the materials without earning the official credential.
While free course platforms are good in some fields, they may not be suitable for other fields. Take respiratory therapy as an example. A respiratory therapist has very specific learning requirements and needs. And while you probably won’t find many good free options, online respiratory CEU courses are inexpensive (especially when compared to in-person classes).
- Apply for Scholarships and Grants
Scholarships and grants aren’t just for traditional students. Many organizations offer financial aid to adult learners pursuing continuing education. Check with professional associations related to your field, as they often have resources or programs specifically for members seeking further education.
Additionally, websites like Fastweb and Scholarships.com allow you to search for scholarships that are applicable to continuing education students. How many you find will depend on your industry/field, but it’s something worth exploring if cost is a major factor in your continuing education decisions.
- Attend Workshops and Webinars
Often less expensive than formal courses, workshops and webinars can be a cost-effective way to earn your CEUs. Many professional groups and companies offer these for a nominal fee or even for free. They can be a great way to stay updated on industry trends and best practices without the commitment of a lengthy course. Plus, these sessions provide networking opportunities that are beneficial for career growth.
A lot of times, industry conferences will feature these workshops as part of their agenda. In other words, if you attend a conference related to your job, you might be able to sit in on two or three different CEU-accredited sessions and satisfy your continuing education needs.
- Purchase Bundled Courses
Some educational platforms and institutions offer discounts when you purchase multiple courses at once. If you know you’ll need several courses over the next few years, consider buying them in a bundle to save money. Plus, some providers offer subscription services that give you access to multiple courses for a monthly or annual fee, which can be more economical than paying for each course individually. It all depends on your specific needs and budget.
Continuing Education on a Budget
As you can see, continuing education doesn’t have to be a major cost. There are plenty of ways to cost-effectively check off the learning requirements that you need. Plus, it’s always helpful to remember that you can write off your continuing education expenses on your taxes. That means if you’re in a 25 percent tax bracket, you can effectively discount the price by 25 percent in your mind. This can be a big help!
