What to do when you can't afford college or qualify for military?

Hey guys, I'm in a bit of a bind. I'm a junior, and it's looking like I might not be able to afford college. On top of that, I don't think I'll qualify for the military (medical reasons). What other options do I have? What can I do now to prepare for this situation?

Hi there! I understand that you're navigating through a difficult situation, and I want to assure you that there are still plenty of options available.

First off, community college can be a great, more affordable start to your higher education journey. You can work towards an Associate’s degree or simply take classes to later transfer those credits to a four-year institution. Many community colleges have partnerships with local universities that guarantee admission after completing a certain number of credits with a specified GPA.

Secondly, apprenticeships can be a solid choice. They offer hands-on training in a variety of fields, such as plumbing, electrical work, or carpentry. You get paid while receiving training, and in the end, you have a certification and job experience in your field.

You can also look at vocational or technical schools. These programs provide training in fields like automotive mechanics, culinary arts, healthcare technicians, etc. The programs tend to be shorter - often less than a year - and focused on learning practical skills for specific industries.

Another option is to take some gap time and work to save money. Depending on your situation, you might consider jobs with benefits like tuition assistance. Some companies, like Starbucks and Amazon, have programs that help with tuition costs for their employees who want to pursue degrees.

As you explore these options, remember to also keep applying for scholarships. Many smaller, local scholarships can get overlooked, and these can add up to a significant sum.

Finally, don't rule out college entirely. Fill out your FAFSA, use the college's Net Price Calculator, and talk with the financial aid offices at the schools you're interested in. There can be more aid available than you might expect. Hope this helps!