Apply for aid from the government. Visit your school's financial aid office and use your completed tax forms from last year to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. The U.S. Department of Education will notify you how much, if any, money it will give give you. If you feel you should get more, write a letter of appeal through your school outlining your financial situation.
Apply for scholarships. Check with your school's financial aid office for any scholarships or grants that may be available for you. You may need to write at least one essay per scholarship application and provide information such as your most recent grade point average. If you are awarded multiple scholarships, you may cover most or all of your tuition.
Apply for student loans. Visit your school's financial aid office or a bank to inquire about interest rates and repayment information for student loans. Be aware that you do have to repay loans with interest.
Consider joining a branch of the military to pay for your schooling. While this may derail your career plans temporarily, you may receive a signing bonus. The military can also pay for 100 percent of your schooling through the GI Bill, which encourages military members to seek schooling after they leave the military. If you join the Air Force you could get a start on your career as an air traffic controller.
Ask your employer for assistance. Some employers will foot part of the tuition bill if the employee is pursuing a degree that will keep them with the company or if the employee works a certain amount of hours per week. If you work at an airport or for an airline, there may be a good chance that your employer will consider paying part of your tuition.
Work out a payment plan with your school. While some schools demand that you pay your tuition in full by a certain date, others are more flexible. If you are having difficulty paying for school, talk with someone in your school's financial aid office and explain your financial circumstances. They will most likely work out a payment plan with you only if you have tried some or all of the strategies in this article.
Pay for schooling on your own by working several jobs. While it may be stressful and tiring, many people put themselves through school by working two or three jobs and managing their money. Find a job at an airport or with an airline where you will be able to get some on-the-job training. Or pick up a part-time job as a waiter or working retail on nights and weekends. If you watch your money and give yourself a budget, you may be able to make enough to pay for school.