Going to school is not easy to do. While some people may not consider being a student a job, I think it is.

You have to research the different schools and programs. Decide how this is going to benefit you and your family. Will you grow in your career with this new degree? And then, there is what I worry about the most: how I will pay for school.

I start, by doing my homework. I take advantage of all the scholarships offered, both military and civilian. Your local library should have a scholarship directory that will list the awards based on a variety of stipulations including student age, cultural background, state of residency and field of study.

 Here are some national scholarship programs you may qualify for:

ThanksUSA.org

This non-partisan, charitable organization provides need-based college, technical and vocational school scholarships for children and spouses of service members.

MYCAA

This program provides up to $4,000 of Financial Assistance for military spouses who are pursuing degree programs, licenses or credentials leading to employment in portable career fields.

Spouse and Dependents Education Assistance Program

This program is for families of disabled veterans and service members killed in action. Family members could be eligible for up to 45 months of education benefits for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training. If you are a spouse, you may take a correspondence course. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.

Salute to Spouses Scholarship

Bryant & Stratton College offers military spouses $6,000 in scholarship money to make their dreams a reality. Spouses can attend class both online and at Bryant & Stratton College campuses around the nation.

Pell Grants

Pell Grants are the foundation of federal student financial aid, generally awarded to undergraduate students. Unlike loans, Pell Grants are not paid back.

This is just a small percentage of the thousands of dollars of scholarship money available every year to students. Don’t miss out. Doing your homework before class starts will save you a lot of stress and help keep your pocketbook shut.