I need help getting on the education track.

Here are some options you can consider as you think of ways to qualify for better-paying jobs. Some of them might open the door to advancing your education, earning power, and overall financial fitness.

Getting On the Education Track
1.	Company Tuition Assistance Programs Ask your employer if a tuition assistance program is available. It may pay all or part of your tuition, fees, and books. Here are some specifics to look into: • Find out exactly what the program offers. Some companies pay for any degree. Others offer assistance for specific degrees related to a particular field, such as accounting or finance. • Inquire how your employer covers program costs. You might be required to pay educational expenses up front, then submit receipts for reimbursement. Or, you might be required to maintain a certain grade point average. • Find out if you have to pay taxes on the tuition assistance you receive.
2.	Test Out of College Credits The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), Advanced Placement (AP), and DSST (DANTES Subject Standardized Tests) allow you to test out of certain credits if you perform well on those exams. Testing out saves you a lot of money and time earning your degree. Many colleges accept credits earned by taking these tests, though some limit the number of credits you can use. Tests are offered in a variety of subject areas. Fees to take these tests run about $65 per exam (they’re free to military service members).
3.	Life Experience Credit Some colleges offer academic credit for prior life or work experience. To receive a life experience credit, you must prepare a written portfolio of your experiences. If the school accepts your portfolio, you receive a credit. Life experience credits are not easy to earn—plus, you pay for these credits.
4.	Credit for Non-college Classes or Training Employers, volunteer organizations, and the military offer courses and training you can convert into college credit. The American Council on Education (ACE) evaluates these courses and makes recommendations about how much credit they might be worth. For more information, check out: National Program on Noncollegiate Sponsored Instruction (PONSI) Military Evaluations Program Check with a college admissions representative to see if you qualify.
5.	Child care Assistance Programs Some colleges have regulated day care centers on campus and offer financial assistance for students who meet financial assistance criteria.
6.	Education Tax Credits The Hope credit, also known as the Hope Scholarship, allows you to claim a tax credit of up to $1,650 for your first two years of college. The tax credit amount is based on income. You must be pursuing a degree to qualify for the Hope Scholarship. The Lifetime Learning tax credit allows you to claim up to $2,000 per income tax return. This credit amount is also based on income. The credit is available for an unlimited number of years. And it can be used for all post-secondary course work, including courses to acquire or improve job skills. Check with a tax professional for advice on how to take advantage of these programs.
7.	Scholarships Scholarships are available for adult students. About 95 percent of student aid comes from the federal and state government, and from colleges and universities. Your key to entering the financial aid system is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. You can get this form: • At college financial aid offices • By phone: 1-800-4FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) • Online: www.fafsa.ed.gov You can find more information on college scholarships at these Web sites: • www.collegeparents.org • www.collegeview.com • www.fastweb.com