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As you’re exploring the job market and reading up on expected qualifications, you may be at a crossroads, wondering whether a master’s would be beneficial in increasing your salary potential. If you’re already actively job-hunting, you may wonder if a master’s could make you more competitive in the job market.

But there is another option that may make sense depending on what industry you’re in — a certificate program. Not as long (or as expensive) as a master’s program, a certificate can prove highly-specialized competency in certain areas. This could open doors to further professional opportunities.

But a certificate program, which typically requires the completion of three and five graduate-level courses, can still cost thousands of dollars. It may also require significant study time, which can be hard to balance if you’re also working full time. In a job market where companies are fighting for top talent, however, you may find that your company might pay for a certificate program, rather than you going out and paying for it yourself. Read on for more information on post-grad certificate programs so you can assess whether one fits with your financial goals.

What Is The Value Of A Post-Grad Certificate Program?

A post-grad certificate program is a program that provides specialization in a field. While the program may not take as long to complete as a master’s degree and may be less expensive, it can also be intense, requiring a significant amount of time set aside to study.

Post-grad certificate programs can be found in all fields, from medicine to economics to marketing. These programs may cost anywhere from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. People may complete these certificates because they may be quicker and less expensive than a degree, and may either boost income or boost your competitive value as a job candidate. Post-grad certificate courses may be done online, in-person, or a combination of both, and often, people balance managing a certificate program with working full time.

Because a post-grad certificate can be beneficial, you may find that employers may potentially be willing to subsidize the cost of training. It may be worth it to ask your manager or your HR department. It can also be beneficial to talk to people who have done the certificate program to hear about any pros and cons. It can also be helpful to understand the level of commitment required in the program, and how people have managed to set aside time to study to prepare for any testing.


💡 Quick Tip: SoFi offers low fixed- or variable-interest rates. So you can get a private student loan that fits your budget.

Graduate Certificate Versus Master’s Degree

If you’re right out of college, you may be wondering what the next step is, professionally. While that depends on your career goals, many post-grads find it helpful to explore the professional lay of the land by getting some work experience right after their bachelor’s degree. Also, if the labor market is tight when you get out of college, there can be advantages to looking for a job immediately after graduation, before you get any higher degrees or pursue certification. In some cases, employers may subsidize or help pay for higher education.

A certificate program tends to be in a niche area, so it may be good to explore your field and decide whether that certification is right for you. A master’s program may be more intense, but of course, can be a requirement if you want to pursue a job in a certain field, such as law.

Bottom line: No certificate or graduate degree can “guarantee” that you’ll make a certain amount of money or get a certain kind of job. Every career path is different. That’s why it can be helpful to speak to alums of certain programs or people who have received certain certifications, to hear their experience and advice.

Recommended: How to Pay for Grad School

Is a Graduate Certificate Equal to a Master’s Degree?

Is a graduate certificate equal to a master’s degree? That depends on how you define “equality.” The two are different paths that help you achieve certain goals. In general:

•   A certificate is less expensive than a graduate degree.

•   A certificate takes less time to complete than a graduate degree.

•   A certificate provides targeted knowledge and a specific skill set about a certain subject area. Generally, a certificate may be about 10 to 15 hours of coursework compared to the 30+ required for graduate programs. Requirements vary based on school and program.

•   A certificate generally requires a less comprehensive application process.

•   A graduate certificate may or may not be affiliated with an accredited degree program. In some cases, certificate coursework can count toward degree hours for a higher-ed degree.

•   Not all graduate certificate programs qualify for federal student loans. You may be able to use a private graduate student loan for a certificate program, or could also explore a personal loan to cover a certificate program.

Is a Graduate Certificate Worth It?

A graduate certificate can be worth it, especially if you’re passionate about the field. It can be helpful to get some “real world” knowledge under your belt and understand exactly how the certificate will benefit you and your career goals.

Because a graduate certificate can be a lot of work, it’s also important to make sure you carve out time to be able to do coursework, study, and complete the certificate exam. Asking any questions prior to applying for the certificate program, or asking to speak to people who have completed the program, can be helpful.

Because graduate certificates can be expensive, and may not be covered by federal aid, you may be wondering how to pay for it. Some financing options include:

•   Subsidization through your current employer

•   Saving up to pay for the program

•   Applying for scholarships or financial aid through the certifying organization

•   Exploring other scholarship programs that may be available for you (such as graduate scholarships for military veterans)

•   Considering federal or private student loans for a certification program

Some certification programs may be eligible for federal student aid, including federal student loans and work-study. If this is the case, students can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see what types of aid they qualify for.

Private student loans may be another option for students to consider. These loans don’t always offer the same borrower protections (such as deferment or forbearance options) that come with federal loans. But some private lenders do offer student loans for graduate certificate programs.

Recommended: FAFSA 101: How to Complete the FAFSA

Estimating the Value of a Certificate Program

You may wonder how much a certificate will increase your market value as an employee. And of course, that answer depends on your field and the certificate program you are pursuing. To estimate the value of a certificate program, it can be helpful to:

•   Read review sites and salary ranges on employers you’re interested in.

•   Talk to people who have done the certificate program.

•   Talk about your career trajectory with your current manager or HR department.

•   Speak with the career development office at your alma mater for their perspectives on potential certificate programs.

But in addition to financial value, there’s also the educational value. Is this a topic you find interesting and feel you can lean into? Does the material inspire you and excite you? Because you’ll be spending a significant amount of time working on the material, it can be important to have some motivation to do so.

Costs Associated with a Certificate Program

It can also be important to carve out associated costs with the degree program. In addition to the certificate program itself, you also may need to pay:

•   Application fee

•   Exam fee

•   Certification fee, which may be several hundred dollars and may be required that you renew your certification annually

•   Fee for any materials, including text books

Making sure you know exactly what is required of you financially before you enroll can be helpful in planning how you’ll cover the degree.

Recommended: How to Pay for a Grad Certificate Program

How to Decide on a Certificate or Post-Grad Studies

So how do you know which path to take? The answer depends on, you guessed it, your individual goals. But answering these questions may help you decide:

•   What do I want out of my studies?

•   What do I want my work-life balance to look like as I study?

•   What do I hope to gain out of my degree/certificate? What would be the best/worst-case scenario?

•   What are my short-term professional goals?

•   What are my long-term professional goals?

•   What do I like about my work right now? Is there anything I want to dive into more deeply?

•   What is the lack of a degree holding me back from?

•   How will I pay for it? Am I already juggling student loans from undergrad and how comfortable would I feel adding to my debt?

These can be some big questions, and it can be helpful to get perspective by speaking with a mentor, career coach, or someone from your school’s career development office.

You could also consider a certificate program that could go toward credits for a master’s degree. This can be helpful in allowing you to lean into the material and have a head start if you do decide you’d like to pursue a full master’s degree.


💡 Quick Tip: It’s a good idea to understand the pros and cons of private student loans and federal student loans before committing to them.

The Takeaway

A certificate isn’t taking the easy road — the courses can be intense, and it can be challenging to balance coursework with career obligations. But a certificate can potentially set you up on the path to success and can help you further define your career goals.

Because certificates can be expensive, consider having a discussion with your employer and see if they would be amenable to paying for part or all of your certificate, or discuss the path in which to do so. A certificate can be a way to further your education without stopping your career, and it can be a good in-between step for you to decide whether or not to pursue a master’s degree in your chosen field.

Depending on the certificate program, students may potentially qualify for federal aid, including federal student loans. If that aid isn’t enough, however, some students may look into private student loans.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.

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Photo credit: iStock/PeopleImages

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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If you’ve decided to apply to grad school, you may be wrestling with a few questions, including how many schools you should apply to in total. The answer will depend on your personal situation, but a general rule of thumb is to apply to somewhere between four and six grad schools, including at least one reach school as well as one or two safety schools.

Read on to learn more about how to choose which grad schools — and how many — to apply to, plus options for financing your graduate degree once you get in.

Follow the Money and Consider Cost

When deciding where to apply to grad school, it can be a good idea to consider the quality and reputation of each program, as well as the potential cost. Even if you didn’t take out loans for your undergrad education, you may need to for your graduate-level studies. Indeed, according to the Education Data Initiative, grad students currently shoulder a significant portion of student debt — a full 46% of federal loans issued each year. Federal loans can reach the six figures, and many graduates of grad programs may not have earning power to pay back these loans comfortably until years or even decades after their degree is conferred.

If you’re in the early stages of considering going to grad school, here are a few questions and actions that may help you navigate the choices available to you:

•   Talk with people who have gotten a similar master’s degree. What did they wish they had known?

•   Talk with the department or departments at the schools you’re considering and ask about graduate scholarships, fellowships, and other programs that may lower program cost.

•   Consider your career path. Look on various salary sites for median salaries for your proposed field of study.

In the early stages of heading to grad school, you may also want to determine how you’ll pay for graduate school, as this may impact the school you choose to attend. Here are a few suggestions for crafting a plan to pay for your graduate education.

💡 Quick Tip: You can fund your education with a low-rate, no-fee private student loan that covers all school-certified costs.

Talk with your family

Some students have found that their family may support some or all of their grad school journey. Contributions such as free housing or the use of a family car add up as well, so it can be important to factor those in. For example, some students may look at programs where they can live at home, so they don’t need to pay for housing and travel expenses. If this is the case, make sure everyone is very clear about expectations so there are no surprises later on.

Apply for Federal Student Aid

Be sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Unlike undergrad education, direct subsidized loans are not available to graduate students. Your loans will also be considered in conjunction with any federal loans you took out as an undergrad when it comes to determining the number of federal loans you’re eligible for as a grad student. Talking to the financial aid office at the schools you’re considering attending can also help you understand what loans, scholarships, and other programs may be available to you.

Recommended: What is the Maximum Amount of Student Loans for Graduate School?

Consider Private Loans

Some students may find they need more money than they are offered in federal loans, and that’s where private graduate student loans student loans. Private lenders generally won’t lend more than what it costs to go to school, and rates and terms will vary. Note that because private student loans lack the borrower protections that federal loans offer (like Public Service Loan Forgiveness or deferment options) it’s generally recommended that borrowers rely on these after tapping all federal aid options.

Consider Relevance And Practicality

In addition to prestige, it’s also important to consider degree relevance and how it may be practical for your future career path. Looking at salaries from people who graduated from that program or with that degree can help you assess what the future after graduation will look like. Sometimes, students can become so focused on getting into a grad program and affording the program that they may forget that the first year out of grad school may require a few months to find a job and find footing in a new career.

Asking yourself some questions can help you further drill down into the best programs to apply for:

How Much Will Expenses Cost?

Room, board, and travel all add up. Considering those costs can help assess overall expense. It can also be helpful to consider the cost of living, too, which can vary based on where the program is based.

Recommended: 6 Ways to Save Money for Grad School

Can I Work and Study Simultaneously?

Some programs may be structured for grad students to do both; others might be created primarily for students who can devote all their time to their studies. If you’re self-funding your grad school experience and are currently employed, it may be worth speaking with your HR office to see if there are any options for your company to fund your studies if you are planning to study and go to school at the same time.

How Long Is the Program?

Different grad programs have different time frames. While some, such as law schools, may have relatively standard coursework for traditional students, other programs may offer different structures depending on the school. And it may make sense to see how long or how short the degree can take depending on life circumstances. It can also be helpful to know if an internship or other hands-on experience is essential for the degree, as that may influence feasibility with fitting the degree in with other work.

Recommended: Is it Possible to Take Online Classes While Working?

Consider All Information

When applying to grad programs, getting as much data as possible can be helpful in determining the next steps. Talking with professors, people currently working in the industry, current students, and faculty at several schools you’re considering can all be helpful in assessing how well you may fit in a program — and why a program may be the best fit for you. Because graduate departments tend to be smaller than undergrad departments, you may find it easier to have these sorts of conversations.

It can also be helpful to speak to graduates of a program and to talk with mentors and employers about how a grad degree may enhance your career. While some career paths demand a grad degree, such as an attorney, social worker, or doctor, there are other career paths where a grad degree may not be necessary — or may be subsidized by an employer when they consider it essential. So having a range of opinions can be helpful when it comes to homing in on the best grad school programs for your needs.

💡 Quick Tip: Master’s degree or graduate certificate? Private or federal student loans can smooth the path to either goal.

The Takeaway

When figuring out how many grad schools to apply to, you may want to shoot for somewhere between four and six. The idea is to apply to enough schools to ensure that you are accepted to at least one program, but not so many that the time, effort, and cost (application fees can add up quickly) becomes too much.

When narrowing your list of target schools, keep in mind both the quality and cost of different programs. And even before you get accepted, it can be a good idea to fill out the FAFSA, and start making a plan for how you’ll cover your graduate school expenses.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.

---

Photo credit: iStock/MicroStockHub

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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While a graduate certificate program is not as long or intense as a graduate degree, certificate programs can still be a significant commitment — both in terms of time and money. On top of tuition, there may be ongoing additional fees to consider, such as materials, exam fees, and professional association fees.

Not all certificate programs qualify for federal aid, although some may. Fortunately, there are other financial aid avenues that can potentially help you afford your graduate certificate. To help you decide which path is right for you, here’s a look at some of your financing options, plus the pros and cons of each.

Finding Financial Aid for Graduate Certificate Programs

There are many reasons to pursue a graduate certificate, including access to more job opportunities and the ability to earn more money. In some fields, such as finance, employers may encourage their employees to obtain certificates to move up in their fields. In these cases, employers may provide financial assistance to pay for the certificate program.

Some people may obtain a graduate certificate with an eye toward completing additional coursework toward a master’s degree in the future. While some graduate certificates have discrete coursework unique to the certificate, other post-grad certificates have credits that may go toward a master’s degree. If you’re considering a grad degree, then it may be a good idea to explore what the coursework entails and whether you may be able to use those credits toward a master’s in the future.

If you’re planning on funding your graduate certificate yourself, it may be helpful to speak to people who have done the certification program to hear the pros, cons, and time commitment required. It can also be helpful to hear how other people have funded the certificate, because it could open up certain avenues, such as specific scholarships for that certificate that you may not have heard of yet.

Strategies to fund your graduate certificate include self-funding, funding from your employer, funding from scholarships, or a private student loan. Here, some of the considerations of all avenues.

Recommended: A Guide to Private Student Loans

Funding From Your Employer

In some cases, your employer may recommend you obtain a post-grad certificate. In other cases, you may need to ask your manager and go through your employer’s process for tuition reimbursement.

Pros of funding from your employer:

•   Your employer is covering some or all of the financial burden.

•   Your employer is invested in your career.

•   You can be confident that the certificate will be useful to your future career path.

•   There may be coworkers who have done the certificate as well as who can walk you through their experience as well as specifics about the HR process in getting the certificate funded.

Cons of funding from your employer:

•   Balancing work and studying may be challenging.

•   Your employer may have oversight into your success.

•   You may be on the hook for the costs of the certificate if you leave or are terminated during a set period of time.

•   You may still be responsible for part of the tuition, or for additional materials fees.

Free tuition is an obvious pro when it comes to having a certificate employer-funded. But other considerations come into play: How will you simultaneously manage work and studying? What happens if you don’t pass? And if you do accept employer funding, is there a contract that locks you into employment for a certain period of time? Knowing the stipulations can be helpful in managing expectations. And of course, talking to coworkers who have already done the program can be helpful in figuring out the ins and outs of how your specific employer expects you to complete the course and what they anticipate for your career future.

Recommended: Is it Possible to Take Online Classes While Working?

Funding From scholarships

Private scholarships may be available to help pay for the course. They may be issued by the institution granting the certificate. For example, the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) certificate, a popular financial certificate, has a host of scholarships presented on their website . These scholarships may be distributed by private foundations in honor or memory of certain people. Each scholarship may have specific requirements; some may be exclusive for people who demonstrate financial need, others may be exclusively focused on merit.

Pros of scholarships:

•   They can help offset tuition costs.

•   They can be gratifying to receive and provide motivation for success.

Cons of scholarships:

•   They typically require applications, which can be time-consuming to complete.

•   They may have admission requirements, such as being a U.S. citizen or already completing certain coursework.

•   Receiving the full amount of money may be contingent on performance.

•   You may be required to declare the scholarship on your taxes; scholarships for non-degree programs are generally considered taxable. If that’s the case for you, consider putting aside money for taxes on the scholarship.

Scholarships can be a great way to cover the cost of your certificate. It’s a good idea to research the certificate program you’re considering to uncover scholarship opportunities. Your alma mater’s career development office may also have leads for you to pursue.

Recommended: Finding & Applying to Scholarships for Grad School

Self-Funding a Certificate Program

Maybe you have savings set aside or maybe your family has offered to cover the cost of your degree program. But if you have the funds, should you write the check?

Pros of self-funding:

•   It’s a seamless process — write the check after you’ve been accepted, and you no longer need to worry about payment.

Cons of self-funding:

•   The money used for the degree program may diminish your savings or emergency fund.

•   Payment may come with strings if a family member is covering the program.

If you have the money to cover a certificate program and still have a comfortable emergency fund, then this can be a great option. But if you’d need to decimate your emergency fund or use a credit card to cover the payment, then it could be a good idea to consider other ways to cover the cost.

Student Loans for a Certificate Program

The fourth option is applying for student loans to cover the cost of a certificate program. Unlike a degree program, certificate programs are generally not eligible for federal student loans.

In the case that your certificate program is eligible for federal financial aid, it’s worth filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). This form will help determine your eligibility for federal aid, including federal student loans.

But private graduate student loans may be an option. Note that private student loans are not subject to the same requirements as federal student loans and don’t offer the same borrower protections, such as the option to pursue Public Service Loan Forgiveness or deferment protections. Be sure to shop around and read all the terms and conditions closely.

Pros of private student loans:

•   You won’t need to deplete your savings.

•   You can compare private loans to find the lowest interest rate.

•   You may be able to find a payback structure that makes sense within your overall budget.

Cons of private student loans:

•   Additional debt can be challenging to take on, especially if you’re not working.

•   Depending on credit history, some lenders may require a cosigner.

How do you choose which company to get private student loans for a certificate program? In addition to checking your interest rate — which will typically not affect your credit score — you also may want to consider additional elements of the loan. Are there any additional fees? Are there any hardship clauses, if you were unable to make payments for a month? What does the payment structure look like?

In addition to comparing lenders, it can also be helpful to ask yourself some what-ifs. These include:

•   How will these payments fit into my budget?

•   What happens if I don’t obtain the job or payment bump I’m expecting along with my certificate?

•   How will I budget to make sure that my loan payment doesn’t feel like a liability?

Because graduate certificate programs are generally less expensive than degree programs, loan terms may be smaller and shorter-term. Still, applying for any loan is a big deal, and it’s good to go through a few scenarios before you decide on the right avenue for you.

The Takeaway

Even though they may seem lower-commitment than a full degree program, certificate programs have the potential to be time-consuming and expensive. Resources are available for payment, but some expenses, such as professional fees or exam fees, may not be covered under certain scholarships or by your employer. Understanding the full scope of expectations for tuition coverage and knowing how any payback terms may fit into your budget can be key for paying confidently for your certificate program.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.

---

Photo credit: iStock/Jacob Ammentorp Lund

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

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Generally, scholarships used to pay for qualified educational costs at an eligible educational institution aren’t considered taxable income. The same goes for any grants used to pay for college tuition and fees.

However, there are some cases in which scholarship or grant money may be taxable. For example, if you have money left over after covering your qualified education expenses and use it for other costs (such as room and board or school supplies not required by your program), these funds typically count as taxable income.

If you or your student received scholarship funding, it can be helpful to know ahead if it will contribute to your tax liability. Here’s what you need to know about identifying taxable scholarships and handling filing requirements.

Scholarships That Are Tax-Free

Students can be exempt from paying taxes on their college scholarships if they satisfy certain criteria. For one, they must be enrolled at an accredited college, university, or educational institution that maintains regular attendance.

Additionally, scholarship funds must be used to pay for qualified education expenses — a determination made by the IRS. Under this definition, qualified education expenses include the following:

• Tuition

• Mandatory fees (e.g., athletic and tech fees)

• Textbooks

• Equipment and supplies (e.g., lab equipment)

When it comes to textbooks, equipment, and supplies, anything that is required by your school to complete coursework would be free from taxes. If you use the funding towards an extra-curricular activity, such as a club or intramural sport, however, the amount you spend would be considered taxable.

If the scholarship is used for a certificate or non-degree program, the entire amount is taxable whether or not funds are used for qualified education expenses.

It’s important to note that any scholarship funds leftover after paying for qualified education expenses would become taxable income.

Scholarships Considered Taxable Income

How are scholarships taxable? According to the IRS, scholarships used for expenses outside the scope of qualified education expenses must be reported in gross income — making them taxable.

Scholarship funds used for the following costs are considered taxable by the IRS:

• Room and board

• Travel

• Medical expenses

• Optional equipment (e.g., new computer)

But are scholarships taxable income in any other situations?

Scholarships that are awarded in exchange for services like teaching or research, often known as fellowships, are classified as taxable compensation in most cases. Students would have to pay taxes even if their fellowship money is used to pay for tuition and other qualified education expenses.

However, there are a few exceptions when education-related payments could be tax-exempt. Specifically, students do not have to pay taxes on funds received for required services through the following scholarship programs:

• National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program

• Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship and Financial Assistance Program

• Student work-learning-service programs operated by a work college

Other forms of financial aid could be considered taxable income as well.

Earnings through the Federal Work-Study program are subject to federal and state payroll taxes. If you stay below 20 hours a week while enrolled full-time, you won’t have to pay FICA (taxes for Medicare and Social Security) taxes.

Even Pell Grants — a federal aid program for students with significant financial need — are taxable if they’re not used for qualified education expenses.

Making it Legal: Reporting Taxable Awards

If a college scholarship is considered taxable, the student would need to report the scholarship (or portion of the scholarship) on their tax return.

Some students may receive a W-2 form from the scholarship provider outlining the taxable amount. Otherwise, they may need to calculate and enter the amount on their own tax return.

The student would report any taxable amount of a scholarship, grant, or fellowship as follows:

• If filing Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR, you would include the taxable portion in the total amount reported on Line 1a of your tax return. If the taxable amount wasn’t reported on Form W-2, enter it on Line 8 of Schedule 1 (and attach the form).

• If filing Form 1040-NR, you would report the taxable amount on Line 8 and fill out and attach a Schedule 1.

If you have questions about whether or not any portion of your scholarship money is taxable and how to report those funds on your tax return, it’s a good idea to consult a tax professional for personalized guidance.

How Education Tax Credits Fit in

Students and their family members may be eligible to claim the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) or the Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC) if they paid for college and related costs in the past year. Take note that you can’t use both tax credits for the same student in the same year.

To claim either tax credit, you’ll need Form 1098-T from your college. This form shows any reportable transaction for an enrolled student.

To qualify for the AOTC or LLC, you could have paid educational expenses out of pocket or with student loans. Expenses that were paid for by tax-free scholarships are not eligible for a tax credit.

The AOTC and LLC differ in scope and eligibility, so it’s helpful to compare both to see which may apply and provide a greater tax return.

American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC)

The AOTC can be used for qualified education expenses — tuition, fees, textbooks, and necessary supplies — for a student’s first four years of college.

The maximum credit currently stands at $2,500 a year for eligible students. This is calculated as 100% of the first $2,000 in qualified education expenses paid for an eligible student plus 25% of the next $2,000 in qualified education expenses.

If the AOTC reduces your taxes to zero, it’s possible to have 40% of the remaining credit (up to $1,000) refunded.

Eligibility for the AOTC is based on the tax filer’s modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). If you’re filing separately, your MAGI must be $80,000 or less to qualify for the full AOTC credit. The threshold is $160,000 for married filing jointly.

It’s possible to receive a reduced AOTC amount if filing separately with MAGI between $80,000 and $90,000 or $160,000 and $180,000 for married filing jointly.

Recommended: 23 Tax Deductions for College Students and Other Young Adults

The Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC)

The LLC can apply to a broader range of expenses than the AOTC. It can be used to claim up to $2,000 for tuition and related educational expenses for undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree courses. Costs of non-degree programs that improve job skills are also eligible for the LLC.

This credit does not have a limit on the number of years it can be claimed on your tax return. However, the LLC has stricter income requirements.

For Tax Year 2022, the amount of your LLC is gradually reduced (phased out) if your MAGI is between $80,000 and $90,000 ($160,000 and $180,000 if you file a joint return).

You can’t claim the credit if your MAGI is $90,000 or more ($180,000 or more if you file a joint return).

Recommended: Can You Deduct Your Child’s Tuition from Taxes?

Don’t Forget Deductions

If you’re paying interest on a student loan, you may be eligible to deduct up to $2,500 of that interest with the student loan interest deduction. To be eligible, interest payments must be legally obligated and your filing status can’t be married filing separately.

There are also income requirements, which can vary annually, to factor in for the deduction calculation. For the tax year 2022, the filer’s MAGI must be less than $85,000 (or $170,000 if filing jointly) to be eligible for the full $2,500 deduction.

If your MAGI is between $70,000 and $85,000 (or $140,000 and $170,000 if filing jointly), you could qualify for a reduced deduction.

💡 Quick Tip: Need a private student loan to cover your school bills? Because approval for a private student loan is based on creditworthiness, a cosigner may help a student get loan approval and a lower rate.

The Takeaway

Scholarships, grants, and fellowships can help make college more affordable. Not only that, the funds you receive typically aren’t taxable.

A general rule is that your college scholarship is tax-free when it is used to pay for “qualified education expenses.” Exceptions include any part of the scholarship or grant you used to pay for supplemental things (not required for a course) or as payment for work or services you performed.

If scholarships, grants, other aid, and federal student loans are enough to cover the cost of your college education, you may want to consider applying for a private student loan. Loan limits vary by lender, but you can often get up to the total cost of attendance. Interest rates may be fixed or variable and are set by the lender. Generally, borrowers (or cosigners) who have strong credit qualify for the lowest rates.

Keep in mind, though, that private loans may not offer the borrower protections — like income-based repayment plans and deferment or forbearance — that automatically come with federal student loans.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.

Photo credit: iStock/pixelfit

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SoFi Student Loan Refinance
If you are a federal student loan borrower, you should consider all of your repayment opportunities including the opportunity to refinance your student loan debt at a lower APR or to extend your term to achieve a lower monthly payment. Please note that once you refinance federal student loans you will no longer be eligible for current or future flexible payment options available to federal loan borrowers, including but not limited to income-based repayment plans or extended repayment plans.

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SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

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