Earn While You Learn.  UCLA Extension offers courses in the evenings, weekends and even online so you don’t have to take time out of your career to take a course, complete a certificate program or earn credit toward your degree.

Do the Math

A 12-week course offering college credit costs less than a day of beauty at a local spa. You can earn a professional certificate for what you currently pay for a couple years of venti lattes. And consider the return on your investment: Many Extension certificate programs offer considerable help in making important professional contacts. In UCLA Extension’s Interior Design Program, 95 percent of students are employed in the field by the time they complete it. In the Extension’s Attorney Assistant Training Program, students get access to job search assistance and a full-time career services coordinator.

Ask Your Boss

Many employers will pay for all or part of your continuing education. You won’t know if you don’t ask.

Do the Research

Many private scholarships go unused each year. The Internet and your local library are both good places to research the availability of these scholarships and your fit with their requirements.  Organizations such as the American Association of University Women, the Business and Professional Women’s Association, and others offer assistance for continuing education.

Give Yourself a Break

A tax break, that is. There are a number of tax advantages for which UCLA Extension students may be eligible, including tax credits and deductions for expenses such as books, meals, lodgings, and travel. To learn more, visit www.1098-T.com or call toll-free: (877) 467-3821.

Veterans’ Benefits

Some UCLA Extension certificate programs qualify for Veterans Administration Education Benefits. Learn more at uclaextension.edu. Click on “Student Resources.”

Private Alternative Educational Loans

Private alternative educational loans are available for continuing education. These loans are made available by banks and private lending institutions, not the federal government. The interest rates, fees, and repayment schedules vary from one lender to another, and eligibility is typically based on the creditworthiness of the borrower and/or the co-signer. You will need to contact lenders directly to compare their service packages and program features.

AmeriCorps

AmeriCorps alumni are eligible for education awards, which can be used for UCLA Extension programs or courses. Each year, over 50,000 Americans of diverse ages and backgrounds engage in intensive volunteer service to the country via AmeriCorps, a network of national service programs developed to meet critical needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment. For more information on AmeriCorps visit www.AmeriCorps.org.

Endowed Scholarships

UCLA Extension offers a limited number of endowed scholarships for specific programs. Learn more at uclaextension.edu.  Click on “Student Resources.”

Federal Loan and Grant Programs

A select few UCLA Extension certificate programs qualify for federal financial aid, such as Pell grants or low-cost Stafford loans. Learn more at uclaextension.edu. Click on “Student Resources.”

Extension Grants

A very limited number of Extension Grants are available each quarter for students who establish financial need.  Learn more at uclaextension.edu.  Click on “Student Resources.”

Courtesy of UCLA Extension

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.