Education is essential for success in many professions; it gives you the training and knowledge you need, as well as the credentials, to be competitive in the job market. While most people see the need for higher education or vocational training, many never attempt it because they can’t fathom how they would pay for such an endeavor. There are many, many options today for funding the added expense of education. Here is a list of options you can exhaust to make sure you get the education you need:

Grants—Grants are generally awarded based on need and do not have to be repaid. There are many grants available from public and private institutions and these should be your first step in your financial aid quest. To learn more about grants and whether you qualify, read Grants—A Great Option for Funding Higher Education.

Scholarships—Scholarships are another great source of funding that you don’t have to pay back. Some are need-based but many aren’t, so it’s a very good option for those who don’t qualify for need-based programs. There are many scholarships provided by the government, private companies, private citizens, charities and foundations with a whole host of qualifying factors. Scholarships range from small, one-time-only awards to ‘full-rides’ which pay all of your tuition and expenses throughout your college tenure. To learn more about scholarships, read Scholarships: A Wide Variety of Education Funding Opportunities.

Student Loans—While most people hesitate to rack up student loans, sometimes it’s the only option. Generally, those who don’t qualify for need-based government grants turn to government student loans. The good news is that most student loans don’t require that you begin paying them back until after you have graduated from college and can enter the workforce with higher earning potential. To learn more about how to use student loans effectively and where to find sources of student loans, read Student Loans: A Secure Source of Funding Your Education.

Tuition Reimbursement Programs—Many companies offer their employees Tuition Reimbursement Programs as part of their employee benefits package. This is a very generous offer and one that should be utilized. In this case, you pay for your schooling up front and then submit the expenses to your employer for reimbursement. If your company offers this program, be sure to meet with them to fully understand all the program benefits and restrictions before you start paying for school expenses.

Ask a large company in your area to sponsor you or start a scholarship fund—This is a tax write-off for them, increases their public image and you have nothing to lose by asking. To make such a request, we would recommend a formal business letter outlining your goals, situation and why you would make a great candidate, as well as the benefits they will receive from their contribution.

Federal Work Study Program—With the Federal Work Study program, you have the opportunity to work several hours per week on campus while you are enrolled there. Sometimes you can even work in your area of study to further your knowledge and enhance your resume.

Work Part-time—While taking a full load of classes each semester and not having to work so you can get through school faster is every student’s ideal, it’s not always possible. Many students have part-time jobs that work around their school schedules and take the summer off school to work full time. This is a good option both for paying for your education and building your resume along the way so that you enter your profession with some work experience as well as a degree.

Internships—Internships are a great way for college students to earn some extra money, get experience in their field and earn course credits, all at the same time. While internships are not known to be the highest-paying endeavor, they are very valuable and highly recommended.

Work at a College—Many colleges give their employees free tuition as a benefit of holding a full-time job at their institution. So, if you get a job there first, then you can go to school in the evenings for free. This is also helpful for building your resume with great work experience.

Funding for Trade or Vocational Schools—Because trade and vocational schools are non-traditional and often unaccredited, you may have fewer funding options. Usually, the school will provide funding options they recommend or provide financing directly. They may also provide scholarships so that’s definitely worth investigating. Oftentimes, you will need resort to a student loan from a bank in your area. In this case, shop around to make sure you get the best interest rate and terms possible. The good news is that trade and vocational schools generally don’t take as long to complete as traditional schools, so you will be in the workforce sooner and capable of higher earnings to repay the loan. Also, check with local charities affiliated with your chosen field to see if they offer scholarships. You may also consider approaching those that do not with a proposal to start with you.

U.S. Military Members and Veterans—Many grants and financial aid programs are available only to current and former military personnel. If you qualify, this is an exceptional source of often free funding for your education and Uncle Sam is happy to give it in return for your service.

Disability, Unemployment, Displaced Workers and Rehabilitation Funds—Many states offer programs to individuals on disability, unemployment or welfare programs to receive the education, training and skills they need to compete in the workforce. Likewise, there are private charities that also provide funding for people in special circumstances such as these. If you think you may qualify in one of these categories or in similar criteria, you should seek out further information specific to your state and circumstances.

Borrow From Friends and Family—If none of the other funding options will work for your particular situation, then you may consider asking close friends and family members to loan you money for school. If so, be sure you write a formal loan agreement with all the repayment and interest terms so that they have a guarantee of repayment. Then make sure you go above and beyond to honor it.

There are countless education funding options available to you. Don’t let that stop you from getting the education you need to succeed. Creativity and persistence will pay off in your quest to fund a better future.