Alternative Ways to Pay
- *AmeriCorps, Corporation for National and Community Service, 1201 New York Avenue N.W., Washington, DC 20525, 1 (800) 942-2677 ext.7, 1 (800) 833-3722 (TDD), Web: www.americorps.org. Americorps is a national service program that provides education awards in exchange for a year or two of community service. After completing a year of service (at least 1,700 hours), students receive an education award of $4,725. This award can be used to help pay off student loans or to finance college, graduate school, or vocational training. Applications are available online at the above Web site.
- Cooperative Education (Co-op), Career Resource Center, 1st Floor, Reitz Union, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, (352) 392-1601, Web: www.crc.ufl.edu/Experiential/CoopIntern/experience.php. Cooperative Education (Co-op) is an off-campus work program that blends classroom learning with paid practical work experience, providing structured, progressive work experience through multiple semesters of work. Three semesters of full-time Co-op work experience or six semesters of part-time work are required for undergraduate engineering students; two semesters of full-time work or four semesters of part-time work are required for graduate students and undergraduates in non-engineering majors. The primary purpose of the program is to provide students with career-related, professional work experience.
- Florida Prepaid College Board, P. O. Box 6448, Tallahassee, FL 32314-6448; www.florida529plans.com. The Florida Prepaid College Plan locks in the cost of college tuition, local fees, and dormitory housing at today’s prices, guaranteed. The Florida College Investment Plan is a new, affordable way to save for college with a wide range of investment options and tax benefits. You can use the money for any qualified college expense, at most any college in the country. Call 1 (800) 552-GRAD; or visit the Web site.
- *United States Peace Corps, UF Campus Recruiter; UF International Center, 411 Peabody Hall (352) 392-6783; peacecorps@ufic.ufl.edu; (800) 424-8580; www.cals.ufl.edu/globalgators/peacecorps/index.html. Two years of service in the Peace Corps can significantly reduce a portion of students’ college loan debt. Fifteen percent of the volunteer's Perkins loan, including interest, is cancelled for each of the first and second years of service. Students must be U.S. citizens 18 years of age to qualify.