In this series, we have discussed the time it takes to complete massage therapy school and what accreditation is and why it’s important. Now let’s go over the different ways that you can pay for your education.
Traditional Payment Methods
Many massage therapy schools accept traditional forms of payment such as credit card, check, or money order. Check with the school (or schools) you are considering, to determine specific payment services.
Payment Plans
In some schools you can pay for your education in installments. This is a great option for students who know that they want to pursue the opportunities that massage therapy school has to offer, but rather not pay for their education in one lump sum. School policies vary from school to school, so as always, check directly with the institution of your choice.
Federal Financial Aid
The federal government provides financial assistance for educational costs to those who qualify. Assistance is provided in the form of either grants or loans. Grants, such as the Federal PELL Grant, are based on financial need and do not have to be paid back. Loans, unlike grants, must be paid back. Remember that only accredited massage therapy schools can offer Federal Financial Aid. To find out if you qualify, fill out the the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Government Assistance
Aside from Federal Financial Aid, the United States government also has various programs that offer tuition assistance. Some of these include:
- Veterans’ Administration
- AmeriCorps
- State and Federal Employment & Training Offices
- Bureau of Indian Affairs
- Commission for the Blind
- State and Federal Employment & Training Offices
- State Vocational & Educational Service for Individuals with Disabilities
Your local government unemployment office, sometimes called an employment development, reemployment, or workforce office, usually has information on government-funded programs that can help with tuition costs.
For more tips on choosing the right massage therapy school, read Parts 1, 2, and 3 of this series for an overview on how to choose the best massage therapy school for you, and information on program length and accreditation.