How you can already get money for community college

Think about a teaching career: You can get up to $4,000 a year from the federal government for pursuing a teaching degree. But you must agree to teach in a high-need field in a low-income area for at least four years after graduating, or you have to pay the money back.

Tax credit: Every student is eligible for a tax refund each year. Students making less than $80,000 are eligible for a maximum of $2,500. Of course, you still have to pay for tuition upfront before the credit comes your way.

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