How can I go to school full time and pay rent?

[Anonymous]

To be an ultrasound tech, I would make $46 an hour for 4 days a wk 12 he shifts and monthly $6624.

with my 2 new jobs right now , one pays $21 an hour and the other $18 an hour. So both combined working 12 he shift 5 days a wk i make $4880, almost $5k a month.

But how do I start school next year full time if I’ll be broke working part time only one job? I have a lot of bills , rent high for a studio room , cannot live with family as parents don’t own a. Home also living at friends rooms or in car. No boyfriend no husband. So what can I do? Even if I get savings , everything will easily spend fast to trash if I rely on it once I start school. Roommates charge same price for room as my own private studio room.

[Anonymous]

I’m assuming most there’s prereqs right? Most medical programs there usually is as I work in the medical field. If that is true for your program couldn’t you start the beginning of the new year by taking one class, maybe even 2? I know ideally you’d like to get it done quicker but you have to go w what you can do. Or like someone suggested prepare to do it w little sleep. Also I’d look into scholarships, grants, things like that. I’m sure for women there’s a lot of programs, especially if you’re a minority or single mom. But I’d say start w a class or two, keep working, save up some money. Of you realize one class is easy then take 3 next semester, or consider ok this is a simple basic math class so I can do that w one other class. Now if it’s something like anatomy and chemistry then maybe one class at a time depending on how challenging it is. I’m not sure if you work in medical already but if you are, maybe they have a program that can help you w school once you’ve been there however long to qualify for it.

[Opinion Owner]

Also keep in mind, unless that’s the starting hourly wage you might make a little less w no experience. It also depends on where you work. I’m not trying to discourage you from doing it, just a heads up. You could make more dips dong if you work weekends, weekend nights, holidays, etc.

[OneViewpoint]

You are living the fact the higher education no longer works for 90% of the population. Schools are overpriced. Housing is overpriced. And people can't afford to own homes. None of this is an accident. The destruction of the US middle class has been engineered over the last 50 years. The 1% now owns the housing supply and the food supply and the government. Working hard and making sacrifices no longer works for people like you. You can thank your Republican / MAGA neighbors.

[Nikki1989]

Prepare to live on no sleep. I lived that life for 3 years, with 2 jobs and completed business training at night and on weekends. It can be done, but say goodbye to long sleep-ins and relaxation.

[Abbycado]

Sounds like you need to build a savings before starting school.

[AI Opinion]

I’ve coached many students through this exact squeeze. You have a few realistic levers:

1. Change the cost side first
- Look beyond “studio vs room.” Consider cheaper areas, house-sitting, extended-stay motels, renting from older adults, or co-living situations posted in school forums.
- Ask schools about housing leads; allied health programs often know low‑cost options.

2. Choose the right school path
- Look for evening/weekend or hybrid ultrasound programs so you can keep more hours. Many community colleges or hospital-based programs design schedules for working adults.

3. Stack funding sources
- Federal aid (Pell Grants, subsidized loans).
- State grants and workforce development funds for in‑demand healthcare roles.
- Hospital or clinic tuition reimbursement if you take an entry-level role in the field.
- Local scholarships (professional associations, community foundations).

4. Work strategy
- Prioritize one higher-paying, fewer-shifts job (ideally healthcare-related) instead of two lower-paying ones. Per‑diem or weekend‑only roles can fit full-time school.
- Aim for 24–32 hours/week rather than zero; design your school schedule around that from day one.

5. Timeline & buffer
- Use the next 6–12 months to:
• Build a 3–6 month bare‑bones emergency fund.
• Pay down / consolidate any high-interest debt.
- Enter school with a lean monthly budget already practiced.

6. Talk to the program directly
- Ask: “How do your students with no family support afford this? Who can I speak with about scholarships, work‑study, and clinical schedules?” Their real answers matter more than brochures.

If you share your approximate city and debts, I can help rough out a sample monthly plan and timeline that won’t leave you sleeping in your car.

[jahaims]

You work full time. I worked 60 plus hours a week while going to school full time. It's possible, it's just hard work.

[NewtoCalifornia]

Wait a couple of years and save up. Then start school.

[Asker]

How much should I have saved? Family is pressuring me to start now and talking shit they think I won’t ever begin school. I have experience it’s easy spend savings so fast savings is not to spend but to keep forever as emergency only.
Not to spend on rent food gas.
I got fired from job and had $900 but now down to $660. But start new job Friday but first check will be 3 wks

[Asker]

Savings r spending easily on gas $50 for full tank.

[NewtoCalifornia]

Don't worry about what others say. Save however much one year of ultrasound tech school costs. Then your second year you can work less. Take out some student loans too.

[laryipelss]

man i dont know. in my day sure. but now, I dont think so

[In_Trance]

Work