If you're considering a criminal justice or paralegal career, don't let the high cost of education scare you.

There is a lot of opportunity to get free money or easy-term loans to finance your criminal justice education.

And it's easy to apply for financial aid and scholarships.

The first step is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Below is a list of financial aid resources. Find out what you qualify for and get the ball rolling today.

Criminal Justice and Paralegal Degree Loans

College loans for your paralegal or criminal justice education are an investment in your future. The investment you make now will pay dividends later in the form of earning potential, leadership opportunities and job satisfaction.

The federal government regulates the maximum interest that lenders can charge on federally guaranteed student loans, creating lower interest on college loans. Additionally, loan repayment does not begin until six months after graduation (or when enrollment in school is less than half time).

For borrowers who have difficulty repaying their education loans, there are good options, including deferment and forbearance. They allow borrowers more time before accruing interest on their loans.

Stafford Loan

Stafford Loans are the most common federal student loan available. Stafford Loans include the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program and the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program. Both programs are dispersed directly to students, and can be subsidized or unsubsidized, depending on the student's financial standing. The amount of the loan is based on the financial needs of the individual student.

Private Loan

Another common type of student loan is a private loan. These loans offer higher limits and no payments until graduation, but interest starts to accrue the day the loan is distributed. Private student loans can be made out to either students or parents and are a much better alternative than credit card debt.

You still need to complete federal forms, such as the FAFSA to get private loans. Your eligibility often depends on your, or your parents', credit score. Being approved for a private loan is more likely when your score is above 650. Interest rates and fees are also based on your credit score, so you may choose to apply with a cosigner to get the lowest rate.

PLUS Loan

PLUS Loans are paid through FFEL and Direct Loan programs, but they are geared toward parents. In order to qualify for this type of loan, you must be a dependent student enrolled at least half time in your undergraduate education, and your parent needs to apply for the loan.

This loan also requires a good credit score, and there is a yearly limit. This limit is equal to your school costs minus other financial assistance you receive. In addition to the loan limit, the first payment is due 60 days after the loan is distributed, with a small fee that your parents are required to pay (usually less than four percent of the loan).

Graduate and professional degree students are now eligible to borrow under the PLUS Loan program, under the same terms and conditions. This program is referred to as the GRAD PLUS Loan program.

Scholarships

Scholarships generally recognize academic achievement, athletic ability or accomplishments. Although scholarships can be competitive, they do not need to be paid back and are an excellent way to help finance your education.

Some scholarships may have restrictions, such as applying to a specific course of study or active involvement in an organization or group. Some scholarships apply to general education (such as athletic scholarships), but usually a certain grade point average is needed to maintain these types of scholarships.

For criminal justice students, the professional associations for your specialty may give scholarships to qualified individuals. For example, the Police Corps in your state may offer scholarships in order to increase the number of trained police officers. Paralegals can find scholarships with the National Federation of Paralegal Associations. There are many scholarships available and you can search for them right here.

School Grants

Grants are a smart way to finance your education because it's "free" money—you don't have to pay back a grant. With over a thousand federal grant programs in the US, worth more than $400 billion, securing a grant can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. If you take the time to apply for a grant, the payoff can be well worth the effort. Often, schools automatically consider you for grants when you complete a FAFSA and apply to school.

Work Study Programs

Work study programs help students finance their education by working various jobs. Sometimes the jobs are for the school, but often they are career-related jobs that help you build your resume while getting your degree. Work study awards typically depend on factors such as level of financial need and school funding availability.

You may find work on campus with professors, or off campus at nonprofit agencies or public bureaus. Students often choose work study programs that are related to their field of study, which not only helps them finance their education, but also gives them career experience.

Work study pays at least the federal minimum wage, and often more, depending on the skills and level of experience needed. You can indicate whether you want to be considered for work study assistance when completing your FAFSA form.

Related Article:

• Work Study Programs

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