Earn and Learn

NewU University’s Earn and Learn Program: Empowering Students to Achieve Financial and Academic Success

In today’s rapidly evolving job market, students are increasingly seeking ways to balance their academic aspirations with real-world work experience. Financial pressures also weigh heavily on students and families, making higher education seem out of reach for many. Recognizing these challenges, NewU University has pioneered its innovative Earn and Learn program to address this dilemma. This initiative enables students to gain hands-on work experience, earn a steady income, and progress toward their degrees without choosing between school and work. This balanced approach to education marks a refreshing shift in higher education, one that’s truly student-centered. Through Earn and Learn, NewU University ensures students have the support they need, not just academically but financially and professionally as well. Here’s how the program helps students manage their time, finances, and career development while obtaining a high-quality education.

Flexible Scheduling: Building a Routine That Works for Students

One of the primary obstacles to working during college is an inflexible class schedule. NewU has tackled this problem by designing a schedule that allows students to work part-time without feeling overwhelmed. The flexibility offered is instrumental in helping students create a sustainable balance between their educational commitments and job responsibilities.

1. Classes from Monday to Thursday – By consolidating classes within these four days, NewU gives students a consistent structure. This format enables students to establish a regular work schedule and secure jobs that require predictable hours, boosting both their reliability and potential earnings.
2. 10 AM to 3 PM Daily Class Times – The specific timing of NewU’s classes is deliberate. Holding classes in the late morning through early afternoon ensures that students have time in the evenings to take up part-time work or internships. Unlike other institutions where students might have scattered classes across various hours, NewU’s block scheduling offers clarity and predictability.
3. Weekends Free for Work or Rest – NewU students enjoy a three-day weekend (Friday through Sunday), which provides additional time for part-time jobs or internships. For students juggling both responsibilities, this buffer is essential. It also allows time for rest, recuperation, and personal activities, supporting students’ mental well-being.

This strategic scheduling means that students can work up to 20 hours per week in part-time roles or internships that contribute to their financial stability. NewU’s Earn and Learn program respects that education and life responsibilities must coexist, creating a practical path for students to succeed in both.

Comprehensive Career Support: Preparing for Life After Graduation

Academics are only part of the equation for students aiming to secure meaningful employment after graduation. NewU’s Earn and Learn program doesn’t just leave students to navigate the job market alone; it includes a dedicated support system to help students connect their studies to the world of work.

1. Monthly Career Counseling Sessions – Every student receives career guidance at least once a month. These sessions are designed to help students understand the job market, hone their resumes, and learn valuable interviewing skills. Personalized counseling ensures that students have a clear sense of direction and understand how to leverage their academic achievements in real-world job applications.
2. Employer Connections and Networking Opportunities – NewU University has cultivated relationships with a diverse range of employers and industry partners who actively seek out motivated and skilled students. By facilitating networking opportunities and on-campus recruiting events, NewU opens doors to job placements and internships, giving students a head start in their professional lives. These connections can be instrumental in helping students find jobs aligned with their career goals, even before they graduate.
3. Internship Programs for Hands-On Experience – NewU emphasizes experiential learning, and students in the Earn and Learn program often have the chance to participate in internships related to their field of study. These internships allow students to gain skills that go beyond the classroom, equipping them with practical knowledge and a competitive edge.

Through this comprehensive career support system, NewU is setting students up for success well beyond graduation day. By the time they finish their degrees, NewU students are work-ready and confident, with both academic knowledge and practical skills.

Affordable Education: Reducing Financial Barriers to Success

One of NewU University’s core values is affordability. For too many prospective students, the cost of higher education is prohibitive. NewU’s approach to tuition, financial aid, and degree acceleration all contribute to making college both attainable and sustainable for students from diverse financial backgrounds.

1. Competitive Tuition Rates – NewU’s tuition structure is refreshingly affordable, with full-time students paying around $2,500 per semester, allowing them to earn between 16 to 20 credits each term. This rate is significantly lower than many private and public institutions, making it possible for students to fund their education through part-time work without taking on excessive student debt.
2. Flexible Part-Time Options – For students who prefer to study part-time, NewU offers a rate of $150 per credit, accommodating those who need even more scheduling flexibility. This option is especially beneficial for students who might have family responsibilities or other life commitments that require a more gradual academic pace.
3. Need-Based Scholarships Without FAFSA – Recognizing that FAFSA and federal aid may not be accessible to all, NewU offers need-based scholarships that do not require FAFSA forms. This commitment ensures that students who may not qualify for federal aid still have access to financial support.
4. Three-Year Bachelor’s Degree Without Overload – Traditional four-year programs are costly, both in terms of tuition and opportunity cost. NewU’s three-year bachelor’s degree program allows students to enter the workforce one year sooner, saving on tuition and living expenses. Importantly, this three-year path does not require students to take on extra courses per semester or attend summer sessions, allowing them to complete their degrees at a comfortable and sustainable pace.

By making higher education affordable and accessible, NewU empowers students from all backgrounds to pursue their degrees without enduring financial hardship.

Real-Life Success Stories: Transforming Lives Through Earn and Learn

Since its inception, the Earn and Learn program has made a remarkable impact on the lives of students. Many NewU graduates have cited the program as instrumental in helping them finance their education while also gaining relevant work experience. Here are just a few examples of how Earn and Learn has changed lives:

• Mecselder O., a first-generation college student, is working part-time at Children’s Milestone, a local organization offering in-home therapy to autistic children, while attending NewU. The flexibility in his schedule allows him to manage both his academic and job responsibilities, and the career counseling sessions have guided him in planning a pathway toward a full-time role in psychology after graduation.
• Erianne F., double-majoring in Entrepreneurship and Creativity & Innovation Management, contributed significantly to DC Startup/TechWeek in October 2024. She helped manage an event that allowed her to network and engage with venture capital partners, entrepreneurs, and seasoned professionals attending the CPG networking event co-hosted by The Well, Compass Coffee, and Union Kitchen. This experience provided Erianne with invaluable industry connections and insights that will serve her as she advances in her entrepreneurial career.

These stories reflect the program’s mission of fostering economic mobility through education and practical work opportunities.

The Future of Higher Education: NewU’s Earn and Learn as a Model for Success

NewU University’s Earn and Learn program is more than just a pathway to a degree. It represents a new model in higher education, one that is adaptable, supportive, and financially accessible. For students, this initiative means that they can enter the workforce with confidence, not only because they’ve earned a degree but because they’ve built valuable experience and connections along the way. Through flexible scheduling, a robust support system, and affordable tuition, NewU is redefining what it means to be a student in the 21st century. Programs like Earn and Learn demonstrate that higher education can be reimagined to better serve the diverse needs of today’s students. As NewU continues to grow, the university remains committed to this vision, helping students achieve their full potential without compromising on quality or accessibility. For those who are ready to take charge of their education and career, NewU’s Earn and Learn program offers the resources, flexibility, and support needed to make it all possible. To learn more and get started on your journey, visit NewU University’s Earn and Learn page.