work your way through college, etc.

work (one's) way through (school)

To work a full- or part-time job in order to pay for one's tuition. "College," "university," etc., can be used instead of "school." Kate is working her way through college, but paying for classes as she's able to afford them. Your father and I both worked our way through university, so I don't see any reason why you can't do the same.See also: through, way, work

ˌwork your way through ˈcollege, etc.

have a paid job while you are a student: She had to work her way through law school.See also: through, way, work