Far from the usual way to pay.

USA Today reports.

College students in Canada can use frequent flyer miles to pay tuition

As the cost of higher education rises, college students are increasingly turning to unconventional methods to pay for their educations. Now, students studying in Canada can use their frequent flyer miles to lower their student debt.

HigherEdPoints is partnering with Air Canada’s loyalty program, Aeroplan, and allowing students and graduates to use their miles — plus those belonging to family and friends — to finance their college education.

Suzanne Tyson, the founder of HigherEdPoints, says she recognized students needed help finding alternative sources for funding.

“The reality is that when you talk to students, every little bit [of funding] helps,” says Tyson.

Thirty-five thousand Aeroplan miles can be converted into $250 Canadian dollars worth of HigherEdPoints credits. These credits can be used to pay off loans given by the Ontario Student Assistance Program, which partnered with HigherEdPoints in June.