How to Get Through College With Little or No Debt

College is expensive, but it’s meant to be. Many students are drawn to schools with the newest buildings and the fanciest dorms. The goal is that your degree will end up paying for itself once you get a job. But, before we get that big-time job that pays enough to do that, what are ways that we can pay for college? This all starts with a mindset. Instead of thinking I can’t, think of ways that you can make it possible. It is also important to remember that money is not everything. You will have it and you will not and through it all life will go on. You of course want as little debt as possible but remember that if you work hard you can still pay it off later.  

            Applying for scholarships can be one of the most beneficial things you can do to pay for school. There are so many people out there that want to help you. Look online for scholarships for people in your area, for people in your major, for a certain thing you are interested in, for everything that is applicable. Sometimes scholarships that are specific have a note saying that if someone with that major or interest does not apply, then the scholarship will be awarded to the best candidate. Take the time to become that best candidate for all your scholarships. Work hard on the essays, because hard work eventually pays off. Even if you don’t get the scholarships, you might learn how to write papers better! 

            Another important thing to do is to get a job. Even if you find a summer job and don’t work during the school year, it is important to work if you want to save your money. If you want to work during the school year, most colleges offer campus jobs and they usually work with your schedule better because they are fully aware that you have classes. The most important thing is that you do not overwork yourself. You need to focus on school, but college is also fun, so don’t miss out on that part. 

            Once you have all this money, try your best to save it. Shop at thrift stores, look for clearance deals, and try to buy only what you need. If you do this, it will pay off. However, it can be really hard to work hard all of the time and feel like you are never getting anything from it. If you need to, splurge, but do not break the bank. Buy one nice thing as a reward for all your hard work, but then get back on the saddle!

            Another great way to cut back on loans is by going to a community college or trade school. These schools can give you a great education without putting you too far in debt. Some companies may even pay you to attend a trade school if you promise to work for them once you’ve graduate. You could also take some or all of your general education classes through a community college and then transfer to a four year university (make sure the classes you take will transfer) to receive a bachelors degree. I took a few classes through the community college in the town I went to high school and it saved me a lot of money and it helped to lighten my load when I got to college.

            Me and most of my siblings had the opportunity to attend private college because our parents are very generous and helped us when we needed it. However, going to a public or state college could have been more cost effective. Attending the public college in your home state can also save you money because they may give in state tuition.

            If you take out loans, look at the opportunities for paying them back. My loans give me an option to pay them back within 120 days of taking them out and it would be as if I hadn’t taken them out at all. The interest they accumulated in that time was given back to me. If you do not have the money at the beginning of the semester but are working during the semester, you can pay part or all of the loan back for that semester without paying interest. This is a steal, so look into it! 

            Relatives and others who love us dearly often want to help us! It does not hurt to ask, but remember that they have bills and other things that they are saving money for. Even having it be a loan can help you to save money on interest. 

            No matter who helps you along the way, be sure to say a big thank you! Having little debt is a big deal and everyone involved should see how important it is to you. And lastly, don’t get greedy. We are given what we are given for a reason. Money is not as important as it may seem sometimes. You will have it and you will not have it, but through it all remember that things such as friends, family, and your religion all come first.