Student loan debt is common. Tuition prices in public and private schools have steadily increased over the past 20 years. Now add to the other expenses, and most students can only imagine completing their graduation with carrying a debt.
But that doesn't mean paying for college without going into debt is impossible.
Here are seven tips for graduating without a lingering college debt -
1. Work-Study Programs
Work-study programs involve working on campus, from administrative work to research. So, if you are willing to hustle for a few extra hours, it's a good way to make and save money to pay for college.
"These programs can cover a significant portion of tuition costs, allowing students to focus on their studies without worrying about accumulating debt," says Bryor Mosley, Career Coach at Southern New Hampshire University.
Work-study jobs often give you valuable experience and chances to network with people who can help you in your future career.
2. Earn Scholarships and Work Part-Time
Scholarships are a popular way for college students to get through college without debt. However, scholarships are typically awarded based on merit.
To find scholarships, you can try out these sources -
- The office of financial aid at your college.
- High school counselors who can provide guidance and information.
- Utilize the FREE scholarship search tool offered by the U.S. Department of Labor.
- Explore opportunities provided by federal agencies.
- Connect with your state grant agency for potential grants and scholarships.
- Visit your local library's reference section for additional information.
- Seek support from foundations, religious or community organizations, local businesses, or civic groups.
- Look into organizations and professional associations related to your field of interest.
- Consider ethnicity-based organizations that offer scholarships and financial aid.
- Explore potential financial aid options through your employer or your parents' employers.
"Finally, students should get a part-time job while they're in school—working at least 15 hours per week can help you make up some of the money they'll need to pay for tuition without taking out loans or working over 20 hours per week," says, Samuel Fletcher, Co-founder, SupplyGem.
3. Enroll in a Public School in Your State
By attending a public in-state college, you can also avoid accumulating student loans or at least minimize them while pursuing your college degree.
These institutions typically offer significantly lower tuition rates for state residents who attend college than out-of-state students.
Let's take the University of California, Berkeley, as an example.
While out-of-state students face a hefty annual tuition of $43,980, California residents pay a much more affordable $14,226.
To ease the financial burden further, it's worth exploring whether you qualify for special grants, scholarships, or incentives your state provides for attending a public college. Now, take New York's Excelsior Scholarship Program, for instance.
This initiative enables New York state residents from families earning $125,000 or less to attend any State University of New York or City University of New York institution without paying tuition.
Indiana also offers a valuable opportunity for high school students through the 21st Century Scholars program. Enrolling in this program during seventh or eighth grade may make students eligible for a tuition scholarship covering two or four years of study at an in-state college.
4. Maximize Financial Aid
Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is another excellent way to lower your chances of finishing college with debt. The application gives you access to federal grants or federal student loans, including the highly beneficial Pell Grant.
The FAFSA becomes available on October 1, the year before your planned college attendance, and applying early is essential.
One of the reasons is - some schools utilizing the FAFSA for their internal awards may have limited scholarship slots, so it's essential to be aware of specific priority filing dates established by the institution.
Applying early can also boost your chances of securing funds from the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, improving your overall financial aid prospects.
By prioritizing the completion of the FAFSA and taking advantage of early application opportunities, students can significantly enhance their access to financial support and reduce their reliance on student loans.
5. Consider Community College
If you don't want to rely on your financial aid, you can significantly minimize expenses by enrolling in a local community college. Opting to live at home while pursuing your studies presents an incredibly affordable alternative, particularly for completing prerequisite courses before transitioning to a four-year college or university.
Engage in a conversation with your academic advisor to discuss your educational aspirations. Collaborate on devising a comprehensive plan that ensures the classes you currently undertake will seamlessly transfer to a four-year institution in the future.
6. Build a Budget
Constructing a comprehensive budget can ensure optimal savings and efficient loan repayment. This enables a clear assessment of areas where excessive spending occurs, enabling the redirection of funds toward essential expenses like textbooks and loan interest.
While the 50/30/20 rule serves as a typical budgeting framework, adjustments can be made to cater to individual circumstances, mainly if rent is not a concern or if one resides in a dormitory. The key is prioritizing saving and managing student debt more prudently, ensuring financial stability.
7. Earn College Credit in High School
Earning college credit before campus is another way to reduce tuition costs. Advanced Placement (AP) classes are available at many high schools. After completing the course, you can register for the AP exam. The exam's final scores range from one to five. If you receive a three or higher on the AP exam, the majority of schools will grant you college credit.
