|
Don't want to have a debt of $20,000 to $30,000 after college graduation? Check out these ways to get your bachelor's without being trapped by debt for years after you graduate.
Combine high school and college. Check out your state's programs in which you can combine your junior and senior year of high school with two years of college – and earn your AA degree for free. This program is variously named; in Washington state it is Running Start, and in Minnesota it is called Post-Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO).
Apply for scholarships and grants. Always keep available scholarships and grants on the radar: search potential scholarships at colleges you'd like to attend as well as outside scholarships such as those found on Fastweb's website.
ROTC. Serve in the military for four years, and go to four years of college for free. Check out the ROTC program at the college you'd like to attend.
Earn education awards. Work for organizations such as AmeriCorps and earn awards that can go towards your college education.
Attend a community college first. Spend your first two years at an inexpensive community college, and then transfer to a four-year college to finish your degree.
Get to work. Find a steady job, and put the money into a college fund. Try to work part-time wherever you are attending school.
Save, save, save. Don't spend your money on a car unless you absolutely need it; invest in college first.
Pay off debt with community service. If you graduate with outstanding federal loans, you can work off some of it by working at public service jobs or by volunteering.
Attend a tuition-free college. Some colleges arrange it so that you only pay for room and board. Check out College of the Ozarks, Alice Lloyd College, and Berea College.
Pay as you go. Sign up for monthly payment plans at your college so that you don't have to take out a large loan. If you do end up needing to take out a loan, speak with college counselors about the lowest-interest loans – and don't bet on getting a lucrative job right out of college. Be realistic; don't bite off more than you can chew.
|
