College is expensive, but you don't have to take out a bunch of loans to do it. The norm in America is to go into debt because it builds your credit score. Who cares about a credit score? All it means is that you are good at paying off loans. I don't need it. But how can you truly go to school and stay debt free? Here are five ways you can do it. Oh how I wish I would have done it my first few years of school. But it's not too late for me! Work hard now so you can play hard later.
1. If you are still in high school, take the SAT or ACT as many times as possible.
The higher your score, the more likely a school is to give you a scholarship for your achievement.
2. Apply for every possible scholarship.
Chances are, you won't win every single scholarship. But if you keep on applying, you're bound to win at least one. There are scholarships for all ages, not just high school students. Apply, apply, apply. It will pay off, I promise.
3. Choose a school in your state.
Don't choose a school because it looks pretty. Choose a school based on price. The fact is, companies couldn't care less which school you went to when you are applying for a job; they want to know how much experience you have. In-state schools are a lot less expensive.
4. Pick a state school, not a private school.
Unless you get a full ride to that school or have enough scholarships to cover the crazy expensive cost, choose a school that costs less. I go to Western Washington University and live off campus, so I pay about $8,000 a year for tuition and fees. Even if you live on campus, it's still a lot better than a private school. On campus is about $21,000, which seems like a lot, but compared to a school like, say, Whitworth University, $21,000 is a lot less than $51,732 per year.
5. Don't be lazy, get a job!
I get the appeal of not working while in school. Homework is stressful; I am going into my senior year, which means 400-level classes. Hard and time-consuming, I know. But jobs are so great for so many reasons -- I even wrote an article on that alone.
Paying off loans sucks. My husband and I just spent the last year paying off mine. It was a dumb decision, but now we are free and can now focus all our energy on saving to cash flow this coming year. You can, too. Don't accrue any more loans. Stop that, and work your butt off to save for the year. Every time I am working when it is beautiful out and I want to be out playing, I remember this is just for a season. Next summer when I'm out of college with no debt I can have fun. Until then, I work my butt off, I get scholarships, and I pay for this year. You can do it, too, and it will be worth it!
