How to Avoid College Debt

College is a great experience both for learning and for life. Whether you want to be a doctor, a lawyer, a scientist, or a teacher, college gears you up for the real world.

But if there’s one thing college students want to avoid it’s debt.

There are many reasons that students fall into debt during their college years. But the most common reason is loans to pay for tuition.

And as many families still face financial troubles that began back in 2009 with the global recession, it is hard for the some students to pay back their loans. This can even come along with the risk of probation and expulsion for failure to pay fees. 

So, all things considered, it is best to steer clear of falling deeply in college debt, but how can you do that?

Not your “after graduation” job.

Find a part-time job that you can do in your spare time. It may not pay much, but being able to earn something can help you manage your finances as you progress in your studies.

You may also consider establishing your own small business.

This is a very important step. Can you pay for it or not?

Don’t be so eager to run off to college until you know you can afford it. If you don't think carefully, you may regret it when you’re hit with the bill after graduating.

Remember, there's no rush to get that degree, and you may even appreciate your education if you're slightly maturer (I speak from personal experience).

Postpone the plans if you must, and while doing this step, you can….

Yes, it might seem boring and it may take time to squirrel away the kind of sum you need. But there's no quick-fix; you cannot opt for sketchy plans and shady methods.

Instead, you need to save safely.

Have a good financial plan established to minimize the possibility of any money problems. When you're mind isn't preoccupied with your wallet and is, therefore, free to focus on your studies, your patience will really pay off. 

Always consider which school you’ll enroll in. Don’t just go for the obvious ones; check other schools that are less expensive.

While they may not be glamorous or prestigious, it’s possible to get a high quality learning experience from them.

The best education can come from not-so-ordinary, but much more affordable schools.

Take this step if college debt is not something you feel able to tackle, and if you don't need a college education for your chosen career.

While it may upset some family members, choosing not to attend college may mean you’ve come to terms with what you really want in life. And, unlike many of your peers, you're guaranteed to avoid the college debt trap.

Bear in mind, some people who chose to skip college became hugely successful. For example, Gene Simmons, Timothy Ferriss, and Steve Jobs are part of a long list of millionaires who defied the traditional path of education and prospered in their own way.