Student loans are an investment for the future. Education should be paid over time, so taking on a small debt can not be mad. However, the student loan debt has become a burden on graduates increasingly problematic. If possible, it is best to minimize the loan - and especially to minimize the use of private student loans.
How can you keep your student loan balances as low as possible? A little 'creativity goes a long way, and sometimes means pushing back the date of graduation. However, it is likely thank yourself when you can stand on solid financial ground, when you finally graduate. Some ideas to get started are below.
Part Time Jobs
Being a full-time student is not a luxury that everyone can afford. If you must borrow to attend classes full time, consider working part-time - even if it means taking fewer classes and spending more years in school. The work and life experience you get at your job will help you throughout life, and have lower monthly payments will not hurt either. Actually, the part-time work may slow down the process just enough so that major in something that you really care (instead of getting any old college degree).
Programs for inclusion of the employer
Some employers offer assistance to employees lessons. They'll pay the bills (or at least repay the end of the semester), which means that you get to earn income, while at the same time keep your future monthly payments lower. In some cases, you have to study something related to your work, while others allow employers to study what you want. Anyway, you're getting paid a degree.
Lessons care employer is not just for MBAs, and you can also get your degree paid. Whatever you have in mind, go for it - it never hurts to ask.
Getting your employer to pay for education
Work-study programs
Work-study programs are subsidized jobs from the federal government. You can work part-time at a job that gets you through your college or university. The task may not be glamorous, but you might be surprised - some positions are an ideal fit for your field of study and you get a great experience before graduation. In addition, work study earnings do not count against you for the purposes of aid for students.
The Federal Work-Study Program
Scholarships
Scholarships and grants are the ideal way to avoid student loans private. However, they are difficult to find. If you can find them, you get free money for school - no repayment required. However, while the best way to pay for education, were also less likely to materialize. That's not to say that there are, but it's easy to get bogged down in concession-hunting and hunting-scholarship - can be a full time job that pays. Vai after several scholarships and fellowships, but be aware of how you're spending your time.