Secondary Education (e.g., college) without Debt

Photo from here.

Is college possible without debt? Yes. Here are some ways:

Strategy #1:Look into non-traditional college:

Who says you have to go to a brick-and-mortar school right out of high school for four years? Question assumptions. Perhaps online college is doable. Or perhaps you could receive the exact same (or better) education by simply looking at what's required for a certain degree and studying the materials yourself. Even engineering education could be obtained this way, as a professor I know believes. He says the value of college comes from accountability and credentialing. Could you obtain these elsewhere?

Ask yourself what gifts God has given you and what you're called to do in life. Plan whatever form of education around this. Perhaps you are called to be a doctor. That's awesome and college is almost certainly a good idea (although again, not the only means of learning knowledge, even medical knowledge). But perhaps you're called to something else and can jump right into some business or job with no college and learn as you go. You only have so much time: use it wisely. Seek God and follow Him. Heed wise advice, but don't go for a particular form of education merely because of what you think people will think about you. Make your decisions based on how you can best do whatever it is God wants you to do.

What about socialization and other "benefits" of college. It's definitely possible to meet and interact with people apart from college. Try to do this. List any benefits colleges provide and ask if there are ways to have these apart from college. Be creative. Also, definitely ask yourself whether you'll be encouraged spiritually by going to college. Will it help you in your walk with the Lord? That should be every Christian's first priority. Remember that the fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. (Proverbs 1:7)

Strategy #2: Save up beforehand:

If you decide to go to a regular college, save up as much as possible beforehand. Maybe this means taking a part-time job or starting a small business. One possibility is to wait a few years after high school to work and save up. There are some colleges that will offer the same prices, scholarships, and so on to students several years out of high school (and maybe even give benefits such as not requiring them to live on campus). During these work years, you'll have time to experience the "real" world and see if your education plans make sense.

Strategy #3: Work while in college:

There are many ways to work while in college. You could consider taking a lighter load to have the time or you might take classes online or at night. Many people have done this. There's even a school that charges no tuition because students work.

Strategy #4: Choose a college economically:

Although the reputation of a school should be considered, whether you can afford it should be pondered first. Location is an important factor. Sometimes in-state students will have a cheaper rate than out-of-state students.

Strategy #4: Save on housing, food, and books:

Commuting from home or a place you rent or buy may be much cheaper than living on campus. Similarly, buying food from stores could be cheaper than college meal plans. Buying (or renting) books online will save a lot.

Strategy #5: Take advantage of scholarship and CLEP opportunities:

Take the ACT and/or SAT and see if scholarships are available based on these. Or look for other scholarships. CLEP out of as many courses as possible. If any of this is unfamiliar, use a search engine and do some research.

Strategy #6: Ask others for help:

Perhaps your parents could help. Or others. You'll need to convince them that what you're doing is a good idea, but that's actually good. If you think you need to take out a loan for college (thoroughly question this assumption before making it), seek a private one. If you cannot convince a private investor that you'll make a good return on your college investment, perhaps it's not such a great idea. Or if you're going to seek to advance God's kingdom but no Christians will support what you're doing, it may not be God's will. On the other hand, if you're supposed to go to college, God will make a way and nothing will stop you. Have faith.

Conclusion:

Obtaining a secondary education without debt is doable. Do lots of research (many people have written much more on this subject than I have), question assumptions, work hard, and pray for God's blessing.

Here are two links to get you started:

https://www.garynorth.com/public/729.cfm

https://www.garynorth.com/public/729.cfm