1 answer
Savannah
Student
Marion, Texas
1
Question
Updated
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What is the best way to pay off college debt that isn’t scholarships?
I am a senior about to head to college who wants to figure out ways to better pay for college.
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1 answer
Christy McKenna
Operations & Enablement
1
Answer
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Christy’s Answer
Hi Savannah! It's great that you're thinking ahead about student loans and debt. Many young people face this challenge, so planning now is a smart move.
A helpful tip is to look for companies that offer tuition reimbursement or assistance. I started working full-time right after high school because I was unsure about college. Eventually, I found a job that provided tuition assistance, which allowed me to work full-time while attending college part-time in the evenings and online. After six years, I earned my degree with no debt.
If tuition benefits aren't available, consider working full-time and studying part-time. Taking one or two classes at a time can help keep costs down. It might take longer than going to school full-time with loans, but it can keep you debt-free.
Also, if you're open to it, joining a branch of the U.S. military offers several educational programs like the Military GI Bill and Military Tuition Assistance, which can be great options to explore.
To find companies with tuition assistance, search for large employers in industries like tech, retail, finance, and logistics (e.g., Amazon, Starbucks, Chipotle, Home Depot, UPS, Wells Fargo) known for these programs, check their career pages for "benefits," use keywords like "tuition reimbursement," or look for education partners like Guild Education; then, research specific programs, noting requirements like time-on-job and eligible degrees, and verify details on company career sites or benefit portals.
To start using the military to pay for college, research the different branches (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard), talk to recruiters about options like ROTC scholarships (for officers) or enlistment benefits (like GI Bill, Tuition Assistance), and consider Military Service Academies for full scholarships, then explore programs like the GI Bill for after service, and compare your goals with the realities of military life and service obligations.
A helpful tip is to look for companies that offer tuition reimbursement or assistance. I started working full-time right after high school because I was unsure about college. Eventually, I found a job that provided tuition assistance, which allowed me to work full-time while attending college part-time in the evenings and online. After six years, I earned my degree with no debt.
If tuition benefits aren't available, consider working full-time and studying part-time. Taking one or two classes at a time can help keep costs down. It might take longer than going to school full-time with loans, but it can keep you debt-free.
Also, if you're open to it, joining a branch of the U.S. military offers several educational programs like the Military GI Bill and Military Tuition Assistance, which can be great options to explore.
Christy recommends the following next steps: