8 answers
kyrah
Student
Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
1
Question
Updated
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how long does it usually take to pay off college debt?
is it worth it to go to college after high school or should I wait
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8 answers
Sara Porras
School Counselor
15
Answers
Avon, Ohio
Updated
Sara’s Answer
Paying off college debt is different for everyone, depending on if you were able to earn any college credit in high school and/or earn scholarships or get grants.
If you can start college after high school, it is a good idea to. I am not sure how many people can actually save up for a college education without their parents helping. College credit in high school and community college are great ways to start the process and save some money until you are more confident about what you want to study.
If you can start college after high school, it is a good idea to. I am not sure how many people can actually save up for a college education without their parents helping. College credit in high school and community college are great ways to start the process and save some money until you are more confident about what you want to study.
Veronica Walker
Recreational Therapist
4
Answers
Montgomery, Alabama
Updated
Veronica’s Answer
Yes, it is worth it to go to college depending on the career you want to purse, however going to technical college is also beneficial due to having less debt compared to a 4year.
Dante Guintu
DesignOps
7
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Dante’s Answer
Hi Kyrah — these are really good questions as college / university tuition have sky rocketed over the years.
Please take these pointers with a grain of salt as everyone's situation and finances are radically different. Some advice may not fit or not be applicable — just take some time to understand what works for you. Most of all, listen and trust your inner voice.
Pay-off student debt: I'm not sure but it's potentially quite long. This was decades ago but it took me "only" 10 years. I'm seeing radically extended time lines and very high monthlies especially with private university. Sara mentioned taking classes at community college, and also AP courses with high scores will go along way. If you can take the community college classes during high school, you'll get a really good sense of post-high school education. Technical college is another approach you'll have to weigh in.
In terms of waiting and not going directly to college after high school — pull on that thread. Maybe start another thread with that as the primary question. As a suggestion, try an open-ended question like:
"What was your experience when you deferred college/university, or attended at a later time?"
If you can find others who have done that, maybe in your extended network, they'll have some interesting experiences to share. Remember that college / university will always be there. 😉
Good luck...
Please take these pointers with a grain of salt as everyone's situation and finances are radically different. Some advice may not fit or not be applicable — just take some time to understand what works for you. Most of all, listen and trust your inner voice.
Pay-off student debt: I'm not sure but it's potentially quite long. This was decades ago but it took me "only" 10 years. I'm seeing radically extended time lines and very high monthlies especially with private university. Sara mentioned taking classes at community college, and also AP courses with high scores will go along way. If you can take the community college classes during high school, you'll get a really good sense of post-high school education. Technical college is another approach you'll have to weigh in.
In terms of waiting and not going directly to college after high school — pull on that thread. Maybe start another thread with that as the primary question. As a suggestion, try an open-ended question like:
"What was your experience when you deferred college/university, or attended at a later time?"
If you can find others who have done that, maybe in your extended network, they'll have some interesting experiences to share. Remember that college / university will always be there. 😉
Good luck...
Tania Forbes
Lead Specialist
10
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Tania’s Answer
Hi there, that's a great question and very good for you to be thinking about it already. It all depends on how much you have to pay back but I would venture to say about 10 to 15 years and again that depends on the amount. The main key is to ensure that you do pay it back on a regular basis once you finish college. You "must" maintain that payment schedule to the best of your ability. Contact the institution that gave you the loan and let them know right away if you are having any issues.
T.J. Worthy
Mentor
203
Answers
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Updated
T.J.’s Answer
Hello Kyrah!
It takes a couple of year to pay off student loans from college. On average, Americans finish paying by the time they're 30-40 years old. However, some people can pay them off either later or faster depending on their finances.
Whether college will benefit you or not depends on your career goals and financial abilities. There are jobs that require a degree - and some stand by the idea that college is the main way to find success. There are jobs that don't require a degree at all - and some stand by the idea that you can be successful outside of formal education.
Regardless, the decision to attend college depends on 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 aspirations for life and 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 goals alone.
Give yourself time to form ideas of what type of life + work you want to have.
If you need help, you can check out this guide for discovering careers for yourself:
https://mcusercontent.com/369fa35ddf618ce16d456d326/files/f245c692-64f7-4728-a5ed-b58d472ccf17/Career_Change_Cheat_Sheet.pdf
Also, take a quiz for understanding the four key areas of your personality: https://ikigaitest.com/
Once you have a better understanding of yourself, your wants, & your needs, you can look up job titles and see what type of experience or education you need for jobs.
Some jobs require education, while others do not. It's helpful to pick a career and work backwards to see what you need to get to your goals. That could help you save time and money.
Sending you support as you consider education after high school :)
It takes a couple of year to pay off student loans from college. On average, Americans finish paying by the time they're 30-40 years old. However, some people can pay them off either later or faster depending on their finances.
Whether college will benefit you or not depends on your career goals and financial abilities. There are jobs that require a degree - and some stand by the idea that college is the main way to find success. There are jobs that don't require a degree at all - and some stand by the idea that you can be successful outside of formal education.
Regardless, the decision to attend college depends on 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 aspirations for life and 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 goals alone.
Give yourself time to form ideas of what type of life + work you want to have.
If you need help, you can check out this guide for discovering careers for yourself:
https://mcusercontent.com/369fa35ddf618ce16d456d326/files/f245c692-64f7-4728-a5ed-b58d472ccf17/Career_Change_Cheat_Sheet.pdf
Also, take a quiz for understanding the four key areas of your personality: https://ikigaitest.com/
Once you have a better understanding of yourself, your wants, & your needs, you can look up job titles and see what type of experience or education you need for jobs.
Some jobs require education, while others do not. It's helpful to pick a career and work backwards to see what you need to get to your goals. That could help you save time and money.
Sending you support as you consider education after high school :)
A. Michelle Hawkins
Make contributions and identify volunteer opportunities for employees
108
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
A. Michelle’s Answer
The answer to your question depends on the person. If you are on the fence about college and have something you would like to do that would also generate income before starting, it could be worthwhile to delay going. The downside is that college costs increase dramatically from year to year, so that unless you have parental support and/or scholarships, your cost would be even greater if you defer. One option - if you can handle going to school and working - is getting a job for a company that provides tuition reimbursement. The company might restrict reimbursement to coursework in a field related to your job or the business, and you would need to keep your grades high to be reimbursed.
Mrinalini Singh
Project Manager
125
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Mrinalini’s Answer
Hi Kyrah, first off, I adore your name - it's truly unique and lovely! Now, let's address your question. It would be helpful to know a rough estimate of your debt, if you're comfortable sharing. Generally, the amount you owe and your daily job play a significant role in managing your finances. It's essential to strike a balance between your spending money and debt repayments. It's great to see that you're already considering this aspect of your financial life. Keep up the good work in saving, and remember, the sooner you pay off your debts, the better off you'll be. This will allow you to enjoy a stress-free life and start your family with independence. Wishing you all the very best!
Calvin Saboorian
Director - Real Estate
34
Answers
New Orleans, Louisiana
Updated
Calvin’s Answer
Hi Syrah,
Great questions! Let's begin with your inquiry about whether it's worth attending college. This is a challenging question and the answer varies depending on each person and their interests. For me, it was an invaluable experience that I couldn't imagine living without. Consider the career path you'd like to pursue and research if a college degree is necessary for that field.
Regarding college debt repayment, this also depends on the individual. I managed to pay off my debt in approximately two years, as I didn't want to be burdened with it. The repayment timeline can also be influenced by the amount you borrow. Some people take 4-6 years to pay off their loans.
Wishing you the best of luck!
Great questions! Let's begin with your inquiry about whether it's worth attending college. This is a challenging question and the answer varies depending on each person and their interests. For me, it was an invaluable experience that I couldn't imagine living without. Consider the career path you'd like to pursue and research if a college degree is necessary for that field.
Regarding college debt repayment, this also depends on the individual. I managed to pay off my debt in approximately two years, as I didn't want to be burdened with it. The repayment timeline can also be influenced by the amount you borrow. Some people take 4-6 years to pay off their loans.
Wishing you the best of luck!