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According to EducationData.org, for 2022, Americans owe $1.745 trillion in student loan debt. That is how profound the student debt problem in the U.S. has become. To put it in even more perspective, that is about $820 billion more than the total credit card debt in the U.S. of $925 billion.
The arguments have traditionally been that a college education is essential – that it is invaluable. But, unfortunately, people are graduating college with a debt burden that is just too big to shoulder and leaves them financially crippled. So what are the solutions students can consider to get the educations they need without taking on so much debt to receive it?
It is important to note how much student debt has grown over the last decade. EducationData.org reported that student loan balances average at $40,780, and overall, total student loan debt has significantly increased from $1.054 trillion to $1.745 trillion in the past decade.
The rapid growth of college debt leaves you as a student or parent with few choices if you believe a college education is necessary. You can bite the bullet and take on the crippling debt, which will only grow even more over the next ten years. You can find ways to make college more affordable for you. Alternatively, you can go the slow and steady route to earning a degree by paying for your education as you go.
Affordability is critical. It is important to note that some colleges cost more than others. The difference between private and state colleges is staggering for tuition alone. Even among state colleges, you can reduce costs, and your debt load, by choosing wisely and comparing prices ahead of time.
There are other steps you can take, though, to reduce your total debt burden for college, including considering attending two years of community college before transferring to a university.
College Tuition Compare shows that in Indiana, Ivy Tech, which is a community college in Indiana, has in-state tuition of $4,488 per year.
That compares to $11,447 for Indiana University (Bloomington) and $17,538 for Ball State University, the two largest state colleges, and $60,301 for tuition at the University of Notre Dame, which is a private college.
You can save thousands, if not tens of thousands, throughout your education by starting at a community college for two years before transferring to a university to continue your education. You must work with both institutions from the start, though, to make sure your courses and credit hours are transferable to the university you intend to attend next.
These are a few additional steps you can take to reduce your need to take on student loan debt when attending college.
It may feel like a sacrifice at the moment, but sparing yourself the burden of crippling debt while continuing to earn your degree may be one of the best gifts you give your adult self. Unfortunately, many of your friends, classmates, and coworkers are overwhelmed by the college debts they are shouldering.
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