How to Pay For College Without Student Loans

It is possible to pay for college without student loans. College is expensive, and many students turn to student loans to pay for their educations. Unfortunately, these same students may spend a decade or more struggling to pay off student loans after graduation. You can avoid this scenario by budgeting wisely and planning ahead.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 
    

   Save for college ahead of time. It's okay to spend money on things that you want, but put some of it away. Your future is far more important than a new pair of jeans or an evening out.

2. 
    

   Choose a cheaper school. Although a four year college may be more prestigious, its financially smarter to start out at a community college and transfer to the larger, more expensive, school after you have completed the basics. You will save thousands of dollars and your diploma will still reflect that you graduated from the larger school.

3. 
    

   Apply for any scholarships you feel you may qualify for, no matter how small. Many scholarships are renewable each year and a few hundred dollars extra can help pay for books and supplies.

4. 
    

   Apply for FAFSA. FAFSA is the federal student aid program, also known as the Pell grant. Even if you feel your family makes to much money for you to qualify, apply anyway. It is possible to qualify for varying amounts.

5. 
    

   Live at home. You can avoid being forced to use student loans for living expenses if you stay at home while going to school--at least for the first couple of years.

6. 
    

   Buy used textbooks on the internet. Used textbooks are just as efficient as new ones, and they are much cheaper. Some students spend thousands of dollars on textbooks alone each semester. Don't let that be you.