The Project on Student Debt at The Institute for College Access & Success just released a report indicating that, for the fifth year in a row, the average amount borrowed by college students has increased. The average debt for undergrad students in 2012 was $29,400.
Even if you consider the fact that some of that comes from for-profit colleges, all you have to do is look at the rising tuition rates of your local not-for-profit school to see that it’s a growing trend. College is getting more expensive, and more people need to borrow in order to afford the price tag.
I have student loans for my undergraduate and graduate experiences, but I’m fortunate to have a very low interest rate. Today’s students don’t even have that luxury.
So before you borrow for college, here are three things to consider:
1. Do you even need to go to college?
It used to be that college was a rite of passage for those who wanted professional jobs. It was even acceptable for those who didn’t know what they wanted. Just go to college, and it will sort itself out. Get any degree, and you can have a good-paying job when you finish.
That’s not the case now. The job market is still tough, and many people with four-year degrees are working jobs that don’t pay the bills — much less allow them to make student loan payments.
Before you assume that a four-year degree is necessary, consider some of the careers that provide a decent (or even good) living without the four-year degree. You might have to borrow to get your associate’s degree or some other certification, but it likely won’t be nearly as much as it would be for a “traditional” four-year degree.
Really think about what you want to do, and then reconsider whether you need a college degree to meet your goals.
2. Can you work to reduce what you borrow?
My big mistake with student loans was accepting the full amount every single semester. There was no need to, since I had a scholarship, but I did it anyway. Now that school costs more, such a thing would’ve been unthinkable for me.
Figure out if there is a way to reduce the amount you need to borrow. If you get excellent grades in high-school, you could get a scholarship that would offset some costs. Alternatively, you could consider applying for a grant.
You can also get a part-time job to help you reduce the need for borrowing. Working on campus is a great solution. I was a resident adviser for two years, which meant free housing. Things like that can reduce your need for financial aid (and the amount of debt you’ll incur).
3. Are there other arrangements you can make?
Sure, it would be fun to move away from mom and dad and live on a campus 500 miles away. But is it practical? Is it worth the extra cost? If you can get in-state tuition and live at home, your student loan total will be much smaller in the long run.
What other considerations would you make before borrowing for school?
{ read the comments below or add one }
All countries should be spending money on education and that means that they ought to help with student loans at very low interest rates, the states that do, they invest in the future of highly educated citizens that create more jobs and income to the state.
England have no interest and you only pay if you earn 21k each year about (30-40k in US dollars). And if you don’t pay it after 30 years the debt is cleared!
Another option is to secure a full-time job and go to college part-time. It will take longer but you can graduate with minimal school loan debt. It’s possible to find an employer who will pay for your education. A combination of education and work experience may provide an advantage with the post graduation job search. It certainly did in my situation.
It really does all depend on what you want to do and accomplish. At the end of the day if you go after an education with the intent of learning about the world, and figuring out something your interested in to start working on more. School is worth it just try and not go to an expensive school if you cannot afford it or don’t think you will be able to pay it off within a few years after graduating.
4. Did you pick a course of study and/or degree that will actually benefit you in the market place, or did you get a liberal arts degree, English degree, or underwater basket weaving degree with a minor in German Polka history?
I have a English degree along with a PhD and a MD and I work as a surgeon and went to 3 Ivy League School’s (Harvard, Yale and Princeton). And I don’t think you should insult people who are well educated who happen to study English.
5. Did you go to a known, prestigious amazing school which is in the top 10 in the World?
Or did you go to a community college?
6. Did you get a good hard degree like a PhD or a soft teaching degree that anyone can get (NAT)?
That’s funny coming from you, I have a English degree from Columbia and was chosen to write for the New Yorker but I declined to become a scientist then a lawyer then in my darkest most terrible days a teacher then a cfo then a neurosurgeon.
You on the other hand got a stupid teaching degree. Teaching is my backup for my backup for my backup and is a very easy degree. Teaching is not so hard.
And by the way my daughter went to NYU to get a liberal arts and then went to Harvard Medical School and is working in NYC as a neurosurgeon.
My son went to Brown to get a English degree and is now a CFO of a successful company making 500k a year whilst working on his novel!
It takes skill to; paint, write, sing, perform, act and play instruments.
But to become a teacher like you it’s easy.
Good post! I would add looking at what other alternatives you have and what you’re majoring in. I think for many, going to a community college can be a great way to cut down on your costs and allow you to get a good chunk of the basic courses out of the way. I would also look at the major to see if it’s something you can make a living in. I understand that can be a major challenge for a student to decide on, but just underlies the importance of parents/teachers helping them make an informed decision.
Sorry John, but I did not see your post until after I posted mine. We are on the same page…is the degree marketable? That is the question every potential college students needs to ask.
If my kids ever pick a degree that is not marketable I will not help them pay for college.