Student Loan Consolidation: Making Your Way Through College Without Debt

The average amount of student loan debt incurred by college students these days is around $26,000. Student loan consolidation programs offered by the Department of Education have brought some relief for borrowers hard pressed to make their monthly payments. Yet, there still remains a huge concern for those prospective students making plans to attend college but not sure how to finance their education.

So is it possible to get through college without incurring any debt? believe or not- it can be done! The question is: How?

First off, it's never to early to start saving for college. Kids as young as 5 years old are earning weekly allowances and "extra money" for doing things around the house. Socking away those hard-earned dollars can add up over the years that precede college life. Once a child is 15, they can obtain a work permit from their high school and get a job. Those part-time hours at the local fast food restaurant or grocery store can be the start of a debt free college journey.

Keeping along the lines of a job when it comes to student loan debt, another way to get through college without having to borrow is to work for a company that offers tuition reimbursement. While it is most likely that you will have to work while going to college, student loan help may not have to come by way of loans. Target, Home Depot, Verizon Wireless, Apple and Starbucks are just a few that will help pay your college bill with tuition assistance programs. While some offer help to full-time employees only, others like UPS qualify their employees to receive assistance if they are only part-time. Scholarly employees can receive up to $3,000 in assistance and $4,000 if they are in a management position.

Finding student loan relief can also come by way of joining the military. That's right, you can get your tuition, housing, and books paid for when you serve in a military branch for at least 3 years. If you are seriously considering enlistment as a way to pay for college, do your research beforehand so you understand the term and conditions of using a GI Bill.

If you aren't up for being a soldier or are not sure about the reality of working during school, you don't have to give up on trying to get to college debt-free. College choice can play a huge role in how much you pay for school. With hard work, good grades and impressive SAT scores, you may get to college with scholarships. If you are being "courted" by several schools who are offering scholarship money for you to attend, you would be wise to carefully crunch and compare the numbers before you make your final decision.

While a particular college's package may look good on paper, it may not fare that well when you plug in the numbers to get a more realistic picture. Take a good, hard look at what you are being offered and be sure not to let your emotions get the best of you when making your final decision.

College is a commitment; financially, mentally and emotionally. Doing what you can way before you even start to apply for your post-high school education can be one of the best you can do for yourself. if you really want to do all you can to graduate college without having a bunch of student loan debt, consider the tips above. In the long run it will save you. If you already have student loans and are struggling to make your payments, consider student loan consolidation. Chances are you will find some relief for your budget.

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