How to Go to College Without Student Loans

Many people graduate college with massive debt from student loans hanging over their heads. Student loans can take years to pay back completely, and the payments are often more than most people can afford with an entry level job. Luckily, there are several options available to pay for school without student loans.

• Lay the groundwork for a scholarship to college while still in high school. This can mean getting excellent grades, being involved in sports, or joining a club that may give out a scholarship later.


• Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as the "FAFSA." Many people are familiar with the FAFSA because you have to fill it out for student loans. But you can also qualify for need based financial aid and grants through FAFSA..


• Attend community college for the first two years of college. Community college is a respectable, affordable alternative to taking all four years at a university. Also, community college students may be eligible for scholarships when they get their associate's degree.


• Go to college part-time and work. Working and going to school at the same time is tough, but it can be done. One draw back is that it may take a little bit longer to go to college this way. 


• Look into programs that will pay for school in exchange for a commitment to work in a certain job after graduation. For instance, many areas are short of nurses, so there are programs that will pay for nursing school. After nursing school the student must work in an area that needs nurses.


• Join the active military or the reserves. There are many programs available through the GI Bill that will completely pay for college. Also, if you attend a military university such as West Point or the Naval Academy, it is free. However, you must make a five year commitment to serve in the military after graduation.