Debt Free College – It Just Makes “Cents”!

Today we have a guest post from Kayla, a debt-free college graduate. She’s going to give us more insight on how going to college debt free is always the best way to go. Thanks Kayla!

In general, two main perspectives exist when it comes to going through college without taking on debt. On the one hand, Perspective A says it’s normal or even good debt, because you’re improving yourself and your value in the marketplace. Perspective Z says, “what a relief! No debt tying me down after graduation.” There are variations and moderations of each perspective as well.

If you’ve never looked at the “how to pay for college” debate from Perspective Z, you may have overlooked several advantages for taking the debt-free college route. In many ways, it just makes sense.

• Graduation comes and goes. The excitement doesn’t wear off, though, because when you receive that first paycheck, you can relax. It’s all “yours” – you don’t owe a single penny of it to a student loan.
• Didn’t land your dream job after graduation? No worries – you won’t need to file for deferment or forbearance because your college is paid in full.
• Because those pennies can be divvied out as you wish rather than having to go to a student loan, you can jump-start saving for bigger and better things: retirement, buying a house, funds to start a new business, or other investing. You can also more freely give when you see someone in need.
• One of the most pervasive myths regarding a college education touts the importance of higher education in getting a “more awesome” or higher paying job. This isn’t the case, because as Mark Hendrickson writes, “more than half of Americans under the age of 25 who have a bachelor’s degree are either unemployed or underemployed.” If you do graduate with debt, you’re more likely to take the first job available because you’ve got bills to pay. When you don’t have debt, you have the ability to choose what you want to do. You can take the lower paying job doing what you love when you don’t have to worry about making ends meet. You can save up to start your own business and then launch that dream without having to concern yourself with making debt payments on time.
• We aren’t static people. Over time, our likes and dislikes may change. Our life goals may morph into something we didn’t foresee while in college. Not having college debt gives us wiggle room to adjust to new pursuits without feelings of guilt or remorse.

Lest you think debt-free college is a bed of roses, I’m here to tell you it isn’t easy. Whether your parents bless you by paying for your college expenses or you work your way through college, you stand out from the crowd. You can’t engage in the, “how much I’ve taken out in loans” conversation other students have. You can’t compare your recent purchase (thanks to cashing out student loans), such as a new MacBook or iPhone.  Being different is hard… but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth it.

A recent graduate and wife of a current aviation major, Kayla knows the joys and the trials of going to college debt free. Kayla’s days are now spent with a burp cloth over one shoulder, trying to figure out what this “homemaking” business is all about over at Renown and Crowned.