It’s been said student debt is a product that has been sold to us with such repetition and intensity that most people believe they can’t live without.

My 19-year-old son attends community college, drives a 15-year-old car, and lives at home. He could have attended a number of universities. But, as Andrew Josuweit at Forbes.com says, “skipping community college can be a $20,000 mistake.”

According to the College Board, “of all students who completed a degree at a four-year institution in 2013-14 had enrolled at a two-year institution at some point in the previous 10 years.” The variety of tracks are appealing.

Vocational degrees grant skills and credentials for high-paying careers. From electrical work to graphic design, video technology, and culinary arts, debt can be minimal if not totally avoided.

Associate’s degrees can be earned in 2 years, allowing graduates to begin working in their field. Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce reported that 28% of those with associate’s degrees earn more than graduates with bachelor’s degrees.

The 2 plus 2 plan enables students to complete core requirements then transfer to another institution. If they earn high GPAs, they can apply to 4-year schools they may not have qualified for previously with an opportunity for academic scholarships.

We now have 44.2 million Americans with student loan debt totaling $1.31 trillion.

The average monthly student loan payment for borrowers between 20 and 30 is $351. It’s debilitating for many.

Gaining knowledge at the cost of big debt must be weighed on the scale of reality.  One should not borrow more than he can expect to earn the first year out of school.

Debt limits flexibility and makes the borrower servant to the lender. Our partners at Christian Credit Counselors work to get you OUT of credit card debt and no longer servant to your credit card or lender.