If you are worried about high levels of college debt, you are right to be concerned. With the average student loan debt well into the five figures and rising every year, more would-be students are looking for alternative entries into the job market without college debt. The good news is that those alternatives exist. The bad news is that they are too often overlooked. The answer might simply be to start off in an entry-level position. If you want to advance your career and build your future without starting your life in debt, here are some smart alternatives to consider.
1. Get an Entry Level Job with a Company Offering Tuition Reimbursement
With the job market booming, employers are willing to hand out some lucrative benefits. This includes paying for the education of their entry-level hires. Many would-be college students do not understand just how lucrative these tuition reimbursement programs really are. And it would be to their benefit to realize the value of these benefits.
It may take longer to get your college degree through a tuition reimbursement program because you will be working after all. Keep in mind, however, that you will be earning money the whole time. This is certainly a better alternative than racking up ever-increasing levels of debt. You will also be positioning yourself to move up and advance your career with that company. It sometimes benefits large companies to hire from within and promote current employees to higher roles as opposed to hiring from the outside. This is mostly because it requires less training and onboarding. It’s also because they like to reward those who have been loyal to their company.
If you want to avoid college debt and get your degree, getting an entry-level position in a company with a tuition reimbursement program could be your key to a better and debt-free future. You can earn your degree one class at a time. This will set you up for promotions and increased earnings along the way.
Some big companies that are always hiring for entry-level jobs that also offer tuition as a benefit include the following:
- Walmart
- Target
- Starbucks
- Home Depot
- Lowes
- Amazon
- Chipotle
2. Apprenticeships Could Be the Key to Highly Marketable Skills
A college education is not the only path to a middle-class, or even an upper-middle-class, future. In fact, some of the highest-paying professions do not require a college degree at all; instead, they demand a specific set of skills, skills you can gain through a quality apprenticeship program. Because of this, apprenticeships are very valuable for both employee and employer.
Apprenticeship programs used to be the norm in the United States, and they are still quite common in Europe and elsewhere. These entry-level job training programs are designed to teach the skills workers need, creating the next generation of plumbers, electricians, and other highly paid specialties. Serving as an apprentice provides the practical skills you will need to land those jobs in the future, all while allowing you to earn a living while you train.
3. Working Your Way Through School Can Boost Your Job Prospects and Help You Avoid College Debt
If working your way up from entry-level to professional does not appeal to you and you do not want to serve as an apprentice, a third option is available. Working your way through college is a great way to avoid the college-debt trap, all while giving you the cash you need to survive day to day.
There are many advantages to working your way through college, not the least of which is the chance to develop a solid work ethic. Many employers have complained about the lack of work ethic in the college graduates they hire, but you can prove those misconceptions wrong when you land your first post-college job.
Some jobs to consider as a college student are those that are flexible, allow you to make your own schedule, and are not required to work long hours. Some of these jobs include waiting tables, personal training, car-riding services, delivery services, and tutoring.
Getting a Good Job Shouldn’t Result in High Levels of Debt
College tuition is expensive, and, as a result, student loan debt is a serious problem. Students and their parents cannot rely on politicians to fix the issue or wait around for relief programs to be put in place. If you want to good job but want to avoid the college debt trap and reduce the amount of student debt you’ll have to pay overall, it pays to be proactive. There are several alternative paths to a great education and a lucrative career. Each of the alternatives listed above can be a winner for your future career, and in the end, your bank account will thank you.
