How I Paid for College Without Going Broke

When I was 18, I was terrified of the thought of paying for college. My parents weren't wealthy, and I didn't want to start my adult life saddled with thousands of dollars in debt.

So I did what any good millennial would do: I panicked.

But then I took a deep breath and started to do some research. I quickly realized that there were a lot of different ways to pay for college without going broke. Here are a few of the things that I did:

• Apply for scholarships. There are a lot of scholarships out there, and many of them don't require you to have a perfect GPA or be a star athlete. Do some research and see if you qualify for any.
• Get a part-time job. This is a great way to save up money for college while you're still in high school. Even if you can only work a few hours a week, it will add up over time.
• Take advantage of financial aid. The government offers a lot of different financial aid programs to help students pay for college. Fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to see if you qualify for any grants or loans.
• Consider going to a community college. Community colleges are often much more affordable than four-year universities. You can take your general education classes at a community college and then transfer to a four-year university to finish your degree.

I ended up paying for college with a combination of scholarships, financial aid, and part-time jobs. It wasn't easy, but it was definitely worth it. I graduated from college debt-free and am now able to pursue my dreams without worrying about how I'm going to pay for it.

If you're worried about paying for college, don't panic. There are a lot of resources available to help you. Do your research and find the best option for you.