Is is a smart decision to take out loans?

Alondra,

Education is considered to be an investment in your professional self. If you need a degree to achieve your goals, and have exhausted all other possible funding sources, and alternatives to getting a degree, then, all that leaves is loans.

Other funding sources include scholarships, grants, work study, a job, family, etc. It is possible to get tuition assistance through various employers - they have tuition assistance programs where they reimburse you for a part of your tuition, depending on what grade you get. The terms vary ---it might have to be a job-related degree, you might have to promise to continue working for them for x number of years, etc. Joining the military is another means of getting your education paid for.

Other things to consider is what school you are going to. Attending a junior college, and living at home, for the first two years will help reduce expenses.

Student loans have to be paid back. Except: ????? there are loan forgiveness programs if you get a government job, go into teaching, etc. You should research these opportunities.

Obviously, you want to minimize indebtedness resulting from education. But ultimately, yes, it can be a smart decision to take out loans.

Kim