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How can I graduate without student debt besides scholarships/grants?

I want to become a doctor/surgeon which means it's a lot of money to become one. What are some options to graduating without debt besides scholarships? Thank you!

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Flora’s Answer

Chastity, your idea is truly fantastic! If you align your goals properly, success is inevitable. Don't let financial concerns hinder your progress. If you're truly passionate about your chosen path and are determined, it's crucial to start planning before you even graduate high school.

Consider opting for a less costly or even tuition-free college for your undergraduate degree, and work while you study. This is yet another viable option. As you're aware, scholarships, grants, and loan forgiveness programs are available if you choose to work in underserved areas or for the government. These are excellent ways to finance your journey towards success.

Remember, many colleges offer work positions for students along with financial aid. By working in the healthcare industry, not only will you receive financial support, but you'll also gain invaluable experience. Plus, it's a great way to determine if this profession truly resonates with you. Keep going, your future is bright!
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Alyssa’s Answer

I don't think you need to graduate with zero student debt, but I agree with you it's a good idea to try to avoid going into major debt for undergraduate/college if you are planning to also purse a graduate degree like studying medicine. My advice is to talk to the guidance counselor at your high school and ask him/her for some ideas about where to apply to college, but also do your research about other colleges and universities you are interested in. Also don't just apply to 1 or 2 colleges (especially if there is no reason you are tied to your local city/can't move). Sometimes the universities or colleges with "higher" apparent tuition also give more scholarships - this has been true for years but it's even more true in recent years- for example you might think that Harvard or all these famous places cost the most money to go to (even if you can get in) but that is not necessarily the case. Some of these private schools have a ton of money in the bank and in investments because people donated money to them years ago - they actually have a ton of scholarship money to give and it's actually getting in to the school that is the "trick" and then once you are in, they apparently give a lot of financial aid and scholarships. Sometimes it does not cost a ton more to attend one of these schools (especially if they decide you are one of the students they want). I actually applied to 2 state schools back in my day (ones that I knew I was going to get a big scholarship to, based on my grades, and state residency, and I knew would be free or very cheap), and then applied to 2 private schools. I ended up going to one of the private schools but I had a 1/2 tuition scholarship and then I had another $1500 scholarship and then I had another one from a local physicians group which was $500. It ended up costing more money to go to the private school but I could kind of sense that I would get a very good education there, after I visited, and then I could tell they had a good biology department (which was the major I was considering). I also got some jobs during the summer time and one year I had a job on campus at the student health center. Also I just didn't spend that much money, I didn't go on big expensive trips at spring break, I didn't go out shopping for clothes much, I didn't go to a bunch of restaurants too often, etc. It's definitely more expensive to go to college than it was 20+ years ago when I went, but I think if you apply to multiple schools you will see what the best option is and it will work itself out - you need to consider cost but also other things (the quality of the education).
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Scott’s Answer

Hello again Chastity. Unfortunately, there is no way to become a doctor without incurring debt unless you receive scholarships or grants. I am not an expert in this area but you should know there are some loan forgiveness programs for certain specialties such as primary care if you are willing to work in underserved areas for a period of time after finishing your training. Again I wish you good luck!
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Madison’s Answer

You can get research grants, FQHC or military deals for paying for medical school, pre-med athletic scholarships, working/saving prior to med school
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Alexzandria’s Answer

Your goal is ideal and it is possible outside of scholarships and grants if you work wow in school you can pay off the loans before they're due but most people in that field don't have the extra income to pay off their loans because they're jobs that they're able to get pay for their day-to-day needs because that medical field takes so much time and hours out of the day to study that specific craft there is loan forgiveness for certain fields so you can look into that if you work for non for profits for a period of time you're able to get loan forgiveness that way if you work a government job so if you take a job at like the post office or something you can get loan forgiveness that way but unfortunately how the system is set up high profile jobs take money and most people unless your family has it like that they just don't have that residual income to throw into such careers so most people go into debt but those high profile jobs such as a doctor lawyer a pilot you will potentially make more than enough money to offset those debts
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