How do you get through college debt free?

A. With the cost of college at an all time high, how in the world are you supposed to get through college debt free? It seems impossible right? Well, not so fast my friend. Everyday I hear of another person who sacrificed and worked hard to make it all the way through college debt free. How did they do it? Here are a few different ways to get through college debt free.

1. Excel in High School -  It might seem like common sense, but the best way to get through college debt free is by making great grades in high school. This means studying harder and longer than all of your friends. It also means trying your hardest on the standardized tests and especially the PSAT. Spending a few hundred dollars on these tests and practice books will end up earning you thousands in scholarships down the road. 
2. Grants and Scholarships - Each year billions of dollars are given away in scholarships and grants, but did you know that each year billions of dollars in grants and scholarships also go UNCLAIMED! It's free money. Make this your full-time job during your Christmas and Summer breaks and apply for all the scholarships you can. Check out Zinch andFastweb for more help. 
3. Work - The last time I checked, you can still pay for college with money from your job. Whether this is money to pay for tuition, books, or spending money, millions of young people choose to work through college each year. And they survive. Your grades will be fine and all your friends will still be there. The only difference is you won't have a mountain of student loan debt after college. Work part time during college if you can, or during all of the Christmas and Summer breaks. Many businesses will cover your tuition if you commit to work for them after college for a set amount of time.  
4. Community College- Take the first couple years of college at a local community college. You will save tens of thousands of dollars in tuition by taking care of your requirements. I would highly encourage this for anyone who isn't sure what they want to study at college. 

It is possible to make it through college debt free. It might not easy or fun, but it will be worth it. For more help, check out Josh Lawson's book, "Don't Get Suckered - How to Graduate College Debt Free... and with Your Shirt."