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by armoredkitten 1058 days ago
That's an impressive accomplishment, although the comments here are rightly mostly about the absurdity of student debt.

I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to graduate debt-free, through a combination of a) attending school in Canada, where tuition costs are less absurd than the US; b) some money my parents saved for their children's education; and c) participation in a co-op education model. Basically, alternating between one semester in school, one semester at a co-op job, and no summers off (though really, how many college students go home for the summer and take a job at Starbucks anyway?). I graduated having financed my education by myself after the first year, and with ~2 years of (relevant) work experience already under my belt. The connections from one of those jobs also ended up helping me get the job I have now.

Like I said, I feel very fortunate, and this approach won't necessarily fit all use cases. But I heartily recommend a co-op education model any chance I get. Even if it could help you avoid taking on $10k in student debt, that feels like a win.