Paying for College - Did You Overlook This Solution?

Don't make the critical mistake of following the crowd when it comes to paying for college. When considering ways to pay off student loans, following the herd could leave you staring down a double barrel shotgun. The cost of a college education continues to rise while employment prospects plunge. Defaults on college loans are the highest since 1997. However, thinking outside the box can have a surprising benefit when it comes to paying for college.

The Dilemma

Paying for college during these economic times has become more challenging than ever before. Families of all income levels find themselves searching for funding as college costs mount and personal resources disappear. Tuition costs increased nearly 6% more than the general inflation over the past decade. According to the John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University, the median starting salary for graduates from four-year colleges in 2009 and 2010 was $27,000. Making matters worse is that only 74% of college grads under the age of 25 had jobs according to labor economist Andrew Sum. Perhaps, through no fault of your own, you are faced with the uncertainty of the economy and your ability to pay for college. You might even wonder if it's worth it.

Following the Herd

Generally speaking, college graduates earn more than non-graduates so it is good to have that degree. However, if you're in the one-in-four segment that isn't employed or the one-in-two who is employed in a job other than your degree field, paying for college becomes a nightmare. News reports frequently disclose the plight of college students and recent grads that are waiting on tables, tending bar, working as administrative assistants and the like. Nearly half of recent grads report their first jobs don't even require a college degree. Let's face, it those jobs are not going to repay a student loan. Starting your career in a lower-quality job or one with low pay puts you on a worse pay projection that might take decades to overcome. However, there is an option available that you might not have considered.

The Road Less Traveled

This is the story of 5 different people, all in their 20's, who were looking for a way to create financial stability during uncertain financial times. Some of them had some college expenses, some did not. The one thing they had in common is they wanted a way out of their current financial situation and they were willing to work. Each of them began a career that within 2 years had created a six-figure annual income.

How did they accomplish such a feat? They did it through direct sales. Some current statistics from the Direct Sales Association demonstrates why paying for college through direct sales is very attractive.

• The median gross annual income for a direct seller working full-time is $34,130

• Reasons for entering direct sales: supplement income 51%; full-time income 34%

• 70% of direct sellers rate their experience as "very good" or "excellent"

• 84% of direct sellers indicate their experience in direct selling has met or exceeded their expectations

• 82% of sellers indicate they are extremely/very likely to continue with their direct selling business

• 47% of direct sellers have been with their company for five or more years

Do you see what I mean about paying for college through the overlooked direct sales field? Most people simply weren't aware how favorable it compares to traditional methods of paying off student loans.

The rising cost of a college education, disappearing employment prospects and increasing student loan defaults make this an excellent time to change your circumstances. You can take positive steps to ensure you have the funds for paying for college and who knows, you too might discover a fascinating and rewarding career you had not considered.

Paying for college need not be a terrifying or an unrewarding experience. When you're ready to earn an extra income using proven techniques, visit Michael Wethington at Paying for College and learn how to do on a part-time or full-time basis. Mike teaches direct sales using the power of the Internet to a diverse group of successful entrepreneurs. Visit Mike at http://www.wealthsprings.com/

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Student Loans With Bad Credit: A Guide to Paying for College

The job market has been bad for a while now and many people are deciding to go back to college to get a new job or to increase their skills in their current career. However, the mistakes that they have made in their past may haunt them on this new journey. Is it possible to get student loans with bad credit? In a world where college tuition is rising exponentially each year, getting the needed money for college is a huge concern for most students. Student loans for bad credit borrowers are available, however, and readily so.

Scholarships and Grant First

If you are looking to fund your college career, loans are an obvious choice since they are plentiful and easy to obtain. However, the first thing you should to in assessing your college choices is look into scholarships and grant money. Your individual college may offer scholarships for academic performance, athletic ability, a history of volunteerism or based on need alone. In addition, grant money, which is given based on need and qualification, is offered by the federal government (Pell Grants) as well as private colleges and other entities.

Low-Cost Federal Loans

The next choice for most potential college students is to look towards the federal government for loans. By filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (also called a FAFSA) at the same time as your general college applications, you will automatically receive notification of which programs you qualify for and how much money they are willing to give you each year.

The Stafford Loan program offers students low, fixed-rate interest on loans that you need not repay until six months after you graduate or leave college. This gives you a cushion of time in which to find a job and begin your loan repayment. In addition, subsidized Stafford loans do not even accumulate interest until you finish school.

Stafford loans are offered to all students, the only hitch is how much of the loan money offered will be subsidized. Other federal loans such as Perkins Loans and PLUS Loans also provide students with low, fixed interest rates and are given based on economic need.

Bad Credit and Federal Loans

The best part about all federally sponsored student loans is that bad credit is no longer an issue. You can get a student loan with bad credit from the government because they do not care. That's right, lenders do not even check your credit score when issuing you federal student loans. This is because the federal government insures the loans and minimizes the loss lenders incur. Also, student loan debt never goes away. Even if you file for bankruptcy you will still be obligated to repay federal student loans.

Private Options Are There, Too

Even though everyone can qualify for a federal student loan, that is not always enough money to get through college with its rising costs, not to mention paying for other expenses such as a home and food while there. Student loans for bad credit borrowers are also available from private lenders without government backing. The interest rates on these loans will be a bit higher, however, so it is important to shop around for the best package possible.

College students in need of financing for their education have many options, even with bad credit. Student loans for borrowers with bad credit are given every day and with little hassle.

Mark Venite is the author of this article and a successful financial advisor with 20 years of experience. He helps people to get approved for Bad Credit Personal Loan and Student Loans with Bad Credit. For more information about his services please visit him at AccessMyLoan.com

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