by Erik Van Tongerloo

Created on: August 21, 2006   Last Updated: October 28, 2009

College students often have trouble finding the necessary funds to pay all their college expenses to get a degree. Many students will apply for a student loan, but there are alternatives which can help a student get the degree without being left with a high level of debt after graduation.

Education loans will help college students to pay their college expenses, and the interest rate is lower compared with other loans. There are different kinds of student loans, but with most of them, the loan does not have to be paid back until after graduation from college.

Here are some other strategies and saving plans which can help to prevent debt when pursuing a degree:

*Military service

College students who want a career in the military have an excellent opportunity to get a degree without any costs. They can combine their military occupation with education and there is plenty of choice in degree programs. It is possible to study for engineering, nursing, accounting, teaching, computer programming, doctor, psychology, business administration etc. and you are even paid for this education.

Before you consider taking this step to get your degree while in the military you need to know you can't leave service when you get your degree. You have to serve the military for a specified period of time before you can leave the military and choose a job in another company. They have paid you for the expenses to get your degree with the intention to get a job in the army and you have to do your part in return.

*Roth IRA's

Most people know Roth IRA's as a great opportunity to save for your retirement but is also a good way to save for the college expenses of your children. This savings plan doesn't offer tax deductions but you don't pay taxes on the interest of your savings. It is possible to withdraw money from this account without a penalty before the age of retirement if you use this money for higher education of your children.

If you start saving in this account when your child is born you can save already a high amount by the time he/she reaches the age for going to college. You can withdraw the money you need for college savings and let the rest of your savings grow in this account until you reach the age of retirement.

*529 accounts and Coverdell accounts

There are two other types of accounts created for the purpose of education savings: 529 accounts and Coverdell accounts which may be a better choice for the college savings of your children. If you withdraw money for college

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