Money Matters: Ever looked at college tuition prices and thought, "There goes my retirement fund?" We have.

With the average cost of college tuition hitting $27,940 per year for public out-of-state schools and a face-melting $45,240 for private universities, saving for education feels like training for a financial Ironman.

But don’t panic—unless your kid’s dream is to major in 18th-century basket weaving at an Ivy League school. Then, maybe panic a little.

For everyone else, here’s how to outsmart the system, keep your wallet intact, and still give the future scholar in your life a solid start.

Survey says: 55% of students from public four-year institutions and 57% of students from private nonprofit four-year institutions took on education debt taking student loan debt in the United States to $1.773 trillion.

Here is what on the chalkboard today:

😎 Our Favorite Resources
👍 Beat College Debt with 5 Genius Hacks
👌 Get Ahead Without a College Degree
🤷‍♀️ What’s up for next week

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💵Budgeting

Looking at the Trades - want a great job without the college hassle?

📈Investing

Saving for college - I’d start here if I were serious about budgeting for my kids college.

👀ICYMI

Check out last week’s issue if you are looking for ways to eliminate crushing debt.

📜Quote

"They tell you to get a degree so you can get a good job. Then you get the degree, and the only job you qualify for is paying off that degree." - Anonymous

Top Budget Tips for Family Members Saving for Education After High School

4 Tactics to Avoid College Debt

1. Start Early with a 529 Plan

Uncle Sam actually wants you to save for college (wild, right?). Enter the 529 plan, a tax-advantaged investment account that lets your money grow AND be withdrawn tax-free for qualified education expenses.

• Growth Potential: A combination of contributions and interest coupled with tax-free withdrawals is a no brainer.

• Avoids the FAFSA Smackdown: It counts less against financial aid than a regular savings account.

• State Perks: Some states throw in tax deductions or credits just for using them. Free money? Yes, please.

2. Community College: The Ultimate Money Hack

Before you drop six figures on a four-year degree, consider this: The average cost of community college is just $3,860 per year. That’s like buying a used car instead of setting your money on fire.

• Two years at a community college + transfer to a four-year school = Half the cost, same diploma.

• Many states offer tuition-free community college programs. (Google it. You’ll thank us later.)

3. Scholarships: Because “Free” is the Best Price

The average student leaves $3.75 billion in unclaimed scholarships. That’s right—people are literally ignoring free money. Don’t be those people.

• Apply for local scholarships (less competition, better odds).

• Essay-based scholarships have fewer applicants (most people are lazy—capitalize on that).

• Use sites like Fastweb.com and Scholarships.com to automate your scholarship searches.

4. Side Hustles & Work-Study: Make It Rain (Responsibly)

A part-time job isn’t just for pocket money—it can keep student loan debt from spiraling into a horror story.

• Work-study gigs are gold: Flexible hours, decent pay, and sometimes free food.

• Side hustles like freelancing, tutoring, or reselling thrift finds can add up to thousands per year.

• Bonus: Employers love a resume that screams “I did more than just binge-watch Netflix.”

Bonus Tip: Employer Tuition Assistance

Major companies like Amazon, Target, and Starbucks offer tuition reimbursement or even full coverage. If your kid’s getting a job anyway, might as well pick one that foots the bill.

Save Money with Alternatives to College

Trade Schools: The Overlooked Goldmine

College isn’t the only path to success. Skilled trades like welding, plumbing, and electrical work are in high demand, pay well, and don’t require four years of debt.

• Cost-effective: The average tuition for trade schools is around $15,000 total (Forbes, 2024), significantly less than a traditional four-year degree.

• Fast-track to earning: Most programs last 6 months to 2 years, meaning less time in school and more time making money.

• High earning potential: Many skilled trades offer starting salaries of $50,000+, with experienced professionals earning six figures.

• Employer sponsorships: Some companies will pay for training if you sign on to work for them after certification.

Coding Bootcamps & Online Courses: The Fast-Track to High-Paying Jobs

Traditional degrees aren’t the only way into tech. Coding bootcamps and online courses offer affordable, flexible, and job-focused education that can lead to six-figure careers without the six-figure debt.

• Cost-effective: Coding bootcamps range from $7,500 to $20,000, a fraction of the cost of a four-year degree. Online platforms like Udemy and Coursera offer courses for as little as $15 to $500.

• High job placement rates: Many bootcamps report job placement rates of 70-90% within six months.

• Big salaries: The median salary for coding bootcamp graduates is $69,000, with experienced developers making well into six figures.

• Flexible learning: Online courses allow students to learn at their own pace, perfect for working professionals or those looking to upskill without quitting their jobs.

Until Next Time

What’s Up Next Week

The education system may be expensive, but that doesn’t mean you have to play the game by their rules. Whether it’s a four-year degree, community college, trade school, or online courses, the right mix of tax-advantaged savings, smart school choices, and hustle can send your kid into the future without crushing debt.

Now go forth and outwit the student loan monster and live to fight another day.

Next week we learn how to lower debt using tactics that include negotiation and consolidation.

Til’ next week, keep it real!

Jim and the Hootsquad

DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and do your own research.