College is expensive, but it’s also a necessity in these days of dog-eat-dog competition. If you’re not loaded, student loans are one option to pay your way through college. The problem with loans is that they’re hard to get because of various qualification criteria, and you have to pay them back as soon as you graduate, with interest. If the thought of being bogged down by debt before you’ve even secured a well-paying job is getting you down, here are a few viable alternatives to help you scrounge up enough money to get you through college.

• The best option is to have enough saved for your college tuition before you step into the portals of any institution. Early birds who get head start when they’re still at school and the shrewd ones who get their parents to set aside enough money have no problems once they secure admission.
• Look for work opportunities on campus – you don’t have to travel far, you can still be on time for all your classes, and you make some money. Check with your school’s office for job offers that you’re qualified for.
• If you’re clever, there’s always money to be made in offering your services to tutor others and help them with assignments, research and term papers.
• Some colleges are a part of federal work study programs that allow students to earn money even as they earn a degree. Get enrolled in one such school.
• Make money by freelancing in your free time – if you can write, program or design, you could earn quite a bit by offering your services online.
• Offer your services as a mystery shopper or fill out surveys online to earn extra money.
• Sell stuff you don’t need on EBay and Craigslist.
• Some research companies pay you to take part in scientific studies and testing programs. Before you sign up for one of these, make sure the nature of these tests does not interfere with your ability to keep up with your lessons.
• Besides these, there are the run-of-the-mill jobs like waiting tables and helping out at malls that put a few bucks in your pocket.
• In addition to earning, you should remember to avoid spending unnecessarily. Stay away from credit cards, make do with used books, and cut corners where you can. Every dollar not spent is a dollar earned.

Earning while learning is a good thing, but it also takes a lot of dedication and hard work. To make this work, you have to persevere, though it may be hard when you see your peers partying and living it up. The amount you earn may not be enough to meet all your expenses, but it still will go a long way in helping to repay that loan you take out.

This article is contributed by Heather Johnson, who regularly writes on the topic of grants for nursing degree. She invites your questions and writing job opportunities at her personal email address: heatherjohnson2323 at gmail dot com.