Avoiding Student Debt

Chuck Bentley CEO of Crown, the largest Christian financial ministry in the world

Higher education is expensive!! A degree is simply the springboard of steps toward a career that ultimately glorifies God. Settling into a career is often a journey, not the direct result of a particular major. One job leads to another and God opens doors. Did you know that you are called to be a faithful steward of your time and your gifts and abilities? Stewardship is not just about finances. It’s anything that God has entrusted to you. Taking time in college to try out degrees or career paths has become astronomically expensive, so taking more than four years or earning impractical degrees is typically unwise.

College may not be for everyone. But unfortunately, most Americans have taken on debt to pay for school and you may be one of those with outstanding loans. In 2016, the average student graduated owing more than $37,000. This kind of burden is not the way you want to start your career or next chapter in life!

There are many options to get a college degree now with online courses, community college, and scholarship programs. But do you want to know the best way to save money in college? Understanding God’s unique design for you. Getting good grades could save you thousands, but knowing and embracing the purpose God has for your life is invaluable.

Jeremiah 29 reminds us that God has a good plan for our lives, and that we must seek after Him always. Psalm 139 tells us of the wonder and creation each of us are and that God knows us before we were even born. If the God of the universe can look at you and know every hair on your head, then He can also give you direction when deciding on a course of education or career path. Ask for wisdom to know what options you should consider for school – maybe community college and living at home for two years is what good stewardship looks like for you. Maybe God has designed you to enter the workforce immediately after high school. You may want to start with an internship to learn
on the job skills as you pursue an associate’s degree. Whatever it is that God has designed you to do, commit to it wholeheartedly. Seek wise counsel from others and pray for discernment to know what steps to take.

If your children know exactly what they want to study, praise God. If not, be patient and observe what they do in their free time. What do they enjoy studying? Nurture those interests by arranging meetings with professionals in that field so they can gain exposure and learn things they may not have considered. Help them prepare questions so they come away informed and better able to narrow down degree options. This will help them to avoid wasting time and money.

Crown’s Career Direct assessment is also a great way to understand yourself and your purpose better. It looks at your personality, interests, skills, and values to help you understand how God designed you. If you are interested in this assessment please contact the Economic Empowerment Ministry .