Rhapsody,

Is there any other way besides loans?

I ask this because I am currently struggling with so much student loan debt that I could have bought a really nice house with that much money. With the current job market, student loans don't really make sense. I graduated 10 years ago with a M.A. - still no full time employment in my field for lots of reasons, but one of the biggest reasons is the job market.

Defaulting on student loans really bites. The government garnishes your wages - up to 15% of your pay and they take any income tax return that you get. Once you go into default, getting out is a nightmare. Really, student loans are a nightmare.

I'm facing my oldest going to college next year. It's unfortunate, but she's going to have to pay for herself and go slow...we'll help where we can by letting her stay with us, but if she can't get grants to cover tuition, she'll have to get a job and save her money.

Just my experience....