Page 16 - Cross_Booklet ver1.2

MANAGING DEBT

Student debt tuition price of a four- year private
is the new institution in the United States is
1
normal? but $35,830 per year (2018- 19). By
how normal is contrast, the cost is only $3,660 at a
1
it really? Con- public two- year institution. By
sider that 59% simply fulfilling your general edu-
of bachelor?s degree recipients cation requirements at the local
graduate with an average of community college, you will be sav-
2
$28,500 in student debt.1 These ing an average of $64,340. What
numbers are staggering, but they might you do with $64,340 less in
only become worse for those who student debt? Answer: Whatever
attend a private university, pursue a God directs for you to do with your
graduate degree, or marry someone life, without seeking the approval of
with student debt of their own. The your second master (Matthew
pulpits of America and the pioneer 6:24).
regions of the unreached world de-
2. Work while in college. Did you
serve our most qualified workers,
know that students who work 20
but many of them choose a higher
hours or less while in college have a
paying job due to their debt load.
t
higher GPA than those who don?
With an issue this ubiquitous, we
3
work at all? Not only does work
must be sober and honest with
have a net positive effect on stud-
ourselves. Something needs to
change. Let us consider three ies, but it also allows students to
cash-flow a portion of their tuition,
strategies for the missionary can-
reducing their borrowing need.
didate who wants to avoid, or get
Ponder the wisdom found in Acts
out of, student debt.
24:16: ?So I always take pains to
1. Start with community college. have a clear conscience toward
t
No, it isn? the school you always both God and man.? Choose the
dreamed of, but recognize the cost short- term pain of working part-
differential. The average published time while in school to reduce the
risk of that debt hovering over you
years after graduating.
3. Pursue outside assistance. Per-
haps you have already graduated,
and your student debt is keeping
you in bondage (Proverbs 22:7).
Fortunately for you, there are op-
tions. Should God lead you to pur-
sue long-term missions to an un-
Photo by Ryan Born on Unsplash reached people group, there is an