Chediak - Beating the college debt trap getting a degree without going broke

Alex Chediaks latest book is much better than mine. Easy to read, immensely practical, and deeply empowering, it cuts through the fog of how paying for college works, how you can get the most value for your money, and how you can land on your feet after graduation. If you dont want to waste a decade languishing in student debt, this is the book.

Zac Bissonnette,New York Times bestselling author of Debt-Free U

Far too many high school graduates take out college loans before realizing they have unwittingly subjected themselves to years of crippling debt. Alex Chediak feels their pain, and he has written a practical primer for helping to avoid the college debt trap. Before you head to college before you even decide whether or not to attend college you need to read this book!

Jim Daly, president of Focus on the Family

The author wants you to take college debt seriously very seriously. After the first couple of chapters, you will feel youve been through college finance boot camp. But do not mistake the authors take no prisoners approach against unthoughtful college financial planning as a lack of support for college as a whole or for necessary college debt. After reading this book, you will never be naive or uninformed about the why of college costs or how to understand the financing of this important investment an investment the author finds worthy. But you must bring, to use his words, planning, grit, determination, and consistency to the process. Once he asserts that poor upfront understanding and planning lead to some long-term remorse, his tone softens as he recommends college choice websites and demystifies government loans, institutional merit aid, and private loan options. His chapters on how to choose a major and how to make the most of a college experience, including through college jobs and internships, are right on the money. Every college student should read this advice sometime during their college career. I particularly liked his suggestion that students tithe and save from the get-go instead of waiting until that first real job. Lastly, his advice on postcollege life is what every parent wishes they could tell their son or daughter. The sergeant turned into the wise uncle. Good read. Worth every penny.

Shirley Hoogstra, president of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU)

Debt is one of the greatest enemies of the Great Commission. Alex Chediak knows the danger full well and offers a wealth of wisdom in this timely book.

Dr. R. Albert Mohler Jr., president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Reducing the cost of attendance should be a top priority for every university. Reading this book and following its solid advice should be a top priority for every potential college student.

Mitchell E. Daniels, president of Purdue University and former governor of Indiana

As an English and Communications major, I never took a math class in college. And I didnt think I could ever understand financial matters. But this book made it easy! Alex Chediak explains budgeting, loans, and finances in a simple way while also giving practical advice to help me be wise with my money.

Kellie Carstensen, North Park University, class of 2014

Follow Alex Chediaks sound advice and graduate from college with minimal debt.

Marvin Olasky, editor-in-chief of WORLD magazine

Worried that college may no longer be worth the cost? With student debt topping a trillion dollars these days, lots of parents and students are. So lets just put that worry to rest: Yes, its worth it and its not even close. A four-year degree has possibly never been more valuable. But going headlong into debilitating debt is not worth it. The solution? Read Beating the College Debt Trap. Sparing no punches, Alex Chediak comes at the subject both as a student and college professor. He knows his stuff. If theres just one book you read about how to navigate the murky waters of paying for a college education, this should be it. I promise you, its a motivating and inspiring read. Parents, give it to your kids. Kids, leave a copy on the kitchen table maybe your parents will pick it up and learn something.

Mary Hunt, author and founder, Debt-Proof Living

Its no secret that todays students are making dumb decisions when it comes to choosing a college, paying for it, and deciding what to do once they get there. But no more. Armed with Beating the College Debt Trap, young adults and their parents can score a rockin education without doing time in debtors prison. Alex Chediak proves its possible. Every teen and college student needs this book.

Lisa Anderson, director of young adults and Boundless.org, host of The Boundless Show, Focus on the Family

As a college student, I never had to think about debt. For most students, those days are over. Fortunately, Alex Chediak has given us an easy-to-follow road map on avoiding the college debt trap that is both insightful and fun to read. You will come away feeling both equipped and inspired. Best of all, he shows how the ultimate aim of minimizing debt is to maximize not our own wealth but our freedom to serve others in creative ways without hindrance.

Matt Perman, author of Whats Best Next

Alex Chediak does it again. He gives wise, user-friendly advice for students in high school and college (and their parents) for how to graduate from college without crippling debt. This book makes me even more grateful for colleges that do everything they can to serve students by keeping tuition low.

Dr. Andy Naselli, assistant professor of New Testament and biblical theology at Bethlehem College and Seminary

Alex Chediaks book warns prospective college students about the many pitfalls and traps associated with borrowing to pay for a college education.

Mark Kantrowitz, senior vice president and publisher at Edvisors.com

As a parent with two teens just starting college, I cant describe how thankful I am for this timely book and its beautiful but rare balance of realistic optimism. I pray that many students (and parents) will use this book not only to avoid the multiple college debt traps that have ensnared so many unsuspecting victims but also to make the decisions that will help students to thrive in every way.

David Murray, professor at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, pastor at Grand Rapids Free Reformed Church, and author of Jesus on Every Page

Alex has given us an indispensable field guide to escaping the insanity of the current college debt problem. A treasure trove of practical wisdom and tactics. This is going on my must-read list for our churchs youth and parent ministry.

Matt Heerema, pastor of Stonebrook Church

Alex has gifted us with a great resource for college students and parents to realistically tackle their financial future and be mindful of the life God has in store for them.

Laurie Polich Short, author of Finding Faith in the Dark

A college education with little or no debt the seemingly impossible dream for todays students. Heres how to make it happen.

Dr. Peter W. Wood, president of the National Association of Scholars

With the cost of higher education going up far faster than the rate of inflation, its easy for a student to take on crippling debt for no good reason. Alex Chediak has done the detailed research, thought long and hard about this problem, and provides an accessible and trustworthy guide for getting the most bang for the buck. If you are a current or future college student, or a parent of such a student, you owe it to yourself, and to your wallet, to read this book. Im one such parent, and I plan to take his advice.

Jay W. Richards,