Beating the College Debt Trap - by Alex Chediak (Paperback)

About the Book

Beating the College Debt Trap presents students with a better way to do college. Chediak, a college professor with a heart for students, gets into the nitty-gritty of how to pay less for college, get work and make money during the college years, pay off any loans quickly, spend less, save more, and stay out of debt for good.

Book Synopsis

Beating the College Debt Trap presents students with a better way to do college. The radically counter-cultural truth is that students don't have to be totally dependent on Mom, Dad, or Uncle Sam to get the most out of college. Graduation on a solid financial foundation is possible. But it will require intentionality, creativity, hard work, and a willingness to delay gratification.

Chediak gets into the nitty-gritty of how to pay less for college, get meaningful workduring college (while setting yourself up for success after college), pay off any loans quickly, spend less, save more, and stay out of debt for good. He also unpacks how to transition from college into career, honor God while achieving financial independence, and use your finances to make a positive, eternally-significant difference in the lives of others.

As a young engineering professor with an aptitude for finances and money management, Chediak has become particularly concerned with the financial health of students, especially in light of the ever increasing costs of college. In Beating the College Debt Trap he helps do something about this problem. He engages, in a friendly manner, the "real world" financial issues that 17-25 year olds face, with clarity, practical help, lots of illustrations, and a little humor, while conveying a distinctly Christian perspective.

Review Quotes

'A persistent myth exists in America that a college degree is a golden ticket to a successful future. If this were ever true, it surely is no longer. As a college professor, I believe wholeheartedly in the value and wisdom of obtaining a college education, but not without asking the kinds of questions Alex Chediak addresses in Beating the College Debt Trap. I urge every prospective college student--as well as every parent of a prospective college student--to read this book.'--Karen Swallow Prior, PhD, author of Fierce Convictions: The Extraordinary Life of Hannah More: Poet, Reformer, Abolitionist

'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 Chediak's 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 don't want to waste a decade languishing in student debt, this is the book.'--Zac Bissonnette, New York Times bestselling author of Debt-Free U

'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 What's Best Next

'As a parent with two teens just starting college, I can't 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

'Beating the College Debt Trap is a strong, practical guide for thinking wisely through the significant questions about college, career, and vocation. The message is that these decisions are pre-life decisions, not just pre-wealth decisions. Alex's book makes a strong contribution to the college and career discussion and is a worthy read for teenagers and their parents, as well as for teachers and guidance counselors.'--Derek Keenan, EdD, vice president of academic affairs at the Association of Christian Schools International

'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

'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

'With the cost of higher education going up far faster than the rate of inflation, it's 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. I'm one such parent, and I plan to take his advice.'--Jay W. Richards, PhD, New York Times bestselling author and assistant research professor at The Catholic University of America

'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 let's just put that worry to rest: Yes, it's worth it--and it's 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 there's 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, it's 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