I earned my bachelor's on a cash free basis. I went to community college for as long as it took me to transfer to university. Community colleges are a lot less expensive. I know this sounds weird, but I worked my way through college and lived very frugally...and when I was done, I didn't have any large debt hanging over my head. It took me longer to graduate than most, but it was well worth it. I also took 3 summer classes that were online. It was a little more expensive to do that where I was it, but the classes were easy and I could do it in my underware in front of the computer. One fellow I know worked at Chili's as a bartender and paid for his college with cash also - even though his rich daddy lawyer offered to pay for it. I think earning your way through college shows determination, responsibility and focus - a great thing to have on your resume when you go to land that first all-important job in your field. It can be done and I am living proof of it - I only graduated 7 years ago and had 2 children during my school years.