The rate will be slightly higher than you would get on a first mortgage so some caution must be followed before you decide that a home equity loan is solution to your debt problems.

The interest on your home equity loan is tax deductible. This gives you an even better opportunity to get rid of your debt. Once you factor in savings from your tax deductible interest payments you will see that cumulative interest that you pay for borrowing is even less.

A home equity loan is not without risk It is often said that best way to get out of debt, is to stay out of debt. If you cannot pay off new debt that is now secured with your real property, you can lose your home. A home equity loan is a temporary proposition and must be approached in such a manner.

If you are overwhelmed and overextended, only a long term financial strategy that includes budgeting, paying off existing debts and possibly increasing your income can really lead to a debt free lifestyle.

Start out in a community college Most towns and cities have two-year community colleges where you can take your basic courses at less cost than at a four-year college or university. Just investigate to make sure your community college credits will transfer.

Take advantage of Work-Study programs If you qualify for federal work-study program, take advantage of it! You will have an on-campus job, possibly in your field of study.

Or work for school Many colleges give discounted or free tuition to employees and their family members. There are lots of non-teaching jobs on campus that you can apply for.

Live frugally Live at home or get a roommate. Avoid expensive spring break trips. Buy used textbooks, and sell your books at end of semester.

I already have a loan. Now what? If you have a federal student loan, it is possible to have your loan debt discharged (canceled) or reduced, under certain specific circumstances:

You die or become totally and permanently disabled Your school closed before you could complete your program You work in certain designated public school service professions (such as teaching in a low-income school) You file for bankruptcy (only if bankruptcy court rules that repayment would cause undue hardship.) As you can see, there are many steps to avoiding or relieving college debt. To best manage your debt it is wise to implement a combination of strategies listed above that work best for you.

This article is distributed by NextStudent. At NextStudent, we believe that getting an education is best investment you can make, and we're dedicated to helping you pursue your education dreams by making college funding as easy as possible. We invite you to learn more about how to avoid college debt at www.NextStudent.com .