Post-secondary education has been touted as the “way to go” if you want to be successful for years. With all of the information out there about the rise in student loan debt, though, many frugal millennials are choosing to forego college altogether. This route works for many, but some still want the financial and career benefits that come with a post-secondary education. If you are one of those people, you may feel that it is impossible to get into a career without taking on a mountain of debt. It takes a bit of creativity, but it’s possible to get an education while still keeping your budget in tact. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

Choose The Right Industry

Before you can decide how to get an inexpensive education, you need to decide what it is you want to learn. Choosing to work in an industry that does not necessarily require a masters or bachelor’s degree to get started is a great option. You’d be surprised how many careers allow you to get started with only a certificate or an associates degree, which is much more affordable than a bachelor’s. Once you get started, you can continue your education while getting on the job training.

This can show that you are a valuable asset and give you the ability to grow within the company. Many companies even offer to pay for the schooling of their best employees. They fund bachelor’s degrees or higher level certificates in exchange for the employee agreeing to stay with the company for a set period of time. This could make your education essentially free while you continue to climb the career ladder.

Take Online Courses

One of the easiest, least expensive, and most flexible ways to get an education is through online courses. Online schools typically offer a variety of degrees and certificates that can help you succeed in a career path of your choice. If you want to take business administration courses, for example, Training.com offers a full list of certificates and degrees you can obtain.

Online courses can generally save you thousands compared to the overall cost of traditional schools. Since the classes are online, there are no fees usually associated with going to a brick and mortar school such as room and board. Many even offer flexible payment plans so you can pay a little at time over the course of your schooling. The flexible scheduling of online courses also allows you to continue working (and saving) while seeking your education.

Community College

If you find that you prefer to go to school in person, or want a mix of in person and online classes, community college is another great way to get an affordable education. Community colleges are local colleges that are usually state run, unlike larger, private universities. They are much easier to enroll in as the main requirement (at least for lower tuition) is to live within a specified area. Community colleges are traditionally less expensive than larger universities and have more flexible scheduling. Like online courses, they generally offer a variety of certificates and degrees in various career fields.

Some students even use community colleges as a way to save costs on more expensive universities. Some find that they can transfer prerequisite credits to a larger university and continue their education from there. By taking prerequisite classes at a community college, they save money since those basic classes are usually more expensive at a larger university.

Obtaining an education does not have to be a long, financially draining process. There are so many avenues available to help you succeed and find a career that is right for you without breaking the bank. With a little bit of research, access to the best resources, and flexibility, you can have an education and a career you love in no time.