$120,000 In Debt

As a first generation college student, I had decent grades but no clue how I was going to pay for anything. I heard about loans, but most people I met gave me vague answers or just told me about companies.

So, at 17 years old, I called Sallie Mae and was easily approved for 30,000. Way too easy and way too vague. I continued to borrow progressively less, but felt the squeeze because my college kept giving me less and less financial aid each semester.

I came out with a boat load of private debt and a big chunk of student debt. I have a good career path and hope to make good money, but I really wish I had taken classes at a state school rather than paying the premium costs of private education that didn't get me much more.

Did I get $120,000 worth of education? I don't think so. Was I mislead by all of the fine print and "student loans are good debt" talk of financial aid counselors and representatives? Definitely.