<prompt> Human: Hi Reddit!So Im a 21 year old whos currently about to finish up his sophomore year at a Massachusetts community college. So far Ive basically just been taking classes as I can afford to, working approximately full time between two jobs so no benefits and living at home as a dependant. I currently have no school debt whatsoever and will have an associates degree in Business by the end of this Spring semester.My question is; what is the best way to move forward without getting totally annihilated by student loans? How should I pay them down once I do have them? I know this is a really general question, but I think its one lots of people in my age group - 4 years are wondering.Thank you so much for any responses!A bit more info: Ill probably be heading to a State school as Massachusetts has some pretty good programs for transferring students. Im familiar with MassTransfer happy to answer questions about it! but it really only effects tuition. Basically, Im looking for the tips you guys would give to your own kidsfriends having already gone through all this. My parents arent very helpful in this situation as they attended universities before it was necessary to sell your future to corporate America to be able to afford them.  <response>: It sounds like you are off to a good start by using a community college to save money and avoiding debt so far. What are the tuition and other expenses at the colleges you are looking at? What is your intended major?You should see student loans as a leveraged investment in your future earnings. Make sure you are making a good investment in yourself by studying hard and selecting a field where you will be successful. Consider working while you are in school to reduce the amount you borrow, but be careful about spending so much time working that your grades suffer to the point that your future income will be reduced. 