<prompt> Human: Caught my eye because it talks about people under 40, not 25 or 30. For me this article really emphasizes the crippling effect student loans have on a person at a financially defining stage in life.  <response>: Crippling student loan debts can be avoided several ways: Attend a community college then transfer to a public in-state university. Attend a public in-state university. Obtain as many scholarships and grants as possible. Join the military, serve, and get the Post 911 GI Bill. Attend a trade school. Research jobscareers through BLS.gov and other online job databases. Avoid private universities. Avoid for-profit universities. Avoid worthless online degrees. Avoid low-paying degrees. Borrow what you need and not all at once. Live below your means. Work part time during school or full time during the summer. 