Don’t be fooled by all the negative attention student loans are getting.  Student loans are not BAD.  Being irresponsible with them are.  The reality is, there’s TRILLIONS of dollars in free financing to be had in the college process.  These are the killers.  The lack of planning, lack of knowledge, being lazy and distracted.   You must learn what money sources are available and apply strategies to position yourself to attract it to you.