Gracie is a May 2021 graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a B.S. in computer science. She managed to work and pay off her student loans while still in college.

What kind of loans did you take out?

I took out subsidized loans.

Why did you decide to take out student loans?

I took out loans because I decided to attend two summers of classes to graduate early. My regular scholarships did not apply for summer terms.

How did you manage to pay off your student loans while still in school?

I paid off my loans by working through school. I became an intern for USAble Life in 2019, so I was able to bring in some money while going to school. I also live with my parents, so I do not have added living expenses, such as rent or even groceries. I started working full time once the pandemic hit. I was able to save while working from home.

What advice would you offer to students considering taking out student loans?

My advice would be to try to only take out subsidized loans so they don’t gain interest until you’re out of college, and to only take out what you need. Just because they offer it doesn’t mean you need to take it all. Also, save while you’re in college if you can to help pay them off.