With so many college graduates burdened by debt, it’s important to ensure that their investment pays off.

I believe that today’s graduates are on the verge of suffering through another economic bubble poised to burst – a college-debt bubble.Too many graduates will owe more for their education than they can afford to pay back. According to the Wall Street Journal, 2016 college graduates broke the debt record, leaving college today with an average debt of $37,172.  With so many graduates burdened by debt, it’s important to make a plan ensuring their investment pays off.

I believe parents and students need to seek experienced counsel before going into debt. Proverbs 15:22 notes, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”

Get Counsel on Your Best Skills. We are all “fearfully and wonderfully made” by a loving God who intended us to accomplish His purposes on this earth. Crown has developed Career Direct as an assessment tool to understand a person’s unique gifts and talents, the true foundation of a career. Getting wise career counseling before and during college will make a significant difference in costs and the long-term return on your investment.

Get Counsel from Working Professionals. Having identified a career you’re interested in and chosen a field of study, network with people in your chosen field. Consider that the disciples were called by Jesus himself into ministry yet they spent three years being trained by their Master. A career takes time, experience and a lot of good advice to develop even when you are on the right track. 

Get Counsel from Those Who Care for You. And most importantly, remember to spend time in prayer. That will make all the difference as you seek direction