From the time you’re in elementary school, you’re constantly reassured that you can be anything you want when you grow up, if you put your mind to it — whether it be an astronaut, a veterinarian or a Disney princess. It’s not until you start browsing colleges — or, more importantly, looking at college tuition costs — that you realize that following your dreams is no longer as simple as it was when you were seven. It’s more about the size of your wallet than the size of your imagination, nowadays. However, as awful as student debt can be when it accumulates, it’s unreasonable to let it deter you from pursuing your dream school.

For those who lack outstanding academic or athletic ability, myself included, debt seems nearly inevitable. Now, I’m not saying that you should get way in over your head and attend a school that’s out of your means, but don’t settle for a school with a subpar program for your major just because it’s cheaper.

Unfortunately, you get what you pay for. I’ve heard accounts of people who make series of poor decisions which leave them buried by student debt. Regardless, it’s a risk worth taking it if means having the opportunity to study something you genuinely enjoy.

Plus, there are scholarships to alleviate the costs for virtually everyone. Left-handed students, twins and even males who stand over 6 feet, 2 inches tall can receive thousands a year basely solely on their physical characteristics. Essays and applications are no fun, but more time spent working toward scholarships means less time you’ll have to spend paying off your student debt.

No matter what, college is a huge investment. Spending a little more might leave you with debt, but it can quite possibly be accompanied by a career you enjoy.