These four alternatives can reduce the amount you need to borrow, easing the burden of student loan debt after you graduate. 1. Scholarships and grants. On top of the scholarships and grants offered by your school and government agencies, you can also find opportunities for free aid from private organizations. And look into smaller scholarships, a few hundred dollars here and there can quickly add up. 2. Part-time job. A part-time job may not be ideal if you’re a full-time student, but it can supplement your day-to-day spending so you don’t have to borrow as much to cover smaller expenses. 3. Income share agreements. Schools and lenders are starting to offer income share agreements as an alternative to student loans. Rather than pay interest, you promise to pay a percentage of your income for a few years after you graduate. 4. Crowdfunding. If you have a large social network or generous family members, you might want to look into crowdfunding a portion of your college expenses. When creating your campaign, adding information about your career goals and volunteer experience might entice more people to contribute.