In an age of credit cards and lay-away, it seems the easiest way to get by is to take now and pay later. The federal government has mastered that trick.

But NIU students are no different. When applying for loans, students are asked whether they want a Guaranteed Student Loan or work-study.

Work-study is a federally-funded program in which students who qualify work for their funds. The federal government pays 80 percent of their wages. However, most students opt for loans rather than work.

A loan seems, at first glance, to be an easier option. The interest is cheaper than most commercial loans, and the payments do not start until after graduation. A loan also provides the full amount up-front.

Work-study requires that the student work for the money. The advantage here is that the funds do not have to be paid back—ever. Work study funds are regular also. The funds come in the form of a regular paycheck rather than a lump sum.

While work-study seems to be somewhat of a burden in the short run, it is well worth it later on.

It is a shame that more students do not opt for work study. At least 50 work-study jobs are vacant this semester because not enough students who qualify want the jobs. They opted for loans instead.

The problem is that more and more students are graduating from college burdened with heavy debts. The college loans have to be paid off immediately after graduation. A time when most adults start new loans for cars and houses. It seems the best option is to work now and go in debt later.