I joined the military to get out a bad family situation, after a tour in Iraq I was considered financially independent on the FAFSA due to my veteran status. That designation, in combination with my veteran education benefits, allowed me to pay for school.

While I am thankful it worked out for me, I know this is not a route open to everyone. Unless your family has the financial means (or you get a great scholarship), I am not sure there are many ways to go to college without getting into significant debt.