For Mikaya McClain, Avoiding Loan Debt Meant Planning and Discipline
Mikaya McClain built her education around a plan that focused on balance, budgeting and big-picture thinking. She earned her NIU Health Sciences degree—with zero college loan debt to her name.
“I didn’t want the extra stress of loan payments,” McClain said.
How did she do it?
From the beginning, McClain approached college with a practical mindset. She knew that avoiding debt would take careful planning and daily discipline, so she focused on applying only to schools she could afford.
To help pay for school, McClain relied on financial aid, local grants and scholarships (including from her church), and the federal work-study program, taking a job at Founders Memorial Library while balancing her classes. Later, she added a second part-time job that allowed her to earn extra income without sacrificing her studies. And throughout her college journey, she had the support of her family.
“My mom has helped me the most; she always told me the one thing she wanted was for me to graduate without worrying about financials,” McClain said. “We split bills and made payments together, and when I came up short, she helped. Financial aid and scholarships also made a big difference. At most, I only had to pay about $2,000 out of pocket each year.”
Looking ahead, McClain plans to pursue graduate school and become a nurse. By finishing her undergraduate degree without debt, she’s setting herself up for greater freedom and flexibility as she takes the next step in her education.
“Graduating without debt makes it easier for me to go to grad school,” she said. “I can save for my master’s degree instead of worrying about past payments. It’s a big mental relief.”
Mikaya McClain’s journey offers valuable lessons for other Huskies who hope to follow in her footsteps. Her advice centers on discipline, resourcefulness and remembering that NIU offers many tools to help students succeed.
“Never spend more than you can afford,” she advised. “Use the resources NIU provides like scholarships, the food pantry and mental health services. Surround yourself with positive influences who care about your education. Stay grounded, take time for yourself, and remember that saving money doesn’t mean missing out. It means setting yourself up for freedom later.”
“Stay grounded, take time for yourself, and remember that saving money doesn’t mean missing out. It means setting yourself up for freedom later.”
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