About this item
Beating the College Debt Trap presents students with a better way to do college. The radically counter-cultural truth is that students don't have to be totally dependent on Mom, Dad, or Uncle Sam to get the most out of college. Graduation on a solid financial foundation is possible. But it will require intentionality, creativity, hard work, and a willingness to delay gratification.Chediak gets into the nitty-gritty of how to pay less for college, get meaningful work during college (while setting yourself up for success after college) , pay off any loans quickly, spend less, save more, and stay out of debt for good. He also unpacks how to transition from college into career, honor God while achieving financial independence, and use your finances to make a positive, eternally-significant difference in the lives of others.
About the Author
Born and raised in Chicago, IL, Alex Chediak earned a B.S. Degree at Alfred University in Ceramic Engineering and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Material Science & Engineering from U.C. Berkeley. He worked as an engineer for IBM for three years (1996-1999) . From 2005-2007 he was an apprentice at The Bethlehem Institute (now Bethlehem College and Seminary) , a masters-level theological training program overseen by Pastors John Piper and Tom Steller. During those years, Alex got his start in Christian higher education at Northwestern College. As of 2007, he's been a professor of engineering and physics at California Baptist University.
Alex has enjoyed writing to young adult audiences (mid-teens through twenties) since 2005, having written many articles for Boundless (Focus on the Family) and later for Trak (God's World News) . As a professor, his mission is to help young adults develop their God-given potential so that in all things Jesus Christ might be magnified in them. In addition to his books for students, Beating the College Debt Trap (Zondervan, 2016) and Thriving at College (Tyndale House, 2011) , Alex has written to parents, pastors, and other Christian leaders in magazines such as Christian College Guide (Christianity Today) , Tabletalk (Ligonier Ministries) , and Modern Reformation, and has been featured on Christian radio programs such as Focus on the Family, Family Life Today, and Moody Radio's Midday Connection. Alex also wrote a book for parents, teachers, and youth mentors entitled Preparing Your Teens for College (Tyndale House, 2014) . Alex speaks at conferences, churches, and schools about issues that impact young adults as they grow up, leave the home, and take on the mantle of adulthood.
Alex and his wife Marni have three children, Karis, Jonathan, and Abigail. He enjoys reading, tennis, swimming, and spending time with his family. Learn more at alexchediak.com.
