I took the tradesmen route and built homes for a living. I am a master builder. No debt, make my own hours and have no mortgage on my two homes with no loans, car payments, etc. Been self employed all my life except a few scattered years doing cad work.

I am semi retired at 59.

I can't imaging having student debt that takes 30 years to pay down.

The education system is grossly over paid. That's where all the debt is from.