From work study to meal plans, here’s how college students can avoid debt

Summary by The Midland Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Rachel DePompa, KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) · July 23, 2026 · 2 min read

( InvestigateTV ) — As students head to college, a personal finance expert says knowing how to handle money early can prevent significant debt down the road. Kionnie Epps, founder of the YouTube channel The Responsible Homegirl, said one of the most overlooked financial realities for college stud...

Why this matters in The Midland

In Midland, where the cost of living can be relatively high, college students need to be especially mindful of their finances to avoid debt. For students attending local colleges, taking advantage of work study programs or on-campus jobs can be a crucial step in earning money while managing a class schedule. The flexibility offered by campus employers can be particularly beneficial, allowing students to balance work and academic responsibilities. Additionally, being deliberate about spending, such as splitting costs with roommates or using the meal plan, can help students make the most of their limited disposable income. As Kionnie Epps notes, the habits formed during college tend to carry over after graduation, making it even more important for Midland students to develop good financial habits early on. By prioritizing financial responsibility and exploring available resources, local college students can set themselves up for long-term financial success.

About this story

Original reporting by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). The Midland surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page.

For the complete original report, visit KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom.

Category: schools · Published: July 23, 2026 · Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) · Reading time: 2 min

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This article was first published on July 23, 2026 by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) and curated for The Midland readers.

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This story was reported by Rachel DePompa at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). To learn more about how The Midland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards.

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Summary created by	The Midland Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed
Original reporting	Rachel DePompa, KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)
Original story	Read at the source
Source published	Jul 23, 2026
Indexed here	Jul 23, 2026
AI assistance	Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text
Prepublication human review	No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples

From work study to meal plans, here’s how college students can avoid debt

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