Our Story
Real students.
real results.
No Debt Degree is a mission-driven organization dedicated to simplifying the postsecondary education process for students and families.
Through our presentations and services, students and families explore college affordability options, find free money for college, and feel empowered to make the right academic and financial fit for education after high school.
With over twenty years of experience in the postsecondary access space, our team is ready to support your school or organization in providing critical resources to students.
As Seen On
Hosting the Real Talk Series for Students and Families with The College Board
Queenstar Akrong and College Board hosted another ‘Real Talk’ virtual conference series providing information to help Black students and families prepare for their transition to college.
Our Founder
Queenstar Akrong,
CEO & Founder
Hello I'm Queenstar!
Thank you for joining the No Debt Degree movement to help families in the critical time of preparing for life after high school.
I started No Debt Degree because after struggling to pay for my college education and accruing over $50k in student loan debt, I wanted to create a platform to educate families on the financial investment a postsecondary education requires. I never want another student to go through my experience and believe students should have the right to enjoy postsecondary education with as little financial stress as possible.
I've worked in college and career access space for over a decade including most recently at The College Board leading postsecondary access initiatives for underrepresented students and managing national outreach for a $25 million scholarship program.
I am a Founding Member and Host of the Real Talk College Series, the largest virtual college exploration experience created for black students. As of date, Real Talk has reached over 50,000 students across the world.
Prior to my role at the College Board, I worked in the Office of Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi. I received a B. A in Political Science and International Affairs from Notre Dame of Maryland University and a Master’s in Education Entrepreneurship from the University of Pennsylvania.
Are you ready to join the movement? Follow our social media pages to learn more, sign up for our newsletters to stay up to date, and use the form below to bring our award-winning presentations to your school or organization.
Thank you for joining us on this journey!
Testimonials
“No Debt Degree helped explain the college financial aid process to our 6-12 grade families, helping us create a culture of early planning and awareness building on college costs. This presentation had the highest number of attendees for any of our digital literacy events."
-Kelly King
Former Partnerships Director
Brooklyn Laboratory Charter School
" I was the first in my family to attend college and I was unsure of where to begin with the affordability process. Working with the No Debt Degree team, I received over $62,000 in additional aid. Their presentations and support during my senior year were critical to my success. I felt supported throughout the whole journey. I couldn't have done it without them.”
-Sydni B.
Rising Senior
University of Virginia
