For many students, paying for college can be a difficult task. However, you don't need to be rich or have a healthy college fund at your disposal in order to finance your college career. There are several options available to students who don't think that they can afford a college education.

(1) Consider your options. There are a great many very reputable universities that won't have you paying back students loans for the rest of your life in order to attend. Remember that the most expensive school does not always equal the best school. Do your research and find a school that possesses all of the qualities, technologies and degree programs that you are interested in and decide whether tuition is reasonable considering your financial situation.

(2) Start saving for college as early as possible. Don't count on your parents to start a college fund for you. Start your own by saving money received as birthday gifts or a percentage of your earnings at an after-school job. Even if you can only deposit a little money at a time, it will add up eventually. If you or your parents know anything about investing, you might want to consider putting the money in a low-risk fund.

(3) If your high school graduation is just days away and you haven't saved a penny towards your college education, don't panic. You still have the option of financial aid. Financial aid is awarded based on financial need, and in most cases both of your parents' incomes will be factored in when need is assessed. This is one instance in which you can be thankful if your parents don't make a lot of money.

However, even if you think your parents make too much money for you to qualify, apply anyways. It doesn't take a lot of time or effort and it's worth a shot, even if you are only awarded a few hundred dollars. Nowadays, you can conveniently fill out and sign your financial aid form (FAFSA) online, so there's no excuse for not applying. There are several forms of financial aid available, including federal grants (which you are not required to pay back) and student loans (which you will be required to pay back after graduation). Pay attention to deadlines and make sure that you turn your application in with time to spare.

When you're young and broke, it's easy to look upon student loans as free money. The "real world" of the future seems so far off as a college student, but you will be wearing that cap and gown again before you know it. While nearly every college student needs to take out

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