The costs associated with going to college continue to skyrocket, rising much faster than wages. Pursuing financial aid can be convoluted and overwhelming. What's a college-bound student to do? This book demystifies the process of paying for college by summarizing the aid and financing options available including scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans. By assessing your family's situation and taking advantage of opportunities offered by the federal government, your state, your college, and the private sector, you can develop creative strategies to finance your higher-education goals and pay off any loans as quickly as possible. Whether you're tackling the standard FAFSA form or applying for lesser-known scholarships, this guide will help you find ways to advance your education without going into crushing student-loan debt.