1. Apply for scholarships.  Use a search-engine, buy a book or talk to admissions faculty at your college or a counselor at your high school.  There are many scholarships available for people from all different backgrounds and for specific majors.  The more detailed the requirements, the better your chances.

2. Research grants.  This is free money provided for college by different organizations.  The requirements are similar to scholarships; some are need-based, some are major-specific while others may be for a specific gender or race.

3. Say yes to Uncle Sam!  Military organizations often pay for part or all of your college admissions.  Besides the Navy and Army, don't forget to check out ROTC programs, Reserves and the National Guard.

4. Need-based aid is available to students who meet financial constraint requirements. Most colleges provide need-based aid; ask your college if you need to apply for these funds or if they are allocated automatically.  Also, make sure to fill out a FAFSA (federal financial aid) form every year. 

5. Federal loans are also available upon completion of the FAFSA.  The application is processed to offer you a certain loan amount through the government.  These are at much lower interest rates than private loans.  You do not have to pay these back until 6 months after you graduate or discontinue full-time study.

6. Private loans, which consist of money borrowed from a bank, are at higher interest rates than federal loans.  You have the option of deferring your loan or beginning repayment immediately.  There are many different lenders so research carefully.

7. Sometimes parents will borrow money on their home-equity to pay for their child's schooling.  A second mortgage or a home equity loan is generally at a lower interest rate than any student loan available but may fluctuate with the market.  This may or may not be the best option for you so consider it carefully.

8. Most colleges offer work-study programs that allow students to work on campus to earn some money towards college.  This is a good supplemental method but probably will not pay for your full tuition.

9. Employment is an option that involves a lot of dedication.  You can get a part-time job, a full-time job or just work summers.  This can help pay for college also, but many students find it hard to work and go to school so evaluate your schedule closely.

10. Another option is tuition payment plans but this is a short-term option.  Most colleges will allow you to split your semester payment in some way, perhaps monthly, so that you don't have to come up with a large lump sum at one time.