College tuition is on the rise and is a trend that will likely continue. State colleges and universities are being hit with a double whammy. Enrollment is rising while states are reducing their funding, making it difficult for many to attend college. Even through public colleges and universities remain one of the best investments around. Currently the average public four- year college education costs less than half of what average American home costs.

Here are a few ideas to help those students who are interested in attend college, but may not be financially set. Tiffany Przybyla plans to attend school in Texas at Alvin community college and will later attend the University of Houston. Choosing to attend a community college is a great way to save money. Most community college tuition is about 1,000 dollars a year which is a break in comparison to the average cost for attending a large university which runs about 25,000 a year.

Amy Chapa plans to attend UAA. Choosing to stay at home gives you the advantage to save money because you donÕt have to worry about out of state tuition and you have the comfort of being around your family.

Mr. Ghram suggests that students create a scholarship folder that goes out into the community. A scholarship folder gives you the opportunity to showcase your high school achievements for local organizations in your community that offer donations and scholarships.

The costs of college tuition will probably keep increasing, so if you are interested in attending college do not get discouraged there is money available, it does require planning and research.