Finding aid from the government and your college
Looking for outside sources of financial aid? Make sure you fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), and, if your college's financial aid office requires it, the CSS/PROFILE (look under "Resources" for links to both of these). These are both applications that help your college or university to figure out how much financial need you have. You'll find out how the government and college can help you pay for college when you get your financial aid package in the mail.

In your financial aid package you will likely have a combination of grants, loans, and scholarships. If you are offered a "work-study" position, you should take it - this is money that you earn on or off campus through a federal program. It doesn't go directly to your tuition bills, so you can decide how to use the money.

If you are interested in a military program, check under "Resources." There are many different programs that basically help you to pay for college in exchange for serving in the military.

Outside aid
You should also look out for private scholarship opportunities. There are tons of scholarships out there - memorial scholarships, scholarships offered by businesses and institutions, etc. Do your research through your guidance office at school, your community, and the Internet. Under "Resources" you'll find different financial aid search engines that match you to scholarships that you're eligible to apply for. Beware of frauds though; don't apply for any scholarships that require an "entrance fee"!!

Working for a living
Another way to pay for college costs is by earning money yourself! Consider finding a part-time job while you're at college - this can help you to save up money for those tuition bills! At many institutions you can go to school "part-time," reducing your tuition bills and giving you more time to work and earn money. Working over the summer is also a good idea. If you live at home and save up, you can pay a good chunk of your bills come fall.

Ideas at your college
Some colleges have great deals for saving money. If you can, try to work as a "Resident Advisor" at your college (this may be called something else at your college, like "Student Advisor" or "Resident Assistant"). At most state universities and many private colleges, students who work as RA's get either free room and board or a substantial discount. RA's are in charge of keeping order in their dorms and of building community between residents.

If you don't like the food at your school, you might also opt for a room and board plan that doesn't include meals. If you have access to a kitchen or your parents' house, this might save you quite a bit of money. Be careful though - if you opt out of a meal plan and then find yourself cooking out of a mini fridge and microwave, you're going to have some difficulties eating a balanced diet!

Cutting corners
Look out for opportunities to save yourself money. Buy used textbooks (if possible, directly from other students), request fee waivers, find a used computer, bring stuff from home, etc. If you're going to college nearby, consider staying with your family instead of living at the school. It might seem like a drag to your new status as a college student, but you could save a whole lot of money that way!