I have three tips:

 

First - Avoid for profit universities like the University of Phoenix and Ashford University.  They spend more on marketing than they do on teachers.  And sadly it's working out pretty well for them.  Though their enrollment numbers are starting to drop.  A degree from such a college is often worthless.  And their recruitment strategies are often despicable.

 

Second - Find if you qualify for financial aid that you don't have to pay back.  A friend of mine started college, and she was paying it on her own.  However she later found out she qualified for $1000/semester because her father was killed in action.  There's all kinds of these loans available, it's worth it to look and see if you qualify for any.  


Third - Consider starting at community college, and taking classes that will transfer with a plan in mind.  That's what my wife did.  She took several classes at community college because we couldn't afford to take out big loans.  Eventually she transferred to a four year college, and graduated (and is now on her way to getting her masters after working as a teacher for 7 years) .  It helped by having a plan, and knowing what would transfer and what would not.  You want to go in with a plan to attend a four year college.


Of course this advice will only really help those who don't already have debt.  It's unfortunate that our college system is becoming so expensive, and college is becoming more and more mandatory for those who wish to enter the job market (for networking as well)

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