Apply for as many scholarships as you can. Every bit of extra and free money adds up, so look at your high school to see if they give away any money. Talk to your guidance counselor for more opportunities. There are hundreds of scholarships out there, including ones specifically for left-handed people and for good friends (seriously). Most scholarships require a bit of paperwork work and a short essay, but the same essay can often be used for a number of scholarships. Consider scholarship-hunting a full-time job and talk to everyone you know. Even getting $100 is worth an hour of your time.
Don't give up on the scholarship search once you are in college. Keep an eye out for scholarships for students attending college--they are out there (see Resources below).
Taking out loans is the most common way to pay for college. You can defer loans paying loans after graduation to a certain extent, but watch out for high interest rates. Sallie Mae and many banks offer loans in both small and large amounts (see Resources below). You can take out loans to pay for housing, tuition and books. There are federal and personal loans, so talk to your parents or financial overseers to find out the best option for you.
Look around your state at your public schools. They often have great discounts for in-state students, and they have the bonus of being close to a home-cooked meal and free laundry. Many public schools have a great reputation for excellence, and some are well known for particular programs, so do some digging and find the best fit for you. While a state school may not be your first choice, it might be right in your price range.
Apply for the federal work study program with your FAFSA form (see Resources below). Work study students are paid to work at school jobs by the federal government. Most work study students are put in school offices to answer phones, and many work study jobs allow students to do their homework. It is up to you to use that money to pay for school, but a work study job can also be a good way to have extra pocket cash.
The earlier you start saving for college, the more money you will have for it. If you are a parent expecting a child or a student entering high school, start tucking $20 to $60 into a high interest savings account to start earning money on your money. If you start when you are young, you will have thousands of dollars in your account, and that is money you won't have to pay back.