The following are some facts and figures about the costs of a college education and how "free" money can help reduce the overall amount you have to pay.

Did you know

• Very few students pay the full cost of a college education. Most students receive some form of financial aid.
• At four-year public colleges and universities, more than 60% of full-time students receive some type of financial aid.
• At four-year private colleges and universities, more than 75% of students receive some form of financial aid.

Above all, when looking for money for college, start with sources of free money first.

Here are a couple of tips for you to remember

• Learn as much as you can about financial aid and how the financial aid system works. The more you know, the better.
• Apply for financial aid, whether or not you think you will get it. Don't assume that you don't qualify for financial aid.
• Start your scholarship search as early as possible. Some scholarships have early deadlines or offer preference to those applicants who apply early.