No question about it: Going to college is expensive. Since 1980, the cost of a college education has risen more than twice as fast as the consumer price index.

Most people who send their children to college have been preparing for it for years. However it's done -- investments, savings, gifts or creative financing -- getting money together for college takes plenty of planning.

It's important to start saving for college early, since the inflation for the cost of a college education has been running typically 2-3 percent higher than that of wage inflation.

Fortunately, you're not alone in figuring it out.

The College Entrance Examination Board has named February "Financial Aid and Admissions Awareness Month" to encourage parents and future students to think about paying for college. To get you started, browse these articles from and our partner SmartMoney.com.

You can even use an online calculator to figure out how much college will cost when the student in your family is ready to enroll: Click the calculator picture at right.

The Basics

• Start Saving Right Away
• What Counts In Financial Aid Applications?

Advice From

• How Much Will It Cost? Use This Calculator
• Tax-Wise Ways To Save For College
• 10 Things The College Won't Tell You

The Numbers: Actual Costs

From The College Entrance Examination Board:

• Average Cost Of College
• How Much College Debt Can Parents Afford
• How Much Repaying Student Loan Will Cost For
  • Parents
  • Student

From The Chronicle Of Higher Education:

• Current Tuition At Every Major U.S. College And University