[ThisWillDestroyYou]

Depending on your major, the pell grant and federal loans are a good option. Pell grants should shave a few thousand off ever semester, and student loans have a really low interest that doesn't start acquiring until you graduate. There's also many ways to get the loans forgiven. If you're entirely worried about cost, go to a community college your first couple years. It will save a lot of money, and you get the same education in a smaller classroom. It's definitely the way to go. The overall debt shouldn't be a big deal depending on your major. The rule of thumb is to not take out more loans then your first year salary. So if it's estimated that your major starts at 50K year, don't take out more than that. It seems like a lot, but in the long scheme of things spending the tens of thousands ends up earning you a lot of money in the long run. Think of it this way, people blow money on cars that cost 3x your education. Don't let finances worry you until you graduate. Keep an eye on them, but don't stress it.