Attending college is incredibly expensive. For starters, you'll have to cover tuition costs, which are often thousands of dollars a semester — even at public schools. You'll also have fees, books, required supplies and technology each semester. Here are a few tips to help you better manage your finances and pay for your education.

1. Build a Realistic Budget

Unfortunately, many students do not have a great grasp of money management. This can lead to poor planning and overspending, which lands many young people in debt. Building a budget is an important first step to avoiding those pitfalls.

There are countless templates and approaches to developing a budget, so you should have no trouble finding a system that works for you. However, you should remember that the most crucial aspect of your budget is that it is realistic for your income and expenses. You may need to look at making adjustments, such as a student loan refinance program, to manage your finances more effectively.

2. Apply for Scholarships

Since they do not need to be repaid, scholarships should always be among your first choices when it comes to paying for college. Most have minimum criteria applicants must meet for consideration, such as studying a certain field, maintaining a pre-determined GPA or an application essay. A few places that routinely offer scholarships for college expenses include:

• Individual schools

• Employers

• Membership organizations

• Trade associations

• State or local governments

3. Fill Out the FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the key to unlocking multiple doors when it comes to paying for college. You will gain access to scholarships, grants, and subsidized loans with a single form.

Many of the funds you can access through the FAFSA do not require repayment. They are basically free money for school, so it would be foolish to pass on the opportunity. The FAFSA also links directly to your chosen school's financial aid office, so you can be screened for any need-based aid they may offer.

4. Talk To Your Shcool's Financial Aid Office

Speaking of your school's financial aid office, now is a great time to schedule an appointment with someone there. A quick glance at tuition and other fees that make up your estimated cost of attendance can really bring home how expensive a college degree is to obtain. However, there are often many opportunities to get that total down to a more manageable level.

The school financial aid office staff knows where things can flex and give. They can also help you find the best ways to pay any remaining amounts.

5. Ask Your Employer About Assistance Programs

If you are currently working, stop by the HR office and ask about educational assistance programs. A growing number of companies are offering this benefit, and yours may be among them. Some employers pay a part of college tuition and others will help you repay student loans. Others may have agreements with certain schools for discounted tuition, which can really make a difference in how much you owe.

A hidden benefit of workplace education assistance is knowing your employer supports your decision to return to school. So, when you ask questions like what is a customer data platform, management knows you are growing and taking an increased interest in how things work. This could open doors for advancement down the line.

6. Look Into Assistantships and Work Study

Finally, don't underestimate the value of an assistantship or work-study position. While these jobs often seem trivial, they provide real-world experience that employers look for. They are a great option for students who can't afford to take an unpaid internship. This is especially true if you can find a position in your major department or one that is closely related. A few examples include working in registration for a business major, tutoring for an education major or working in the fitness center as an athletic trainer major.

College is expensive, but there are numerous programs to help you pay for it. Start with a solid budget and then fill out the FAFSA. From there, explore grants, scholarships, loans and work opportunities that can help you cover tuition and related costs.