College costs seem to be rising every year, with tuition and fees currently averaging more than $8,000 per year for in-state students at a state school, to more than $20,000 per year for out-of-state students at a state institution, to more than $28,000 per year for private universities. While the long-term benefits of a college degree can outweigh the costs, coming up with the money now, when you need it, can be a challenge.