Emma Gutierrez: While the cost of a college education continues to rise, so does the value of a college degree. It can be easy to find help for college funding if you know what steps to take. Here are five tips to help you pay at the college.

Your parents can help. Parents impact their student's financial aid in many ways. Their employers can be a source of education A or scholarships. If parents served in the military, students might be able to take advantage of veteran's benefits in the form of a scholarship.

Consider low-cost or free financial aid options. Fees may include Grants, Scholarships and Work study programs. What about Federal student loans? Parents and students often think that federal assistance is available only to those who are struggling to make ends meet. However many students qualified for Federal loans, regardless of family income.

Private Student loans can also be an option. Private student loans are offered by private lenders such as banks and are intended to cover educational cost including tuition, books and living expenses. They are credit based, so undergraduate students may get better terms by having a cosigner.

When it comes to financing your education, be sure to look at all of your options including grants and scholarships. When selecting a student loan, make sure you've made careful comparisons among all your options and try not to borrow too much. To repay your student loans, try to keep your monthly student loan payment at 10% or less, of the net monthly income, you plan to earn after you finished school.

If you keep your student loans at a manageable level, you can earn your degree and be on your way to achieving your financial goals.