The challenge of financing a college education today is not getting any easier.

The number of college applicants is escalating even as tuition costs outpace inflation, student-aid sources continue to shrink and heightened degree requirements extend the time it takes to get a bachelor's degree to beyond four years.

Paying for a college education may be getting more difficult, but money should never keep a student from higher education. There's plenty available, so don't let navigating through the maze of college financing overwhelm you.

In this Bankrate.com College Financing Guide, you'll find a wealth of information on long-term savings plans and opportunities, student loans, scholarships and grants, working your way through school and how to best spend the college fund you've accumulated.

10 priciest … and cheapest … colleges -- Some of them may surprise you.

College costs keep going up -- A weak economy -- and tightening belts at the state level -- means higher tuition bills.

First steps for the unprepared -- Whether you've been saving for years or haven't set aside a dime, there are immediate steps you can take to take the sting out of college costs.

More

The truth about prepaid tuition plans -- A prepaid tuition plan lets you purchase units of tuition for a state college or university at today's prices.

6 myths about Coverdell accounts -- This education savings account plan can be an excellent way to save, but there are risks and limitations to understand before investing.

Instead of air miles, earn education dollars -- Now you can help finance your kid's schooling when you use your credit card.

More

All-important form is very first step -- A FAFSA form must be completed if you want your student to be eligible for federal and state aid.

How to select your top aid package -- The choices are difficult to compare and can depend on personal factors. But help is available online.

10 answers for student loan borrowers -- Here are the answers to the 10 most common questions about student loans.

More

Scholarships for average Joes -- Thousands of dollars in scholarship money are available each year for those who don't happen to be among the academic elite.

With scholarships, sweat the small stuff -- Those smaller awards can really add up, and there's less competition for them.

17 smart ways to shop scholarships -- It's like entering the lottery, but you can improve your odds of winning.

More

Good deeds get rewarded -- Good things happen to good people, they say, and it's particularly true when it comes to student loans.

Dorm-room business can launch career -- You can help pay for college and have a lot of fun running an online business out of your dorm room.

9 things to know about work-study -- It can help pay the bills, but it can also eat up a lot of time.

More

Busted: 6 myths about in-state tuition eligibility -- Thinking about pulling a quick state-residency switch to get a tuition break? You'd better think again.

12 got-to-have gadgets for today's student -- A boom box and a mini-fridge just don't cut it in today's high-tech dorm rooms.

Getting an e-education -- Students like the lack of geographical and time constraints. But an e-degree can be costly. Be sure to do your homework before signing on.

More