9 ways to attend college for free

"Tuition waivers may be available for (current or former) military and talented students," says Manuel Fabriquer, founder of College Planning ABC, a financial aid and admissions counseling firm in San Jose, Calif. "Even families that have substantial income can get tuition waivers if (the student) has the right test scores."

The North American Council on Adoptable Children in St. Paul, Minn., reports that Kentucky, Virginia, Maine, Massachusetts, Texas, Florida and Maryland offer waivers at certain public schools for adopted and foster care children. Other schools offer waivers for Native American students, senior citizens and dislocated workers. To find out what your school offers, call the financial aid office.