With college funding at its highest level over, now is the time to get your share.

This year, the good news for college-bound students is that the amount of financial aid available (including tax relief) is at a record high of more than $80 billion. Both the federal government and the states have significantly increased their funding. Because of such aid, the College Board reports that more than half of the nation's students at four-year institutions are paying less than $4,000 a year.

One of the biggest mistakes students and their families make, however, is assuming that they will not qualify for a piece of the financial aid pie. The fact is, the road to college is lined with a diverse range of financial aid programs, and some are available regardless of family income and need (such as the unsubsidized Stafford Loan). In the past, financial aid generally was reserved for the neediest students. But the system has been changing. As colleges compete for top academic achievers, more federal, state, and institutional aid is going to middle- and upper middle-class students with academic talent. Even students with family incomes greater than $200,000 are receiving assistance. Also, many scholarships are awarded strictly for talent--high grades or athletic ability, for example. So there are dollars out there that are available to everyone.

The key is to apply for all you may qualify for--and that means getting organized, exploring all resources, and knowing how the system works. This comprehensive guide to funding and saving is designed to help you with that task. It is an introduction to federal programs, state aid, private resources, college funds, loans, work-study, and scholarships. Plus, you'll learn ways to reduce costs once you're on campus. The more you know about the process, the easier your trip to college will be.