According to College Board, a year of tuition at a public four-year school in 1987 cost $3,190. Now, a year at that same school would cost $9,970. College prices are increasing, and going to school is more expensive than ever before. But that doesn't mean you have to resign yourself to borrowing hundreds of thousands of dollars to earn a degree. We at Student Loan Hero created this guide to a complicated financial aid system so that you know all your options and can make informed choices. I hope this encourages you to explore as many scholarship and grant opportunities as possible and navigate through the process of applying for federal and private student loans.