Wait, you mean money doesn't just fall out of the sky once you decide to go to college? Unfortunately not, our optimistic friend.

Web-based funding companies like Pave, Upstart, and Lumni (source) connect students with potential investors. Looking into these options might save you some cash.

States are even getting in on the action these days. Oregon's "Pay It Forward" legislation allows students to attend college "for free"...while agreeing to pay a portion of their future income back to the state after they start work (source).

With all of these options at your fingertips, we won't blame you if you start to feel like the most popular kid in school.