As higher education costs steadily increase, more and more students and families are looking for ways to tackle the costly burden of college tuition, fees, and room-and-board.

Experts suggest the best way to prepare for the costs of higher education is to talk honestly about these obligations and plan ahead. Students or parents seeking information on financial aid, scholarships, grants, prepaid tuition, and loans are encouraged to visit the Illinois Student Assistance Commission’s College Zone website at www.isac.org.

On these sites students and parents can learn more about:

• Federal Pell Grants
• Monetary Award Program (MAP)
• AIM High Grant Program 
• Bright Start College Savings Program