Sometimes saving money can happen in the most unlikely ways. I was talking to a friend yesterday who just graduated from high school. He is a good student but not over the top standout.
He's a California kid but he's always wanted to go to University of Nebraska. So he filled out the FAFSA and had it sent to the community college in Nebraska along with several other schools. Turns our they were more than happy to get him. They offered him all kinds of aid including gas money!
He will live with his grandpa in Nebraska while he establishes residency by going to community college. Then he's off to U of Nebraska.
It pays to get creative when you are thinking about trying to stay debt free while attending college.