Tina Veldwishch doesn't pay a dime for her tuition. "Not having to pay tuition...definitely relieves some of the pressure." She is a senior at Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering, one of nearly a dozen tuition-free schools nationwide. Veldwishch says, "A lot of my peers at other schools are really worried about graduating and leaving their school with $40,000 or $80,000 worth of debt."

Most tuition free schools are small and offer specialized degrees, like engineering, music, or agriculture. And as some schools, like College of the Ozarks, students must work 15 hours a week. President Jerry Davis says, "Students get a grade for your work just like you get a grade in your classes and they go on your transcript."

College Planner Eric Goodhart says the schools aren't very well known and often fly under the radar. "Many, many families that come into our offices, you know, really are not aware of some of these treasures out there."

But the cost of tuition should only be a fraction of what you consider when choosing a college. The schools degree programs should also get priority. Judie Cassidy at Florida Gulf Coast University says there are countless scholarships and financial aid programs to help you pay the bills. When FGCU opened ten years ago, the foundation provided $44,000 in scholarships to 56 students. This year they awarded $1.3 million to 867-students. Cassidy says, "It's critical. The scholarships are what keeps students here. They are connected to the university long after they graduate because of scholarships."

To get more information on how to pick the best college, or to get financial aid tips. Check out the College Board at http://www.collegeboard.com