With tuition expenses going up in leaps and bounds, paying for a higher education is becoming an increasingly steep burden. More often than not, the balance in the college savings account isn't enough to cover tuition and four years of living expenses. Student borrowers and their parents can benefit greatly by some preliminary education on college financing.

It may just be life's first big assignment-learning how to survive the lean-and-mean college years so that you can set yourself up for higher paying jobs and greater financial security in the future. How you manage your monetary life in the real world, however, can be radically affected by the decisions you make regarding student loans. Here are some tips to help you avoid some common mistakes of financing those four years after your high school graduation.

1. Research your options

Grants and scholarships in small amounts are widely available from public and private sources. Many employers, for example, offer tuition reimbursement programs for eligible employees. There also may be assistance programs available specifically for students in your chosen course of study. Talk with a financial aid counselor and conduct your own research to learn more about the opportunities available to you. Full scholarships are rare, but small amounts should not be overlooked. Any amount you can raise will lower your borrowing requirements.

2. Create a budget

Before you borrow anything, become familiar with your income and living expenses by creating a budget. Review it carefully and look for ways to conserve. Can you work extra hours in the summer months? Can you reduce your living expenses by giving up the café mochas? Whether you can manage your cash more efficiently or not, this exercise will help you determine exactly how much cash you need to survive.

3. Don't take on more debt than you need

Your budget will tell you how much money you'll need to borrow in student loans to cover your tuition and living expenses. Resist the urge to borrow anything more. It can be easy to forget that those college loans have to be repaid-but graduates who borrow too much usually find themselves struggling later. Those loan repayments can put a big dent in an entry level salary.

4. Comparison shop

Securing a student loan is a major financial decision. It's therefore vital to shop around and look for the lowest interest rates and most flexible terms. Some of the programs available are Federal Perkins Loans (offered through your school), Federal Stafford Loans, and private student loans. PLUS loans are available for parents. The federal programs are structured similarly at all institutions, but private loans can vary tremendously. Interview several loan companies and make detailed comparisons on their recommendations. Loan calculators, widely available online, can help you make these comparisons.

The college years are fabulous, but no one wants to live lean and mean forever. Make efficient borrowing decisions now so that you can enjoy your big paycheck later.