With constantly rising tuitions, the rising cost of living, and the expense of books, college costs a lot. If you are scrambling to figure out how you can pay for your college education or that of your child, read on for some tips that will help you form a game plan.

1. Go for a Section 529.

Under the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) Section 529, you can put aside money for college and lower your taxes simultaneously. By opening a 529 college savings account, any U.S. citizen or resident can save up to $12,000 a year - with those assets growing and accruing interest tax-free.

The funds saved in a 529 account are also flexible, meaning they can be used to pay for computers, housing, or living expenses. In other words, this money isn't just limited to tuition.

2. The CESA.

The Coverdell Education Savings Account (CESA) is a type of IRA or Individual Retirement Account that allows parents, grandparents or other family members to chip in until the child is 18 years of age. The disbursements from this IRA are tax free, as long as they're spent on educational expenses.

3. State or Federal Bonds.

When you buy savings bonds, you don't pay taxes on the interest that they earn. Certain bonds require that they be cashed the same year that tuition is paid and that proof of both is submitted with your tax redemption forms.

4. Scholarships.

It seems like there's a scholarship for everybody, depending on your neighborhood, ethnical heritage, social organization memberships, sports interest, religious beliefs or academic abilities. Check out your local library to review the Encyclopedia of Associations and a full directory of available scholarships. Another good resource is your school's guidance counselor.

5. Get a job at the school before you enroll.

Most colleges offer reduced or free tuition to their employees and their employee's family members. This means if you get a job there before you enroll, you can enjoy those benefits.

6. Get a job with an employer that matches your tuition savings.

In an attempt to court young employees, a lot of companies offer tuition savings plans that will not only help you save a portion of each part-time pay check, but they'll often match it or a percentage of it. Once you make a commitment to start saving for college, look for an employer that offers a tuition plan that can help you save.

Opportunities to save money on most college-related expenses abound. You simply must plan ahead, do some homework,  and take advantage of what's out there for you.