(ARA) - Students are boycotting the rising tuition costs in California, but most students across the country are forced to shell out the money to cover the increasing costs of their education.  

Two-thirds of students are in debt at graduation. Most college graduates struggle for a decade or more to pay off their student loans. The College Board reports that student borrowing more than doubled in the past decade to $86 billion. In 2008, the average debt for graduating seniors was $23,000.

"I was always told that education was the most important, no matter what the price," says Stephanie Cluff, 26, who graduated last year. "Now I find myself feeling completely overwhelmed by all of my student loans."

Students who have a lot of debt are usually the same ones who don't know how to secure free money from grants and scholarships, in addition to getting parental support. Rebecca Porter, director of enrollment at Indiana University, says "part of the problem is that students coming in as freshmen do not understand smart borrowing habits."

Students fail to understand rapid increasing interest as well as fees that are a percentage of the total loan. Interest on federal loans starts at 5.8 percent and runs considerably higher for private loans.

Fifty percent of the students who graduate without debt took advantage of university or national scholarships and Pell Grants. Porter continued, "If students took the time to see what scholarships and grants they are eligible for, there would be a whole lot less student debt."

Online resources like ClassesandCareers.com can help students learn more about scholarships, grants and financial aid. The Web site has helped more than 50,000 students enroll in universities and get on the right track. Education counselors are available to assist prospective students in financial planning.

Don't let finances hold you back from getting your degree. Visit ClassesandCareers.com, fill out the form and an education counselor will contact you to assist you in meeting your educational and career goals.

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