Every year high school seniors start wondering how they will pay for college.

According to Student Loan Hero, a graduate’s average monthly payment is $351, while America in total owes $1.3 trillion in college debt.

Despite this, seniors like Erin Davis plan on attending college.

“I still want to go away for school,” Davis said. “College is your chance to leave the nest and become an adult.”

Although money is possibly the most frustrating aspect of college life, there are ways to save as much as possible.

While seniors decide how to pay for college and which route is best for them, they need to keep in mind that they can apply for as many scholarships as they can find and that financial aid is open to those who need it.

To save money while in college, look for used textbooks, limit fast food trips, and don’t buy unnecessary top-of-the-line technology.

College can be a tough financial time, but students and graduates don’t regret pushing forward with their education.

Mott Community College student Alexis Orr is grateful she stuck with a higher level of education.

“I don’t regret paying for college.” Orr said. “It’s lengthened my college career with having to work to pay for tuition, but it’s 100 percent worth it.”