In some cases, you can reduce the amount of money you need to take in undergraduate loans.  Among other things, you can choose a number of electives during highschool that will help you take CLEP exams in college.  As an example, if you take Psychology, Criminal Justice, and Economics, you may be able to cover some of your college electives.  At the same time, if you opt for a regents diploma, you may also be able to CLEP out of your college english, secondary language, and math requirements.  Aside from saving money, this is also a good way to allow you to take time to study your more difficult subjects.  Or, you can work part time, and begin the process of gaining practical experience that will help you later on.