Here, you can find money to pay for tuition as well as consolidate existing student loans.

With tuition rates increasing well above most students' ability to finance their education, financial aid has become a critical part in affording college.

We've tracked down several websites that will help you:

• Find free scholarship money
• Set you up with Stafford and PLUS loans
• Consolidate your existing student loans
• Give you tips of filling out your FAFSA (Free App for Federal Student Aid)

Learn more about our favorite financial aid websites below:

Piggy says: financialaid.com's classy website and excellent customer service works with parents, students, graduates, and high school students to secure funding.

• Borrow up to 100% of the cost of college with PLUS loans
• Loans are not income sensitive (PLUS)
• Debt consolidation also available
• Click here to learn more

Piggy says: FastWeb provides free scholarship and college searches. There's really no reason to pass this one up since it's completely free.

• FREE scholarship searches
• 600,000 scholarships worth over $1 billion
• Match your interests with the school that's right for you
• Click here to learn more

Piggy says: NextStudent offers an excellent variety of student loans, as well as a free scholarship search.

• Offers PLUS, Stafford, private, and consolidation loans
• Free scholarship search
• Free financial aid counseling
• Click here to learn more

Piggy says: Scholarship Experts will help anyone find a scholarship - whether you're a U.S. citizen, international student, parent of a student, or educator.

• Over $14 billion worth of awards
• Assistance in applying for scholarships and filling outrequest letters
• Comprehensive 9-step profile to help you find scholarships
• Click here to learn more