A couple ways of tackling "college affordability"

Dave from U Sphere here. On a mission to tackle a problem that has no easy answers.

We stumbled upon a request to sign a petition to "Erase Student Loan Debt." If only it were that easy. Just hit "cancel" and all the debt goes away. No. Not that simple.

Instead, we offer a few solutions that could possibly help. Here goes:

1. Cast your college nets widely. People go out and buy "affordable" cars all the time. Go find yourself an "affordable" college. Should be simple enough to do -- start by looking beyond brand names. Find lists of best buys in college education or some such and look at them. And, even if you graduate this year -- apply to a couple of them. Sure, even apply sight unseen.

2. Consider community college. Yup, nothing wrong with it AT ALL. We won't give you the lists of all the famous community college grads. Great bridge to a four-year school. Search for one near you here.

3. Savings programs -- some you may not have heard of. Family using upromise? What about Sage Scholars? The independent 529 Plan? Look at em.

4. Oh yeah: Fill out the FAFSA.