With tuition rates rising across the state, financial experts are reaching out to make sure students who are preparing for college can afford to go.

Financial adviser Cindy Garletts came to Buffalo Gap High School Tuesday night to teach students and parents about federal funding options.

Garletts suggested applying to a lot of different schools to see what each has to offer. She says private schools may have more money, because they are not funded by the state.

She also commented about how there are several factors that go into deciding how much federal assistance an applicant will get.

"It's very specific. It's specific to the family situations, very specific to the type of institution. We might be able to give a student $18,000 at a private school, but they wouldn't be eligible for nearly that amount at community college because it doesn't cost nearly as much. So, just don't rule out your options," says Garletts.

Students who will start college in the fall can begin filling out their Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, January 1.

Garletts also warned parents to use FAFSA.gov. Trying to use FAFSA.com will mean being asked to pay a fee.