Over the next few weeks, hundreds of thousands of students across the nation will be heading back-to-school. Many already know how they will be financing this year's education; whether it is through loans, grants, scholarships or savings. According to a recent study conducted by the economics department at Skidmore College the average undergraduate student graduates with an indebtedness of $12,500, while graduate students leave school with a staggering average of $28, 500 debt. Given these ever-increasing numbers, the new challenge for students is learning to manage their debt throughout the school year. The experts at KnowledgeFirst offer these tips to help ensure the coming years run as smoothly as possible:

1. Get organized! Go ahead; be uptight about you checkbook, receipts and all your financial records. Consider utilizing an online bank to pay your monthly bills.

2. Plan ahead for major expenses. Believe it or not, unexpected expenses do come up (usually when you least expect them!).

3. Understand the power of credit cards. If used responsibly, credit cards can build your credit and make your post-graduate world a happier-place.

4. If you decide to obtain a credit card, pay it off in full at the end of every month. If you are unable to do this you are living beyond your means (please see tip #5).

5. Set a realistic budget. Write it down and refer to it before you make any large purchases. If you constantly find yourself operating with a budget deficit, please see tips 6-10.

6. Borrow more money if you have to. If you find yourself constantly stressing over your financial situation, consider applying for a larger loan.

7. Get a part-time job. Believe it or not, you are not too busy to work 15-20 hours a week. Studies have found that working students acquire time-management skills that help them do better in school than their non-working peers.

8. Buy your books used. Contrary to popular believe, the old ones are just as good and oftentimes cost half as much.

9. Learn how to cook. Eating out is a major expenditure that is easily avoided.

10. Ride your bike. Most campuses are actually more accommodating to bikers than drivers. You would be surprised how much money you can save avoiding gas and parking permit costs. So hop on that bike: your legs and your pocketbook will be in the best shape of their lives!

-- Article courtesy of KnowledgeFirst at http://www.knowledgefirst.com, the Internet's education related marketplace for financial aid products and services, is available to help students and parents in preparation and financing of a college education. KnowledgeFirst provides a streamlined approach to the antiquated paper-based loan process, details scholarship offerings and offers a range of assistance and tips to supports and parents in the pursuit of higher education.