There are plenty of warning signs about using credit cards responsibly, especially when in college. If your parents give you a credit card, you’ll probably be told that a credit card is for emergency items only – that means no pizza, no beer, no college sweatshirts, no video games. But whether you want to swipe that “emergency” card or your own credit card, it will be tough to resist buying items that seem to be something you have to have right then.

So knowing how difficult it is for Americans to avoid credit card debt, it’s amazing to hear that college debt is surpassing the amount that Americans owe on their credit cards. Figures from the Federal Reserve show Americans owed more than $829 billion in federal and private student loans, compared to $826.5 billion in revolving credit-card debt.

You can try to save as much as you can for college, borrow smart, and start at a lower-cost school, as Kiplinger.com notes. And of course, the federal government offers student aid; to apply, you will need to fill out the FAFSA form by the deadline next year.

But Steve Loflin, founder and executive director of The National Society of Collegiate Scholars, also shared with his five tips on getting money for college.

1. Make a list of hometown philanthropic or civic organizations and ask if they award annual scholarships. These may not be as competitive as national scholarships, if only because the pool of eligible students is smaller. Ask around town to see what’s available, or look in the local paper to see if stories mention the organizations as well. They could include groups such as the local Rotary Club.

2. Take advantage of merit scholarships. CBSMoneywatch.com reports that merit scholarships offered by colleges have grown by 50 percent since 2004. Loflin warns that you need to be wary of scholarship scams by researching the scholarship agency/organization/website before paying an application or membership fee.

3. Seek out “college talent funds” by searching the school’s website or asking advisers. These funds pair a scholarship with your skills and abilities, whether it’s in the arts, science or even activities such as volunteering.

4. Look for additional financial aid. Contact your school’s financial aid director in September and October (of your first fall semester in college) because there may be additional financial aid and scholarships from students who may have decided at the last minute not to attend the school.

5. Inquire about federal work-study programs. If you qualify, you may find that part-time employment is a great way to help with financial costs, as well gain job experience, Loflin says.

You’re going to have a busy fall applying for colleges, but it’s not too soon to seek out ways to avoid racking up college debt that could linger for years after you graduate.

–Lori Johnston