Credit requirements are tougher now, and loan options are fewer because many banks no longer view education loans as a good investment. Fewer students will be able to afford to go to college, but many resourceful students will discover innovative funding sources.

A larger percentage of college students and parents will seek alternative funding sources, such as contributions from family, friends, and alumni. Alternative funding websites, such as SchoolRaise.com, are available to help students and parents reach out to the people in their social networks (friends, family, alumni, etc.) and request help paying for college, $50 at a time.

Might be a better alternative, don't you think?