You've decided to get yourself a bachelor's degree. But the cost of that degree has got you worried. The price tag at an Ivy League university can be $35,000-plus for tuition. A state university can run you nearly $10,000 annually. And community and junior colleges have their own fees.

Anxiety about the cost of an education is normal, but there are scholarships and grants out there for the taking. The question is: how do you tap into enough financial aid to get yourself enrolled…and then finance the entire four years?

GetApproved.com has the answers you need.

Accessing adequate college financing requires planning ahead. The start of your junior year in high school is not too soon. If you've been in the workplace and have now decided that you need a bachelor's degree to move up the corporate ladder, you may have some additional options like scholarships available through your place of work. If you're already enrolled in college but need financial aid to complete your education, the process will differ from that of new students.

High School Students

It's likely that you're applying to more than one college to increase the odds of getting in. Deadlines for college applications fall before deadlines for scholarship/grant applications. That means you'll apply for scholarship consideration at several schools while you're waiting for the admission acceptance to come.

There are two forms you'll probably need to complete—the Federal Student Financial Aid Service (FAFSA) and the College Scholarship Service (CSS). If the college of your choice doesn't participate with the CSS—and some don't—you won't need to complete that form.

Start the process early. September of the year prior to your fall matriculation isn't too soon. Contact the Financial Aid Office of the colleges or universities to which you expect to apply. All of them. Ask them to send you their financial aid requirements. These requirements will differ. As part of this packet of information, they'll likely include a calendar of deadline dates for scholarship/grant consideration. These deadlines are firm, and they vary school to school, so tack them up on your wall or refrigerator as a reminder!

Some colleges and universities will require that you complete the FAFSA form. You can access this form online at FAFSA. Because this application is FREE, all you need to do is to download the form, complete it and send it to the address on the form: Federal Student Aid Programs, P.O. box 7031, Lawrence, KS 66044-7031.

You'll be asked to include earnings and tax information for both you and your parents (if you're a dependant). If you're married, your spouse's earnings will be included in your answers.

The same goes for the CSS form. Go to "The College Board" on the Web. You'll need to answer the same questions asked in the FAFSA application, albeit in somewhat different order. Additionally, the CSS form asks applicants to state the amount they can contribute to their education and the amount others, including parents, are willing to contribute. Be honest when answering this question. Answering "0" to both questions doesn't indicate that you're serious about your education.

CSS charges a fee for every college to which you wish to send an application. Have your credit card handy if you've opted to complete the form online.

Both forms allow space to explain special circumstances. Perhaps your parents have other children attending private high school. The CSS form allows you to note that expense. If you've got a medical condition that requires certain expense, please be sure to note that. Maybe you've been on your own for years and will be supporting a family while earning your degree. Be sure to give all the details you can. The more information the FAFSA and CSS analysts get from you, the better and quicker they can advise the colleges as to the amount of financial aid you'll need to complete your degree.

CSS provides a special form for non-custodial parents and for applicants who own their own business or whose parents own their own business or farm.

Finally, each school you apply to will ask you to complete its own financial aid report. You will be required to submit your tax return and that of your parents or spouse if you are including their financial documentation on your application.

This means getting your tax return completed immediately at year's end. No matter if you file your taxes online or through an accountant using snail mail, you've got to have copies to substantiate the information you provide on your financial aid application. If you wait too long to file your tax return, you will miss out on scholarships and grants. REMEMBER: if you don't have all the documentation you require to file a tax return, you can apply with FAFSA and CSS and note that your tax return will be submitted by April 15. Don't wait longer than April 15, however, or you'll miss out completely.