Apply to  college early; take dual enrollment classes while still in high school after making sure they will transfer to a college of your choice.  Just yesterday, I heard Dave Ramsey saying that business reporters found out that the most outstanding CFOs, COOs, and CEOs graduated from state supported colleges, not the famous Ivy League schools.  Assume as little debt as possible.  If you do have to borrow money for school, start paying off immediately or work in a profession that will let your debt be forgiven after 4 or 5 years.  Look for work after college in a job that will pay off your student loans as a "signing bonus."