In today's uncertain economic climate, high school seniors and parents will get some help in the new year finding ways to pay for a college education.

ETV will broadcast its annual "Finding Money For Money" program statewide on Sunday, Jan. 25 at 5 p.m. The two-hour program is designed to provide students and parents with various options available for meeting their college financial needs.

Clemson University is charging $10,370 a year in tuition in 2009 while it costs nearly $8,000 for tuition to attend the University of South Carolina. Room and board adds more than $6,000 to a student's bill at the state's major universities.

The cost of a college education is even higher for out-ofstate residents and students choosing to attend an independent college in South Carolina.

Limestone College, one of the state's least expensive private colleges, costs $23,700 annually for an on-campus student to attend school for a year.

ETV broadcasts the program annually in partnership with the state Department of Education. Viewers are invited to call in with questions during the live broadcast via a toll-free phone number that will be announced on the air.

"This is our annual show on ETV to get out valuable information for parents and students to help them find money and alternative ways to pay for college," ETV spokesperson Dana McCullough said.

During the television station's "Finding Money" program, high school guidance counselors will offer advice for parents and students about applying for college. Representatives from the South Carolina Higher Education Tuition Grants, South Carolina Student Loan Corporation and South Carolina Commission on Higher Education will answer questions on finding scholarships, grants and loans.

The state funds several scholarships that help make college more affordable for residents.

Several Gaffney and Blacksburg High students annually earn Palmetto Fellows scholarships. Started in 1988, Palmetto Fellows is a merit-based program to encourage the state's top students to attend college in South Carolina.

Palmetto Fellows may receive up to $6,700 in college scholarship money their freshman year and up to $7,500 for their sophomore, junior and senior years.

The state's LIFE scholarship provides up to $5,000 towards tuition and books at a 4-year public college. In 2007, state lawmakers approved enhanced LIFE scholarships to encourage more college students to major in math and science areas.

Beginning in their sophomore year, students majoring in math or science programs can receive up to $7,500 per year in a LIFE scholarship. Examples include computer science, engineering, math education, science education, and health care majors such as medicine and dentistry.

South Carolina tuition grants provide financial assistance for students attending private colleges such as Limestone College.

ETV"S annual broadcast of "Finding Money" has become one of its more popular programs, according to McCullough. A toll free number will allow viewers to speak directly with financial aid professionals during the program.

"One of the great things about the show 'Finding Money' is it gives people a chance to receive valuable information and get their questions answered," McCullough said.