Got $300,000? In 18 years, that s how much four years of private college education could set you back. Scraping together that kind of money is tough during the best of times but it may seem nearly impossible during an economic recession. Fortunately, we ve assembled some tips and strategies to help those whose kids are still in diapers, as well as those who are soon to hit campus.

Still have a college planning question? Send it our way -- email us at ask@smartmoney.com -- and please include your full name and city. We d like to answer your questions in an upcoming installment of SmartMoney Magazine s Ask SmartMoney column.