With college tuition on the rise in the U.S., every penny counts. In order to minimize your debt burden once you graduate, it's important to take advantage of all the ways you can save money.

For example, did you know the average college student spends nearly $2,000 on entertainment when most schools offer movies and other activities for free?

Or, how about earning some of your credits by taking summer classes at your local community college? Core classes will generally transfer, and a single class can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in tuition.

The point is, if you get a little creative, there are definitely savings to be found. Here are some tips to get you started.