Students returning to classrooms this fall will be searching for ways to save money, regardless of whether they attend brick-and-mortar or online colleges. Fortunately, there are ways for future bachelor's or master's degree holders to obtain quality education without accumulating a mountain of debt.

Firstly, deserving students should look for scholarships that reward academic achievement or prior work experience, which can save them thousands of dollars over the course of their degree program.

For example, The Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship program will disburse more than $2 million to 500 students this year, with awards ranging from $4,000 to $60,000. Interested candidates should send their applications by December 1, 2010, and need not be related to a member of the Elks. However, theY must be U.S. citizens and demonstrate academic achievement, leadership and financial need.

Meanwhile, the National Association of College Stores has reminded students that, due to a change in the tax code, they may be eligible for a tax credit for the cost of textbooks and course materials.

Under the American Opportunity Tax Credit, these resources, as well as 2010 tuition and fees not covered by scholarships or grants, can be claimed as a tax credit of up to $2,500, the organization has said.