When do you start paying for college?

i'm stressing about paying for college. this year my mom took out $10,000 from her ira to buy a house but the people we were going to buy from decided afterwards that they didn't want to sell to us.

so, i'm ineligible for a number of grants, due to the 'extra income.' SO. i'm considering maybe taking out a loan or two for my first year. first off, does anybody know approximately how much you'd have to pay back for your first year?

and then, when do you pay for college expenses? are they going to give me the bill after i graduate? or do i pay per year? i'll be the first in my family to go, so i have no idea what to do, or how to do it... :S

i get that you pay for LOANS after you graduate, but what about tuition and stuff? when do you pay for THAT?

You have to pay before you start classes at most schools, or you can set up a payment plan. Loans are to cover tuition... or you pay tuition before you start, either way. You have to pay all of it back, with interest, after you graduate, some loans have it set up that you don't have to pay until 6 months after graduation, some don't Go to the financial aid office or call and talk to them, they will help you get set up.