With tuition costs rising, the dream of an education seems farther away for many students, therefore South Seattle Community College's new online payment plan aims to shorten the distance.

The plan called e-Cashier allows students to break their tuition fees into more manageable interest-free, monthly payments. Students need only pay a $15 enrollment fee each quarter.

Parents can also manage their child's payment account, taking an active role in their child's future.

South's program is operated by an independent vendor, Nelnet. The company is one of the leading education and finance companies in the United States. Nelnet's program replaces the similar college-operated Student Tuition Easy Payment Plan. The new program costs the college nothing and is supported by the enrollment fee.