This document analyzes different options in higher education funding, through the study of the market failures –by the demand and the supply side– that make this sector a particular one. We study some financing sources such as public funding, upfront charges, bank loans, income contingent loans, graduate taxes, among others. Besides, we review some international experiences in higher education funding that could shed some light on the Colombian case, taking into account the potential effects of different financing sources on efficiency, equity and variables such as consumption.