If you are new, don't play in tournaments with high buy-in(15-30$). You can choose the tourneys with a 1,5$ or 3,5$ buy-in at most. The prizes are acceptable and you can win many money if you have patience at tables, because, for example, if you want to win a SNG with 45 players you have to play about 2,5 hours. When you consider that you have gained experience you can play in tournaments with high buy-in, but for beginning is not necessary to do that.