Take time to write an outstanding statement of purpose. Get help from your professors in choosing a suitable essay to submit if a writing sample is required. Establish contact with professors in the program with whom you'd like to study. Graduate teaching assistantships and fellowships are available on a limited basis. The strongest applicants receive these.
Fellowships generally imply free aid with no work obligation.
Tuition waivers, stipends, scholarships, and loans are also available to graduate students Professional programs are less generous with free aid. Loans are common.