And you will be expected to contribute something too. Even in those cases in which a student's parents can't afford anything at all, the student probably will have to come up with some money from summer or part-time jobs and savings. This type of aid does not have to be repaid. Grants usually are awarded on the basis of need, and scholarships may be given on the basis of need or something else, such as doing well in high school. This aid involves earning money through a job, usually one arranged for you by the college.
Every state has a grant or scholarship program that provides come financial aid to students.
To find out what's available, ask your counselor, the colleges you're applying to or state department of higher education. College and Special Programs Colleges offer a wide variety of financial aid programs funded from their own resources. These can include grants and scholarships, student job programs, and short-term or emergency loans. Check directly with the college to see what's available. There are thousands of special student aid programs that award grants, scholarships and low-interest loans to students to help them pay for college.