The U.S. government is the single largest source of student financial aid. Federal aid funds are distributed through several programs.
Many students qualify for more than one program simultaneously.
Another major source of assistance is the armed forces. Most states require you to be a resident and to attend an in-state school to qualify. You can learn about state funds through your high school counselor, college financial aid office or your state higher education agency. The admissions or financial aid office at each college is usually the first place to find details about institutional aid. Don't neglect private scholarships and grants from corporations, civic groups, philanthropic and religious organizations.