Start by selecting a college that prizes academic excellence as much as you do. Not all scholarships come in the form of outright grants. Many schools do not offer aid packages to cover all of a student's recognized financial needs. Colleges also offer specific scholarships for special achievements and general excellence. Twenty percent of these types of grants come from the coffers of the individual colleges and universities.
Most states have special education programs for the disabled.
Ask the college financial aid officer, or write to your state's division of vocational rehabilitation. The federal government and the military also offer some scholarships based on merit. Check with your employer and with all the organizations you belong to to see if small grants or awards are available. Many companies also give merit awards to students entering particular fields.