When you apply for federal aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, the first thing that's determined is whether you qualify for any federal grants. Other kinds of federal aid might be awarded if grant money won't cover your expenses. But the free money is awarded first to anyone who qualifies.
Scholarships are gift aid, too.
Ask your financial aid office for information about some you might qualify for. You can also use a free online scholarship search, like FastWeb , to locate scholarships that match your qualifications. Other good sources of information about Texas scholarships and grants are the Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board . Don't limit yourself to federal-aid. Talk to your friends, neighbors, and a financial aid officer at your college or university.