The College, within Federal guidelines, establishes eligibility criteria. ED Link - Visit the Department of Educations website for additional programs. The Department of Education publishes the Student Guide. This annual publication provides an excellent overview on college selection, financial aid application and award process. Virtually all states have financial aid programs for students who are either residents of or are attending college in a particular state.
Some programs offer in-state residents low cost tuition to public schools.
Other programs offer direct scholarship or loan programs to students. You should check for information about your own state's programs, eligibility and application requirements. Follow this link to the U.S. Department of Education's list of state scholarship agencies.