Apply for student financial aid. Applications are available at the college of your choice and also online. Speak with a college counselor or adviser about receiving an application for financial assistance. You will need copies of your current income to attach with your application. If a student lives with his parents, he must declare his parents income on the application as well. Some students prefer to live on their own while attending college so that they can be eligible for more financial assistance.
Get an application for a Pell Grant. It may not be able to pay for the core of college tuition but does offer some assistance that could pay for a few classes and perhaps book rent. A Pell Grant is based entirely on money from the government. The amount of money that you can receive will depend on the government's financial status and the state of the economy.
Look into the Academic Competitiveness Grant. This grant is available to college freshman and sophomores. They must have good grades on their records and represent leadership. Those applying for the Academic Competitiveness must also be eligible for the Pell Grant.
Speak with your church minister about church scholarships. Some church organizations offer small scholarships for new and returning college students. Students may be required to write a letter or essay expressing why they would be eligible for the scholarship.
Contact community action agencies or public aid offices. Sometimes they offer college scholarships for low income families. They will usually require proof of income, recommendation letters from teachers and written essays.
Research libraries, used bookstores, online book stores such as eBay or Half.com, or bookstores on campus for your class books. Never spend money on brand new books that you may never use again. Visit Dollar General or a nearby Dollar Tree to purchase supplies such as folders, pencils, notebooks and pens to keep track of your applications.