Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on paper or on the FAFSA website. Your local college will have all the needed forms for you to fill out, but it is quicker to complete an online application. You will receive your results in days instead of weeks. The application is explained step-by-step as you go, and if you need to, you can save your progress and return later to finish it. This application also covers any state-funded grants, loans and scholarships you may qualify for.
Submit your application as early as possible to maximize your eligibility for aid. The Federal Pell Grant is only one government grant but there are several others including the Federal Supplement Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) and the National SMART Grant. To be eligible for these grants you must apply as early as possible because funds are limited.
Designate your application to be delivered to the college or colleges of your choice. Near the end of the application you will be asked to choose a college from the menu. Here you will look up the number codes of the colleges you would like to apply to. Your results will be sent to these schools for consideration.
Apply for scholarships. Finaid.com is a good resource to find scholarships . Scholarships are another type of aid to help pay for school. You may qualify for some scholarships based on your program of study. You can find scholarships for careers in medicine, law and education as well as scholarships for women and minorities. Students who are in or will be joining the military may qualify for Military Aid. Classes are taken during off-duty hours for enlisted personnel, or you may earn your degree by enrolling in the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC).
Accept the financial aid award from the college of your choice and register for admission. You will need to register by the schools deadline to start classes for that semester. Your financial aid money should arrive at the school shortly before classes begin.