Complete the FAFSA. You can do this online at fafsa.ed.gov, or you can obtain a paper application from your school's financial aid office.
Provide your name, Social Security number, date of birth, marital status, dependents living with you, employment information, college enrollment information and your financial information on the FAFSA. You will need a copy of your most recently filed income tax return to obtain information such as your adjusted gross income and tax liability to input on the FAFSA.
Include your parents' financial information if you are a dependent, which is defined as a being younger than age 24 and whose parents provide more than half of your support throughout the year.
Mail your FAFSA to the address listed on the form or submit it electronically to the federal government. Once the government reviews your FAFSA, they will send you correspondence telling you whether you qualify for grants and loans. Your information is then forwarded to the school for which you have been granted these funds.
Apply for scholarships by obtaining application forms and information from your school's financial aid office. Students with high grades are more apt to obtain scholarships than students with low grades.
Contact your bank or any financial institution to apply for a private student loan. If you do not have sufficient or good credit history, you will need a co-signer to apply.