The FAFSA form is the first step for any new or returning student looking for grant money to help with college. The FAFSA may seem daunting, but it is much easier than doing your taxes and can even be done online. The government has even set up a special website that explains the entire FAFSA process necessary for federal grant money. It can be found at www.fafsa.ed.gov
All students filling out a FAFSA form are automatically applying for Federal Pell Grants, the most basic type of federal student aid that you won't have to pay back. The Pell Grant maximum amount changes with each school year, but for the 2009-2010 school year is $5,350. Chances are that if you financially qualify for student loans, you will also qualify for the maximum Pell Grant money amount.
There's a government program offering more grant money for those willing to serve as elementary or secondary school teachers, more specifically serving in low income or high risk demographics. For those going to school to become teachers, the TEACH grant can mean significantly more federal money you don't need to pay back. Be careful about your vocation choice, though, because if you don't end up teaching for four years at qualifying schools within your first eight years out of school, all your TEACH grant money will convert into borrowed federal loan money.
There are a handful of other federal grants that are available each academic year, depending on the needs of the nation and the whims of the legislation. Other federal grants currently available are the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), the Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) and the National Science & Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (National SMART Grant). Check the "Student Aid on the Web" page in the Resource section to see if you may qualify.
Often the federal government provides grant money to a specific institution or multiple institutions within a state to work toward a specified goal. Always check with the financial aid office at the college or university you will be attending to see if there are any other grant programs available. The best part about federal grant money is it never needs to be paid back. It is always worth the footwork to get thousands of dollars in free money many students don't even know exists.