The amount available as financial aid depends on many factors. Though maximum share of the financial aid is borne by the Federal government, the private financial institutions’ share is also not negligible.

There are four types of Federal Grants available: Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Academic Competitiveness Grant, and National SMART Grant. While the first two grants have been there for quite long, the last two types of grants are relatively new.

The annual award limit is up to $4,000 at the time of getting this information. To avail these grants you are required to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The easiest and most convenient way of doing this is by visiting the FAFSA website at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov.

There is less chance of rejection as incomplete and incorrect forms are automatically not accepted on the web. In other words, you have to necessarily fill out all columns only then your application is accepted on the web.

You can also submit your application through your school that acts as the U.S. Department of Education's agent. Grants are awarded based on your financial requirement. Since there are chances that your application for grant is rejected, you must have a back up plan for yourself. This means to say that you must not apply to one or two private colleges but also apply to other colleges where education cost comparatively less.

Another category of financial aid is the work-study programs. In such a scheme you will have to work for a set number of hours for the school or approved public-service related company. This way you can earn as well. What you earn is yours. You will be paid on an hourly basis. Even for such programs, you have fill out the FAFSA form.

Yet another category of Federal financial aid comes in the form of Federal Perkins Loans. These loans must be repaid. However, the interest rate is fixed as low a 5 percent. It is available to students with exceptional financial requirement. The loan may go up to $4,000 annually for undergraduate students. For availing this loan, you again have fill out a FAFSA form. No original fee is charged on such loans. You must repay this loan to your school.

Federal Stafford Loans which comes in two forms, subsidized and unsubsidized is another category of financial aid available to students. Besides, individual states also offers financial aids in the form of financial aid assistance, scholarships, grants, and some loan programs.