Grants
The Federal government, your state of residence, and your college all provide grants that you don't have to repay unless you leave school, reduce the number of credits in which you're enrolled, or are not making satisfactory progress toward your certificate. You can use the grants to pay for any educational expenses.

Scholarships
Scholarships are available based on income, cultural background, where you attended high school, and many other criteria. If you're employed, check with your employer to see if they offer a tuition matching scholarship or other education incentive programs.

Your eligibility for grants, loans, and some scholarships is determined by asset and income information you submit on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You file a FAFSA beginning in January 2007 to receive aid in the 2007-2008 academic year.

Work-Study
If you're awarded Work-Study, you may be able to work to earn the funds to pay for some of your educational expenses. Most Work-Study jobs are on campus but some schools also have Work-Study jobs available off campus at non-profit organizations or advocacy groups in the community.

Loans
Both Federal and private lenders offer a variety of educational loan programs that feature low interest rates and deferred payment options, which means you don't have to worry about repaying the loan until you leave school or your student status drops below half time.