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If you or your family is already struggling to make ends meet in this economy, trying to find a way to pay for college may be a daunting task. But even if you don’t have a lot of money, there are ways to pay for college if you aren’t afraid of a little extra work and a spending a few extra hours filling out applications or writing a few essays.

One of the first places you’ll want to look for money for college is with the federal government. The federal government has a huge student financial aid program, offering both low-interest loans and grants to those who qualify. Just about every student in the US is eligible for a federal student loan, but keep in mind that loans have got to be paid back at some point, so you might be looking at a bigger cost in the future. On the other hand, federal financial aid also comes in the form of grants (they don’t need to be paid back). These grants are based solely on financial need and are given on a first-come-first-served basis.  Always keep in mind that you might not qualify based on several application processing factors.  So fill out your FAFSA early in the year to qualify for the most amount of financial aid possible.

Besides the federal government, individual states also offer tuition assistance in the form of loans or grants. These assistance programs are usually based on a combination of a number of factors, like financial need and GPA or interest in a certain field. Some states may also give you college grant money in return for a contract to work for the state after graduation for a specified period of time. Check your state’s education website for more information on loans and grants available to you.

Lastly, non-profit and for-profit companies as well as foundations and other organizations offer millions of dollars each year in grants to students who qualify. Some companies offer grants to children of employees—so check with your parents. Other companies will offer grants to students who will join the company after graduation. And yet more organizations may award grants based on ethnic origin, religious affiliation, academic performance, and a number of other factors. If you are a member of a minority ethnic group or are active in your religious community, check with local and national organizations about grant programs.

Finding money to pay for college can be a difficult process that involves a lot of research, phone calls, or writing essays, but if you can get the money together to pay for school, the return on your investment can be invaluable.

About the author: Diane Johnson primarily writes about online education, pell grants, and anything else that interests her. She enjoys traveling, reading, sledding, and sports.