Scholarships are the best source for financing your college education because they do not need to be repaid. The federal and several state governments offer grants, but there are other providers of free money. Be sure to investigate local scholarships including:

• high school organizations;
• community service groups and churches;
• foundations; and
• businesses.

Before beginning your search review the tips at Mapping Your Future's website and the U.S. Department of Education's website. These sites provide helpful information and guidance when conducting an online scholarship search. 

You can apply for scholarships online at these free scholarship searches:

• http://www.fastweb.com
• http://www.finaid.org
• http://www.adventuresineducation.org/
• http://www.absolutelyscholarships.com/
• http://www.scholarshiphelp.org/
• http://www.scholarships.com

Register on only free searches; there is no need to pay for these services. Do not provide any personal information you are uncomfortable giving. Do not provide your Social Security number on the web.