State-based financial aid is an excellent supplement to private scholarships, federal grants, and student loans. Full-time and part-time students can apply these extra funds to an associate's, bachelor's, or graduate degree, thereby making the dream of higher education more affordable.State Funding at Specific CollegesState financial aid is available at most public two-year colleges and four-year universities. Some states, such as Ohio and Oregon, also offer grants at participating private institutions. The amount and level of aid varies by state, must the bulk of financial help is directed at students who have not yet earned their first bachelor's degree.State-based aid is typically delivered in the form of grants, which are dependent on financial need and do not need to be repaid. Merit-based or background-based scholarships are also a possibility, such as New York's Math and Science Teaching Incentive or Mississippi's Law Enforcement Officers and Fireman Scholarship. On a limited basis, some states offer scholarship loan funds that do not need to be repaid if the student meets certain service criteria. For example, students who serve in the Georgia National Guard for four years are not required to pay back the Georgia Military College State Service Scholarship Loan.Applying for State Financial AidThe majority of state aid is based on the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Students must complete this application online to determine financial aid eligibility. Both new applications and renewal applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, so students are encouraged to apply during the first three months of the year for the following Fall semester. Some states also require their own application forms, which can be obtained through a college's financial aid office or through the state's education portal.Students must be aware that aggregate financial aid spending is set by state legislatures annually. Program funding can change, depending on budget constraints and critical employment needs. By taking advantage of state financial aid when it is available, students reduce the amount of debt they have at graduation. State grants and scholarships make a new career both affordable and attainable.