College financial aid is money given by colleges and federal and state government entities to help students pay college expenses. The two basic types of financial aid are (1) merit-based and (2) need based. Merit based aid is awarded to students with a special talent (i.e. academic, musical, athletic, etc.) Need-based financial aid is awarded solely on the financial needs of the family as determined by the government and college. It is the most prevalent type of financial aid. Following are a list of helpful websites, in finding, researching, and applying for financial aid.