Hey,

       I am starting my Freshman year at Fort Lewis College in Durango. I can definitely help you, but for some of the information,  you may or may not need your mom. But if you have a job, you may not need her. Most of my financial Aid came from applying and being accepted by FAFSA(www.FAFSA.gov). Most schools ask you to fill this application out, anyway.  In order to recieve financial aid from this fund, you need yours or your parent(s) tax information from the previous year. Including any additional money. There is a section you fill out that you list the school(s) you want to apply to. But based on your/ parent(s) income, you will be given a score and it determines if you are qualified for FAFSA, alone. And if you are qualified, the FAFSA application will be sent to the school(s)you apply to and within seven to fourteen days, you should get some response. From then on, you are eligible to receive grants and schoarships through the school. But colleges require you to send in a copy of your/parent(s) tax information and a W2 form for financial aid. There are websites such as Fastweb.com and scholarships.com. There are also work study programs through colleges you choose to attend. Another option is applying for loans through your bank that offer Stafford or Federal loans.

      Good luck