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If you're a student, you should know that the U.S. government is watching you.

The U.S. government is always on the lookout for students to receive free student grants. Every year, an estimated $67 billion of free student grants are released to those wishing to pursue post-secondary education. The basis of these free U.S. government student grants is to assist students to attain their education goals, while helping families cover the costs.

Federal Pell grants provide financial support to students, and the students are not required to pay the money back. The main eligibility requirement for the Pell grants is based upon individual financial need. The eligibility, and the amount of each Pell grant, is also influenced by the student's full or part-time status and the costs that will be incurred to attend school.

Many campus-based financial aid programs are also available to students. Campus-based free student grants programs are managed directly by the financial aid office at each qualified school. Three free student grants are provided, and it is at the school's discretion how the student grants will be distributed. The amount of money each student receives is determined by the financial need of the student, the amount he or she has received from other financial aids, and the total amount of student grant funds allocated to the school.

If you are interested in applying for student grants, you can use the "Free Application for Federal Student Aid" form (FAFSA). The grant application can be filed by mail, or online. Visit the FAFSA Web site at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov to start the application process and get all the information you need for the federal free student grants program.

To be eligible for student grants, you must be able to meet the following requirements:

* Citizens or eligible non-citizen of the United States, with a valid Social Security Number (SSN)
* Enrolled as a regular student seeking a degree or certificate in an eligible program
* Able to produce a valid high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate. If you do not have these certificates, you must pass an "ability to benefit" test approved by the Department of Education
* Males between 18 to 25 years of age must be able to register for Selective Service
* Eligible or partially eligible in regards to the drug conviction exception
* Able to maintain good academic standing in school

The final requirement is in compliance with the federal law, which stipulates that persons convicted of selling or possessing drugs are not eligible for federal free student grants. However, this exclusion does not disqualify you from qualifying for other free student grants. There are many other student grants available from state governments, private individuals and organizations. It is strongly advised that you complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Every student deserves an education, and U.S. government student grants offer a valuable resource to help students succeed. Students are not required to repay these grants, so find out if you qualify and take advantage of these opportunities available to you.