The government is the greatest source of financial aid for college.  They provide grants that do not have to be repaid, work-study and low-interest loans.  The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the application form for government financial aid.  All parents should complete the FAFSA even though eligibility for financial aid is based upon income.  Most colleges will require that the FAFSA be completed and the low-interest student loans can be very valuable in completing a college education.  The Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) is tied to the FAFSA and offers a higher income eligibility for grants. 
     ISAC-OnLine has a variety of information about financial aid including a college aid calculator and a free scholarship search database.