so with the FASFA you get money from the PELL grant. the amount depends on the amount of credits you take. i cant remember exactly so i am just going to pretend numbers here. so lets say i took two classes. the grant qualifies me for 2000 a year that way. 1000 each semester. tuition only cost 600. the money is released to the school, tuition is paid and the rest in direct deposited to my bank account. i can buy books with it or use it for living expenses or whatever. it doesnt matter. i know that isnt the amount, but you get the idea. the more credits you take, the more you get. you can also qualify for loans. the government pays the interest. i dont recommend them as you can get by on the grant if you have your living expenses covered. i think you can get up to 10k in loans a year.

i havent heard of anything that pays for school if parents are deceased. if you are under 18 you can receive their social security benefits i know that. i dont know if this is extended if you are a college student. i just shot a text to my friend who works at the college who may know. but if you contact the enrollment/guidance office at the college they would definitely know.