Most college aid these days is parceled out on a "sliding scale," which is based on ability to pay (your and your parents' normally).
The U. will generally put together a "package" that may grant you some cash (or put it in your account with the U. so that the U. gets its cut first); also some loans. The merit-based scholarship that covers tuition, room and board is pretty rare, but if you are so advised, try for it.
In my experience the big U's are deft at putting together not enough money to live on, but so much that you aren't tempted to transfer to another college. This means that your aid package might grow smaller as you progress though college, not larger.
Since you already appear to be in college, contact the Financial Aid dept. and ask for a special pleading or to be steered toward any emergency funds.
I assume you already have a part-time job? If not, you might be a good candidate for work-study.
