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Step 1
First of all, realize that financial aid in graduate school comes in very limited circumstances: you must teach or research, or usually, both. Plan to get skills that will help you with one or another, so that you'll qualify for big merit-based scholarships.
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Step 2
Try to get teaching experience in the community, even if it's not at the college level. Use extracurriculars to get public speaking experience, which will make this easier and look impressive even if your "audiences" only number a few people.
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Step 3
Get research experience by using "independent study" projects in your field. Since you'll be working under the close supervision of just one professor in graduate school, showing these skills will make you more likely to get financial aid.
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Step 4
Compare graduate programs in your field to see which ones offer full "fellowships." These are very competitive scholarship packages that offer full tuition waivers along with a moderate stipend to compensate you for university service.
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Step 5
Aim your entire graduate school application at a Ph.D.-level program. In almost all cases, M.A. and M.S. students pale in comparison to the financial aid available to Ph.D. candidates. You can always leave the program or transfer to another program later if necessary.
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Step 6
If you are accepted into a Ph.D. graduate program, you will usually qualify for a full financial aid package automatically. Your package comes with specific goals you must achieve each year -- accomplish those, and your financial aid will be renewed automatically.
