Find Student Loan Consolidation

I have to admit I was luck enough to have my parents pay for my entire undergraduate education. They are well off and I did not have to apply for financial aid or student loans.

I will be paying for my own graduate school and want to know how I go about applying for financial aid. Obviously I would prefer some assistance that I would not have to pay back, but would also take a low interest loan to supplement. I am 25, make $35,000 per year and do not live with my parents. Would I be likely to qualify for anything? How far in advance do I need to apply and do I need to know which school I going to for sure before I can? How do I get started? I would appreciate any advice. My parents did offer to pay for this, but I am looking to go an out of state school and would like to pay on my own and invest inmy own future. Thanks!