HELENA (AP) -- Students can now apply online for hundreds of college scholarships awarded through the Governor's Postsecondary Scholarship Program.

The program, a project of Gov. Brian Schweitzer, was created by the 2005 Legislature. It provides about 500 merit- and need-based scholarships a year to Montana students attending any of the state's public two- and four-year schools.

Students attending private schools are not eligible for the $1,000 and $2,000 scholarships. The Montana Constitution prohibits the state from spending public money in support of private schools, Schweitzer spokeswoman Sarah Elliott said Wednesday.

Eligible students can apply online through the Montana Guaranteed Student Loan Program, a division of the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education. The latest round of scholarships will be awarded June 1.

''Montana's families have been priced out of education,'' Schweitzer said. ''Our state's most talented should have the opportunity to attend college and become the engines that drive our future economic growth.''