
Financial Aids
Families are expected to be the primary source of
education funding. Savings and contributions from
friends and relatives are often used to help meet
education costs. Beyond this primary source of
funding, financial aid is available to those who
qualify. Types of financial aid include:
– Scholarships
– Grants
– Loans
– Work Study
– Other Need-based Aid
Families aScholarships are awards usually based on skill, ability, talent, or achievement.
Grants are funds that generally don’t have to be repaid. A recipient who fails to enroll,
withdraws, or changes enrollment status may owe a refund or repayment depending on the
school’s refund/repayment policy. Grants are usually awarded according to an applicant’s
financial need.
Loans are another option for students. If a student decides to borrower, they should always
borrower from the federal government first. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(FAFSA) must be completed prior to be awarded any federal financial aid. Most student loans,
some with government subsidies while in school, must be repaid.
Work study is also a form of financial aid. Work study is subsidized by the government
allowing students to work at certain jobs on and off campus.
Other forms of need-based aid may include waivers of tuition and/or fees are offered by
some schools. Military benefits may also be available to individuals (or to their dependents)
who have performed military service or are preparing to enter the U.S. Armed Forces (ROTC).
Work-study programs subsidize student jobs on- or off-campus.
