Financial Aid 101

FINANCIAL AID 101

An important step in the college planning process is determining how to pay for your education.  Remember the costs of going to college include not just the direct costs of tuition, fees, room & board, but also indirect costs such as books, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses for clothing, laundry, entertainment, and recreation.  This FEDERAL STUDENT AID AT A GLANCE flyer can help answer some questions.  In addition, you may be eligible for many different types of aid, including:

  • Scholarships: Non-repayable awards based on merit, or merit plus need.
  • Grants: Non-repayable awards based on need.
  • Loans: Educational loans are available through private lending institutions, colleges, and the federal government.  Federal student loans have low interest rates with payments deferred while the student is enrolled in school.  Loans must be repaid.
  • Work-study Programs: Jobs that allow students to earn money towards their expenses while they are enrolled in school.