Financial aid is any grant, scholarship, loan, or paid employment offered for the purpose of helping a student meet educationally related expenses. Such aid is usually provided by or through federal and state agencies, foundations, corporations, and the colleges and universities themselves. Grants and scholarships are regarded as “gift” assistance and need not be repaid, although they may have certain guidelines that must be followed.

Loans are usually offered at low interest rates, and can be repaid over an extended period after the student leaves the institution. Where aid is offered in the form of campus employment, the student is paid an hourly rate for work actually performed.

The amount and type of financial aid that a student receives is determined through federal and state guidelines and is offered to students in combinations of “packages” which consist of grants, loans, and employment designed to help students meet educational expenses like those described in this web site.

Make a selection below or from the menu to the left to learn more about the different types of financial aid programs that are available.