Financial Assistance Information
Student Assistance
Student assistance comes in several forms. Understanding each one helps you ask better questions and compare what you find.
Grants versus other assistance
Grants are generally gift aid that does not need to be repaid. Scholarships are similar but are often merit or interest based. Loans must be repaid, and work study ties support to a campus job. Basic needs programs, such as food pantries, are a separate kind of help.
- Grants: usually need based, set by each funder
- Scholarships: often tied to achievement, field, or community
- Work study: earnings from an approved job
- Loans: borrowed money that must be repaid
Where to look
Your school's financial aid office is usually the best starting point. State higher education agencies, community foundations, and nonprofits also publish programs on their own websites.
Questions to ask an organization
Before applying, write down what you need to know.
- Who runs this program and how is it funded?
- What are the current requirements and deadlines?
- Which documents are needed?
- Is the award renewable from year to year?
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