Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships
Types of Aid
Federal Student Aid Programs
Federal student aid covers such expenses as tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation. Aid also can help pay for other related expenses, such as computer and dependent care. Thousands of schools across the country participate in the federal student aid programs; ask the schools you’re interested in whether they do! Federal student aid includes:
- —financial aid that doesn’t have to be repaid (unless, for example, you withdraw from school and owe a refund)
- — borrowed money for college or career school; you must repay your loans, with interest
- —a work program through which you earn money to help you pay for school
The federal government offers a number of financial aid programs. Besides aid from the U.S. Department of Education, you also might get:
- Aid for serving in the military or for being the spouse or child of a veteran ()
- Tax benefits for education ()
- An Education Award for community service with AmeriCorps ()
- Educational and Training Vouchers for current and former foster care youth ()
- Scholarships and loan repayment through the Department of Health and Human Services’ ,, and
Aid from Your State Government
Even if you’re not eligible for federal aid, you might be eligible for financial aid from your state. Contact your for more information.
Aid from a Nonprofit or Private Organization
Many organizations offer to help students pay for college. This free money can make a real difference in how affordable your education is. Apply for federal student aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (). And remember, the first F in “FAFSA” stands for “free”—you shouldn’t pay to fill out the FAFSA!
Federal Pell Grants
Federal Pell Grants are designed only for undergraduate students. Learn about FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANT (FSEOG) FSEOG is a grant for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Learn about FSEOG.
TEACH Grants
Federal Work-Study
Federal Work-Study provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. Learn about the
Federal Direct Student Loans
Subsidized and unsubsidized loans are federal student loans for eligible students to help cover the cost of higher education at certain schools. Learn about
Plus Loans
PLUS loans are federal loans that graduate or professional degree students and parents of dependent undergraduate students can use to help pay education expenses. Learn about
Scholarship Search
Search 1.5 million scholarships worth more than $3.4 billion with FastWeb!
