Federal Grants are issued from U.S. Department of Education. For example, the Pell Grant is a federal grant you may be awarded by doing a FAFSA Application.

​State Grants are issued from the State of residence. For example, any grant that begins with Texas (Texas Grant, Texas Education Grant) is issued on behalf of Texas.

​Oh & FYI! Grants are funds that DO NOT, yes you heard correct, have to be paid back.

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Federal Loans require that the student complete a FAFSA application and can be need-based. Below are the most common types:

​Subsidized Loan: government does not charge you interest

Unsubsidized Loan: government does charge you interest

Parent PLUS Loan: based off of parent income and credit, not student.

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This is awarded based on the student's FAFSA application and the school you are attending. Most schools reserve spots for student with low EFC's and who completed the FAFSA before the priority deadline. Students who are awarded work-study will receive the funds in a paycheck form.

Private loans do not require a FAFSA application. However, they may need a credit check and can have higher interest rates compared to Federal loans. Below are common private education loans:

• Sallie Mae Private Student Loans

• Citizens Bank Student Loans

• Sofi Private Student Loans