Types of Aid

Work- Study Jobs 

The Federal Work-Study Program allows you to earn money to pay for school by working part-time. You’ll earn at least the current federal minimum wage. However, you may earn more depending on the type of work you do and the skills required for the position. Your total work-study award depends on

• when you apply,

• your level of financial need, and

• your school’s funding level 

Loans

A loan is money you borrow and must pay back with interest. If you apply for financial aid, you may be offered loans as part of your school’s financial aid offer. When you receive a student loan, you are borrowing money to attend a college or career school. You must repay the loan as well as interest that accrues. It is important to understand your repayment options so you can successfully repay your loan.

Aid From Your State Government

Other than federal aid, you might be eligible for financial assistance from your state. Contact your state grant agency for more information.

Aid From Your College or Career School

Many schools offer financial aid from their own grant and/or scholarship funds. Find out what might be available to you:

• Visit your school’s financial aid page on its website, or contact the financial aid office.

• Ask at the department that offers your course of study; they might have a scholarship for students in your major.

• Fill out any applications your school requires for its own aid programs, and meet your school’s deadlines.

A grant is a form of financial aid that doesn’t have to be repaid (unless, for example, you withdraw from school and owe a refund, or you receive a TEACH Grant and don’t complete your service obligation). A variety of federal grants are available, including:

• Federal Pell Grants

• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)

The federal government provides grants for students attending college or career school. Most types of grants, unlike loans, are sources of financial aid that generally do not have to be repaid.

Grants can come from the  federal government, your state government, your college or career school, or a private or nonprofit organization. Do your research, apply for any grants you might be eligible for, and be sure to meet application deadlines!

Grant Eligibility

Most of our grants (listed above) are awarded only to students with financial need.

If you are interested in our grants, or in any federal student aid, start by submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. To continue receiving federal student aid, fill out the FAFSA form every year you’re in school.

Visit the individual pages for each of the grants listed above to learn about additional eligibility and application requirements.

Once you’ve submitted a FAFSA form, your college or career school will let you know how much you may receive and when you may receive it.

Maintaining Eligibility for Grants

The requirements for remaining eligible to receive a grant vary from program to program. Please visit the individual page relevant to your specific grant to ensure that you meet the requirements for maintaining eligibility for that program.

When You May Have to Repay a Grant

Here are some examples of why you might have to repay all or part of a federal grant:

• You withdrew early from the program for which the grant was given to you.

• Your enrollment status changed in a way that reduced your eligibility for your grant (for instance, if you switch from full-time enrollment to part-time, your grant amount will be reduced).

• You received outside scholarships or grants that reduced your need for federal student aid.

• You received Federal Pell Grant funds from more than one school at a time.

Grant Repayment

Your school will notify you if you must repay part of your grant. From that point, you will have 45 days to either pay that portion of the grant back in full or enter into a satisfactory repayment arrangement.

If you enter into a satisfactory repayment arrangement, the school may assign the debt to ED for collection or may keep the debt and allow you to make payments directly to the school.

If you do not carry out one of the options described above, you will lose your eligibility for further federal student aid.