Types of Financial Aid 

Grants – This type of aid does not have to be repaid, but there may be an obligation regarding grades while in college, selection of major, or employment upon graduation. Grants are awards that may be based on financial need or other eligibility criteria. 

Scholarships – Scholarship recipients may have to meet criteria such as academic achievement, extracurricular activities, community involvement, etc. They may also require certain criteria to be met while in college. 

Loans – These usually have lower interest rates than commercial loans and must be repaid generally after you have graduated or left college. 

Student employment or work aid – This may mean a job that the college located for you or employment you found on your own. 

Scholarships

Use free websites to do scholarships searches (list available in this packet). Start your search for scholarships in September of your senior year. Scholarships are available throughout the year. Criteria for scholarships vary widely: academic merit, leadership, service to school and community, talent, financial need, etc. 

FAFSA is the U.S. Dept. of Education’s free application for federal student aid. Most colleges award financial need monies based on the determination of need on the FAFSA report. You will need your pin number to access the student aid report (SAR) online. 

PHEAA The State of Pennsylvania requires that you complete the FAFSA to be considered for any State financial aid programs. 

CSS/PROFILE is a financial aid application filled out through the College Board website used by a number of private colleges and universities.