Grants 

• Pell Grants

• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)

• Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants, and

• Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants.

Scholarships

Many nonprofit and private organizations offer scholarships to help students pay for college or career school. This type of free money, which is sometimes based on academic merit, talent, or a particular area of study, can make a real difference in helping you manage your education expenses. 

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. 

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.

Aid From Colleges

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

• Visit the college you are applying to or already accepted to, financial aid page on their website, or contact the financial aid office at this college. 

• Depending on the college and your academic/athletic performance, most colleges will offer a merit or athletic scholarship for you to attend.