The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a very common way institutions evaluate financial need. Filling out the FAFSA allows students to access federal funds for work study, scholarships, grants, and loans. The FAFSA typically informs how institutions and states grant their aid as well.
NC Schools that use CSS Profile:
UNC
Duke
Davidson
Elon
Wake Forest
Scholarship: gifts that don't have to be repaid and are designed to help students pay for college or career school
scholarships can be a one-time gift or renewable
merit-based: scholarship offered to students who meet predetermined criteria (academic, athletic, skill, talent, etc.)
need-based: scholarship offered based on demonstrated need
Grant: sources of financial aid that generally don't need to be repaid
federal grants: offered through the Department of Education based on need, demonstrated through the FAFSA
state grants: offered through the state and are often government-funded; based on need demonstrated by the FAFSA to fill gaps in federal aid
institutional grant: offered through the student's college or university; typically based on demonstrated need
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-- program encourages community service work and work related to the student's course of study
paid directly to the student
Loan: money students borrow to pay for college and must be paid back with interest (federal, state, or local)
Federal Pell Grant: grant awarded to undergraduate students based on demonstrated need determined through the FAFSA
$7,395 (2025-2026 school year)
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant: grant offered to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need
amount based on need, school availability, other aid received, and when you apply (up to $4000)
Subsidized Loan: federal loan for eligible undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need to help cover the costs of higher education at a college or career school
DOES NOT ACCRUE INTEREST WHILE THE STUDENT IS ENROLLED IN SCHOOL
Determined through the FAFSA, no application needed
Unsubsidized Loan: Federal loan for eligible undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, but eligibility is NOT based on financial need
ACCRUES INTEREST IMMEDIATELY
Determined through the FAFSA, no application needed