Scholarships
are considered gift aid (FREE money). This money does
not have to be repaid. Some scholarships are awarded
on a one-time basis, while others are renewable. Renewable
scholarships may be guaranteed for a student's entire
undergraduate or graduate study. However, the scholarship
recipient must abide by the scholarship provider’s
rules and guidelines to remain eligible for the scholarship.
Learn more about scholarships
categories.
•
Grants
Grants are
considered gift aid and do not have to be repaid. Usually,
grants are awarded on a one-time basis often based on
financial need. However, some grants are renewable as
long as there are available funds and the student remains
eligible by following the grant provider’s rules
and guidelines. Learn more about grant
providers.
•
Fellowships
Fellowships
are considered gift aid and do not have to be repaid.
Fellowships are highly competitive with a typical one
or two year commitment. Fellowships are usually awarded
to graduate students for post-graduate study, research,
special employment experiences, special projects, enrollment
at a specific school, certain career fields, and more.
Typically, a fellowship will pay for the student’s
tuition, fees, room & board, books and supplies,
etc. Most fellowships will also provide students with
a monthly stipend for living expenses.
•
Assistantships
Assistantships
are considered self-help aid. They offer graduate students
the opportunity to perform teaching and/or research
duties in which they are given a full or partial tuition
waiver and a monthly stipend. Usually, there is a limit
to the number of hours a student can work per week.
•
Work-Study
Program (Student Employment)
Work-study
programs are considered self-help aid that is awarded
on a first-come, first-serve basis to students usually
based on financial need. The purpose of this program
is to provide part-time employment to undergraduate
and graduate students to help them earn money to pay
for personal and educational expenses, during their
enrollment in school. Learn more about the various
work-study programs.
•
Educational
Loans
Educational
Loans are considered self-help aid. A loan is borrowed
money that must be repaid with interest. These loans
are offered through a variety of sources such as: the
Federal and State government, schools, employers, private
lenders, banks, credit unions, and family members. Learn
more about the various
types of educational loans.
Note: Most students
will use a combination of scholarships, grants, work-study,
loans, and family contributions to finance their education.
Students that have been convicted of drug distribution or
possession, or other felonies may be ineligible for certain
financial aid (i.e. Federal Aid).
