Grants: Federal and State Governments offer grants to students as a form of Gift Aid, meaning they do not need to be paid back. Examples of Federal Grants include the Pell Grant, TEACH Grant, and Service Grant. A FAFSA must be filed to be considered for government grants, although other grants are sometimes offered directly through schools.

Scholarships: Schools, non-profit, and private organizations offer scholarships to students to help pay for post-secondary education. Scholarships are another form of Gift Aid and do not need to be repaid. Some scholarships will require specific criteria to apply, such as financial need, specific ethnic groups, organization affiliation, or residency requirements. Each scholarship application is different and deadlines vary throughout the year. Merit-based scholarships are awarded through the colleges that students apply to.  Merit-based scholarships are typically awarded based on the college application with no separate application required.  Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on GPA, test scores, and/or class-rank.

Work Study: Federal Work-Study provides part-time jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay for education expenses. Work study opportunities are offered through participating schools. If a student qualifies for this program, Work Study will be listed under the school's offered financial aid package after a student submits their FAFSA. Work study award amounts depend on when you apply, your level of financial need, and your school's funding level.

Student Loans: 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 the interest that accrues. Loans are offered through the Federal Government after filing the FAFSA as either a Subsidized loan (no interest is accrued while the student is in school +6 months after graduation), an Unsubsidized loan (interest is accumulated for the whole duration of the loan), or a Parent PLUS Loan (the parent of a dependent student is the borrower and is fully responsible for paying the interest regardless of the loan status). Loans are also offered through private institutions with interest and repayment varying between lenders. 

FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The sooner you file your FAFSA, more aid options will be available to you. To receive federal student aid, such as federal grants, work-study, and loans, you need to complete the FAFSA every year you attend college. Completing and submitting the FAFSA is free and it gives you access to the largest source of financial aid to pay for college or technical school. In addition, many states and colleges use your FAFSA information to determine your eligibility for state and schoo​l aid, and some private financial aid providers may use your FAFSA information to determine whether you qualify for their aid. 

• Create an account. Click here​
• Social Security number (if applicable)
• Personal email for the Student
• Bank statements
• Parent email (if you're a dependent)
• W-2 forms and tax returns for both student and parent
• Up to 10 schools you are interested in attending