Many financial options are available to assist you and your parents in meeting the costs of college tuition. Below we review the major financial aid categories and provide links to sites where you may obtain more information.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships are forms of aid that help students pay for their education. Unlike loans, they do not have to be repaid. Generally, scholarships are reserved for students with special qualifications, such as academic, athletic or artistic talent. Awards are also available for students who are interested in particular fields of study, who are members of underrepresented groups, who live in certain areas of the country or who demonstrate financial need. GRANTS
Grants are a type of financial aid that does not have to be repaid. Generally, grants are for undergraduate students and the grant amount is based on need, cost of attendance, and enrollment status. Grant programs include Federal Pell Grants and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants. LOANS
Loans are borrowed money that must be repaid with interest. Both undergraduate and graduate students may borrow money. Parents may also borrow to pay education expenses for dependent undergraduate students. Maximum loan amounts depend on the student's year in school. Federal Stafford Loans are made to students and PLUS Loans are made to parents through two loan programs:
1. William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program: Eligible students and parents borrow directly from the federal government at participating schools. Direct Loans include Direct Stafford Loans, Direct PLUS Loans, and Direct Consolidation Loans.
2. Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program: Private lenders provide federally guaranteed funds. FFELs include FFEL Stafford Loans, FFEL PLUS Loans, and FFEL Consolidation Loans.
Federal Perkins Loans are offered by participating schools to provide students who demonstrate the most need with low-interest loans.
WORK-STUDY
Work-study lets you earn money while enrolled in school to help pay for education expenses. 
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