FAFSA/Financial Aid Information
- Federal student aid: This includes federal grants like the Pell Grant (which generally doesn't need to be repaid), federal student loans (like Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans), and federal work-study programs, which offer part-time jobs to help with expenses.
- State financial aid: Many states use FAFSA information to award their own grants and scholarships.
- College/Institutional aid: Colleges and universities often use FAFSA data to determine your eligibility for their own scholarships and grants, whether need-based or merit-based.
- Some private scholarships: Even some private organizations offering scholarships may require you to submit the FAFSA as part of their application process.
“Types of Federal Student Aid” Video
Check out this video to learn about grants, loans, and work-study jobs and how they can help fund your education. (Captioning available in English and Spanish; just start the video and click on the CC symbol at the bottom.)
Aid and Other Resources From the U.S. Federal Government
The federal government offers a number of financial aid programs.
Besides aid from the U.S. Department of Education (discussed below), you also might get
- aid for serving in the military or for being the spouse or child of a veteran;
- tax benefits for education;
- an Education Award for community service with AmeriCorps;
- Educational and Training Vouchers for current and former foster care youth; and/or
- scholarships and loan repayment through the Department of Health and Human Services’ Indian Health Service, National Institutes of Health, and National Health Service Corps.
The U.S. Department of Education awards more than $120 billion a year in grants, work-study funds, and low-interest loans to more than 13 million students. Federal student aid covers such expenses as tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation. Aid also can help pay for other related expenses, such as a computer and dependent care. Thousands of schools across the country participate in the federal student aid programs; ask the schools you’re interested in whether they do!
There are three types of federal student aid:
- Grants—financial aid that doesn't have to be repaid (unless, for example, you withdraw from school and owe a refund)
- Work-study—a work program through which you earn money to help you pay for school
- Loans—borrowed money for college or career school; you must repay your loans, with interest
Apply for federal student aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. And remember, the first F in “FAFSA” stands for “free”—you shouldn’t pay to fill out the FAFSA form!
