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What are the Different Types of Financial Aid for Students?

By L. Hepfer
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 2,383
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Financial aid for students entering college comes in two separate categories, either in the form of an award, or on a self-help basis. Financial aid for students in the form of an award does not need to be paid back. Awards include aid provided by educational institutions or charitable organizations in the form of scholarships. Self-help aid includes government backed loans, as well as work-study programs.

Grants and scholarships that do not need to be repaid are wonderful forms of financial aid for students. These are generally awarded to the student based on the student's academic record, leadership skills, or athletic ability. The qualifications needed for a grant or scholarship tend to be very competitive, since the quantity of the awards is strictly limited. Some grants and scholarships are very specifically limited to candidates from specific ethnic, religious, or geographic backgrounds.

Students may apply for self-help aid in the form of a student loan or a work-study program. Loans may be applied for directly through the school, or through a private financial institution. Student loans are usually set up so that the student may borrow the money while attending school, but they are not required to pay the loan back until after they have graduated.

Depending on the type of student loan, interest may or may not need to be paid while the student is in school. Various student loans are set up for parents to borrow for their son or daughter while they attend college. Most student loans that have a strictly enforced maximum amount that can be borrowed, although exceptions may be made for medical students.

Work-study programs are sometimes set up on campus or nearby, making it convenient for the student to remain employed while attending classes. The student's income is then placed into their account to help pay for college expenses. These type of programs are offered to undergraduate and graduate students, and tend to coincide with some sort of community service. Any student interested in applying for a student loan or a work-study program must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility.

Financial aid for students can come from a variety of sources. Private aid may be discovered within the student's home community and information can be found through the local Chamber of Commerce, or in a guidance counselor's office. Institutional aid may be provided through the school in which the student is attending. Each institution has a financial aid office that can be contacted for information. State and Federal aid are offered with various stipulations, and certain requirements must be met in order to benefit from each type of financial aid for students.

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Discussion Comments
By myharley — On Jun 09, 2011

When you talk to the financial aid office of your college, be sure and find out about the different scholarship programs they offer. Most schools have several of these kind of programs that can help you save money on your education.

Many of them are dependent on your grades and/or leadership activities, but there are many ways to receive financial aid for college students. You may qualify for more than one, and every little bit can sure help when it comes to paying for your college education.

By John57 — On Jun 08, 2011

There are many different kinds of financial aid available in addition to the government programs that many people are familiar with. If you are looking for free financial aid advice, one of the best places to go is the financial office of the school you are planning to attend.

If you need more aid than you can receive through the government plans, there are many private organizations that will offer student loans at competitive rates. The requirements for these have become more strict in the last few years, but they are still good options to check out.

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