Types of Aid
Financial Aid comes in many forms and includes funds offered at the federal, state and institutional level. Most financial aid funds are offered based on the financial information provided on your FAFSA. Financial aid offers can consist of a combination of these funds.
Scholarships and grants are considered “gift” aid since they typically require no repayment.
By contrast, loans and work-study are considered “self-help” aid. Loans are funds that require repayment, while work-study is paid to a student after a job is secured and hours are worked.
It’s important to note that a work-study offer is a potential to earn funds and not a guarantee that you will earn the entire amount offered.