Your financial aid may include scholarships, grants, loans, or employment. Each program has its own criteria for eligibility.
Scholarships provide money that generally does not have to be repaid. It is from a private organization, state, or the University. The donor sets all criteria concerning the scholarship and these can include academic performance and/or financial need.
Grants provide money that does not have to be repaid and that is awarded based on financial need. Grants are also known as gift assistance or gift aid. Grants include the following:
Educational loans are a form of self-help financial aid. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to determine eligibility for educational loan programs. First-time borrowers in the Direct Loan program must also complete Entrance Loan Counseling and a Master Promissory Note.
Direct subsidized, Perkins Loans, and nursing Loans are based on financial need. All loans have annual maximums except Parent Loans and Alternative Loans which are based on cost of education minus other financial aid amounts.
Employment is available through on and off campus jobs. You receive a paycheck usually every two weeks. Both on campus (Federal Work Study and Regular) and off campus jobs are listed through the Student Employment Web site.
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