Funding Your College Education

Many programs exist to help students and families pay for a college education.

Undergraduate financial aid includes grants, merit scholarships, loans and Federal Work-Study. The amount and types of aid students receive can be based on financial need or provided without regard to need.

Need-based financial aid may come from the federal government, the state or the institution. Some funds, such as grants, scholarships and Federal Work-Study, do not need to be repaid. Loans, however, do need to be repaid after graduation, meaning that students and families who choose to take out loans should plan accordingly.