What are the different forms of aid a student can receive?

Finances and Aid

Our Counselors Answered:

What are the different forms of aid a student can receive?

Laura O’Brien Gatzionis
FounderEducational Advisory Services

Depending on your family’s financial situation, you may be eligible for a federally funded work-study job, grants (federal, state or institutional), need or merit-based scholarships (federal, state, institutional or general), subsidized or unsubsidized federal loans, and possible tax credits.


王文君 June Scortino
PresidentIVY Counselors Network

Students normally receive three different types of aid. These include scholarships offered by the college, work study issued by the government, and student loans and parents loans which must be paid back with schedules and interest.


Reecy Aresty
College Admissions/Financial Aid
Expert & Author
Payless for College, Inc.

Scholarships, loans, grants and federal work-study.


Katherine Moyses

Students may be eligible for loans, grants, or scholarships. Federal loans and grants, like Direct Loans or Pell grants are determined through the use of the student FAFSA. Schools may have scholarships available to students based upon financial need. Additionally, students may use sites like www.fastweb.com to see if they may meet the qualifications for other scholarships available. Make sure to understand that a student should NOT have to pay for scholarship searches.


Nancy Milne
OwnerMilne Collegiate Consulting

Financial aid can come in the form of free money: scholarships and grants. Financial aid can come in the form of work study hours: an on campus job scheduled around your classes. Financial aid can come in the form of loans: various platforms, all charging interest and offering various repayment plans. Financial aid awards may be a combination of the above, it just depends on your situation.