What is Financial Aid?

Financial aid provides assistance through federal, state, institutional, and private programs to students who require funding to meet the cost of attending college. There are four categories of financial assistance:

Grants and scholarships are considered "gift" aid, as they do not need to be repaid. Loans and student employment are considered "self-help aid," as they either need to be repaid or require a service commitment on the part of the student. Financial aid should be used only for expenses directly related to your education. College costs include the following: tuition/fees, books and supplies, computer costs, housing, meals, transportation, clothing maintenance, personal and health insurance.