Introduction
Financial aid is a critical source of funding for both American students and educational institutions. From tuition remissions to college grants, financial aid supports students to mitigate the rising cost of college and gain access to higher education. Financial aid also provides colleges and universities the funds necessary to provide high quality education.
What is Financial Aid?
Financial aid is assistance provided by the government and other sources to help pay for educational costs. It includes federal grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs. Financial aid is usually provided based on need and academic performance.
Types of Financial Aid
There are two types of financial aid: need-based and non-need-based. Need-based financial aid is based on income, assets and expenses of the student and their family. Non-need-based financial aid is based on academic or extracurricular achievements, such as scholarships and grants.
Federal Grants
Federal grants are a form of need-based financial aid funded by the government. Common federal grants include Pell grants and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG). These grants are typically awarded to undergraduate students with financial need, and are non-repayable.
Scholarships and Fellowships
Scholarships and fellowships are types of non-need-based financial aid, typically awarded to undergraduate and graduate students with high academic performance. Scholarships are usually awarded to students with a combination of academic, athletic and/or extracurricular accomplishments. Fellowships are also mainly awarded to graduate students and often involve research.
Loans
Loans are a form of need-based or non-need-based financial aid used to pay tuition and other educational costs. Loans are usually repaid with interest, although some loans are offered with deferred interest. Examples of loans include Perkins loans, Stafford loans and Plus loans.
Work-Study Programs
Work-study programs are need-based financial aid programs available to undergraduate and graduate students to help pay educational costs. Students work part-time on- or off-campus and receive a wage to cover school expenses.
Conclusion
Financial aid is an important source of funding for American students and education institutions. There are several types of financial aid available, including federal grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs, to help students pay for their education. Financial aid provides students with the opportunity to pursue higher education, and provides colleges and universities with the resources to provide quality education.