Level 1: FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Most loans, grants, and scholarships require the FAFSA. Open Oct. 1
Level 2: Federal Aid
- Some of this will arrive in the form of a Pell Grant. It could include Stafford loans, Perkin Loans, and Work Study programs.
Level 3: School Scholarships/Grants
- Schools have donors and scholarship programs. Departments have scholarship opportunities for scholars. Check school websites for scholarship opportunities.
Level 4: Scholarships
- Apply for every scholarship that could apply to you (merit, heritage, ethnic, hobby, essay, civic, sports, etc.).
Level 5: Consider a Campus Job
- Most students can handle about 10-15 hours on a full time course schedule (15-18 credits). Campus jobs will work around your schedule while off-campus positions may not work with classes as well.
Level 6: Summer Job
- Find a summer internship or job that will offer valid life experiences that will help you find employment later on.

Grant: financial aid that does NOT need repaid
Scholarship: award based on academic or other achievement.
Student Loans: loan to help student pay for college
Stafford or Perkins Loans: federal loans given to student. Includes low interest rate and gains interest after graduation.
PLUS Loans: parent loans
Subsidized Stafford Loans: do not gain interest until after graduation
Unsubsidized Stafford Loans: Interest builds while in school- but repayment begins after school.
Perkins: lower interest rate and no interest until after graduation
Private Education Loans: Interest rate typically higher than federal loans, but lower than credit card debt

Scholarships Sites:

Budgeting Help: