MERIT BASED
These awards are based on high school academic performance and/or SAT/ACT scores. Merit awards may also be given based on superior achievements in athletics, the arts, JROTC, leadership, community service or other areas of noteworthy accomplishment. Schools will typically offer these awards after your application is submitted.
NEED BASED
Need-based awards are based on the financial needs of the student. Schools typically determine this by using information from the student's FAFSA form. This form will give them a baseline for the income of the student's family. This information is taken from the prior-prior year taxes (so, for a student beginning college in 2024-2025, tax information from 2022 is used). However, if the financial situation of the family has changed since taxes were filed, it is common for a student to submit an appeal to their school indicating this, and their financial aid may be adjusted. Need-based aid typically comes in the form of grants or scholarships. Neither of these need to be repaid.
FEDERAL AND WORK-STUDY
This program provides guaranteed part-time university employment. Work-study will often be included on a student's financial aid offer. However, students should understand that this money is earned from working and then may be paid towards any fee balance. This is sometimes confusing to students, as the offer letter makes it seem like the amount they could earn from work-study will automatically be deducted from their bill.
SUPPLEMENTAL
LOANS
A number of supplemental educational loan programs exist to allow families to borrow up to their student’s full cost of attendance. Most student college loans offer low, fixed interest rates and flexible repayment terms.
For all finanaical aid, please ask questions before you accept or decline what is offered. If you need help understanding your offer letter, please feel free to meet with your student's guidance counselor or the career and college advisor.