Award Letter Comparison

Tuition is the cost of instruction at a specific school. Tuition does not include room and board, textbooks, supplies and other fees a school may charge for attendance. Fees can vary by school and may account for activities, parking, health and technology. If this line item does not appear on your award letter, check the school's website, contact the school's Financial Aid Office or visit

Room and board charges will vary based on whether the student is living on or off campus and dining on or off campus. If this line item does not appear on your award letter, check the school's website, contact the school's Financial Aid Office or visit

This is generally an estimated cost of the books and supplies a student may need per term. This estimate will vary based on a student's intended major. If this line item does not appear on your award letter, check the school's website, contact the school's Financial Aid Office or visit

This can vary by school and depends on the number of round-trips to and from home the school is estimating.

Includes personal expenses such as phone and Internet service, laundry and events. If this line item does not appear on your award letter, check the school's website, contact the school's Financial Aid Office or visit National Center for Education Statisticsnces.ed.gov/ipeds. These expenses may not be included in what the school certifies as part of your cost of attendance.

Grants are typically based on financial need and are awarded by the federal government, your state government or your school.

Scholarships are typically based on merit, a student characteristic or financial need and are awarded by schools and private organizations.

Available to undergraduate and graduate students regardless of financial need and the student is responsible for paying the interest but can defer payments while in school. These loans do not require a credit check.

Available to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need, and the government pays the interest on these loans while the student is in school. These loans do not require a credit check.

Available to parents with dependent students and graduate students who are US citizens and eligible non-citizens enrolled at least half-time in an undergraduate program. Borrowers must pass a credit check. These loans let parents and graduate students borrow up to the full cost of attendance less any other financial aid.

School-based, low-interest education loans available for US citizens and eligible non-citizens enrolled at least half-time in an undergraduate, graduate or professional program. No credit check or cosigner is required. These loans are awarded based on exceptional financial need.

This may include other state or school based loans. Private student loans are made by banks and financial institutions and are not included in your award letter.

Money you have set aside to help pay for college.

Money earned or money that you will earn from part- or full-time employment. This should not include your work-study award.

Money your parents and/or relatives will contribute toward college.

Money set aside in education savings plans, such as a 529 or Coverdell.

Some employers offer tuition reimbursement that will help pay for a portion of your tuition and books. Tuition reimbursement benefits vary by employer, so it is important to check the details to ensure you can take full advantage of them.