


Scholarships are sources of money that do not need to be paid back. Thousands of scholarships are available through colleges, your state, and various companies, organizations, and clubs.
Most colleges automatically consider you for a college-based scholarship when you apply for admission. If you qualify, your school's Admissions Office will notify you. As for the other types of scholarships, search the Web and seek recommendations from friends, family, and academic advisors.



Some companies provide financial assistance to employees seeking continuing education. Tuition reimbursement may provide eligible employees with the opportunity to obtain, maintain, or improve their professional capabilities through participation in courses of study at accredited colleges and universities.



Federal Perkins Loans are 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. To determine if you may be eligible for this loan, it is important to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), even if you do not think you will be eligible for financial aid.
Eligibility for this type of loan will be defined in the Award Letter from your school.



Direct Stafford Loans are available to US citizens and eligible non-citizens enrolled at least half-time in an undergraduate or graduate program. No credit check or cosigner is required. Stafford Loans may be subsidized or unsubsidized. Subsidized Stafford Loans are available to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need, and the government pays the interest on these loans while the student is in school. Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are 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.
Eligibility for this type of loan will be defined in the Award Letter from your school. If you are eligible for federal student loans and you decide to borrow, you must apply for these loans directly from the federal government.



Direct PLUS Loans are available to US citizens and eligible non-citizens enrolled at least half-time in a graduate or professional program. Students must pass a credit check, and no cosigner is required. These loans let students borrow up to the full cost of education minus any other financial aid. To determine if you may be eligible for this loan, it is important to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), even if you do not think you will be eligible for financial aid.
Eligibility for this type of loan will be defined in the Award Letter from your school. If you are eligible for federal student loans and you decide to borrow, you must apply for these loans directly from the federal government.



Direct PLUS Loans are available to parents who are US citizens and eligible non-citizens with dependent students enrolled at least half-time in an undergraduate program. Parents must pass a credit check. These loans let parents borrow up to the full cost of their child's education minus any other financial aid. To determine if you may be eligible for this loan, it is important to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), even if you do not think you will be eligible for financial aid.
Eligibility for this type of loan will be defined in the Award Letter from your school. If you are eligible for federal student loans and you decide to borrow, you must apply for these loans directly from the federal government.



Private student loans supplement federal loans and other financial aid. You can apply for a private loan on your own. By adding a cosigner, you may improve your chance for loan approval and may receive a lower interest rate.
When shopping for a private student loan, look for a certified private student loan. A certified private student loan is a loan where your school verifies how much you should borrow. This helps ensure you borrow only what you need.