Compare
Aid types
Four kinds of education aid, side by side. The same words can mean different things on different pages, so compare rows, not labels.
| Type | Repaid? | Who gives it | What it is | Where to check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grant | Generally not repaid | Federal and state governments, schools, nonprofits | Money toward costs when program rules are met | studentaid.gov, your state agency, your school’s aid office |
| Scholarship | Generally not repaid | Schools, nonprofits, employers, community groups | Awarded for a stated reason such as achievement or field of study | The provider’s own page, your school’s aid office |
| Work-study | Earned by working | Schools, through a funded program | A part-time job whose pay helps with costs | Your school’s aid office or student employment office |
| Loan | Repaid, usually with interest | Governments and private lenders | Borrowed money with repayment terms | The lender’s terms; studentaid.gov for federal loans |
Ask these
Four questions for any line on any letter.
Grants and scholarships generally do not need to be repaid. Loans do. Work-study is earned.
The provider does: the government, school, nonprofit or lender. Never this website.
Many awards expect a minimum enrollment level, steady progress, or a renewal form each year.
Dates differ by program, school and year. Take them from the official source.
General information only. Programs, rules and dates vary and change. Tuitnova is an information website, not a school, lender, scholarship provider, or financial aid office. It does not award or guarantee funds, take applications, or share your details with schools, lenders, or other partners.
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