Financial aid can help you afford the education and training you need to advance in your career.
Financial aid money is available from a variety of sources for training programs, college, career school, graduate school, and professional school. It might come from:
- The U.S. federal government
- The state where you live
- The school you attend
- A nonprofit or private organization.
What are the main types of financial aid?
Grants are awards you don't have to pay back.
A loan is money that you do have to pay back.
Government-backed loans usually have the lowest interest rates, while loans through a private bank or other financial institution may cost you more in the long run. Learn more about loans from the U.S. Department of Education’s Student Financial Aid Office.
Work-study is on-campus employment offered through a school
Work-study is available based on your income level and your individual school’s policies. You can use work-study wages to pay tuition or other expenses. Learn more about work-study from the U.S. Department of Education’s Student Financial Aid Office.
How much aid might you qualify for?
The Federal Student Aid Estimator can help you estimate how much federal financial aid you might qualify for. You provide some basic information and get an instant estimate.
Ready to start an application for federal financial aid?
The first step to getting federal financial aid is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA must be completed every year you are in school to stay eligible for federal student aid. Learn more about the FAFSA, and get started filling out your application.