Types of Financial Aid

Learning the details of financial aid can take a while, but hopefully these definitions will help you understand the types of aid:

Scholarships

Scholarships do not have to be repaid, and you can have more than one at a time. Generally, scholarships are awarded to students who meet special qualifications, often determined by academic or athletic success or artistic talent. Scholarships are also given to students who are part of an underrepresented group, while others are offered based on students’ academic areas of study.

Grants

Grants are awarded based on need and do not have to be repaid. Federal, state and institutional grants are available.

Employment

Employment is a popular option for many college students. Federal and state work-study jobs are awarded to students with documented financial need. On-campus employment options are also available for students who are not eligible for work-study.

Loans

Loans must be repaid with interest. The long-term types available include student loans, such as the Federal Stafford or Federal Perkins loans, and parent loans, such as Federal PLUS loans and private student loans, also known as alternative education loans. Emergency short-term loans are also available.

Outside Assistance

These programs are offered by outside agencies who have specifically asked that their information be distributed to ASU students. Please note that these programs may be scholarships AND/OR loans.