Sources of Financial Aid
As Financial Aid is basically anything you don’t pay out of your pocket, the sources of financial aid are many. However, on the Graduate/Professional Level, most aid comes either from the federal government, private banks or the University itself. On the federal level, the bulk of financial assistance is in the form of loans. Private banking agencies may provide alternative loans for students who do not qualify for federal student loans. University assistance is usually in the form of scholarships. Both the federal government and the University provide some assistance in the way of student employment (work study and non-work study jobs) that allow students to earn some of the funds they need to meet their total cost of attendance.
The list below outlines the most common types of aid, however, students should not overlook possibilities such as job-related benefits through employers or unions; outside scholarships through charitable or community groups and foundations; vocational rehabilitation benefits for students with disabilities; VA benefits and more.
Loans
Federal Direct Stafford Loans
Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans
Federal Perkins Loans
Private Alternative Loans
Canadian Student Loans
Law School Scholarships
Private Scholarships
Other Programs
VA Benefits
Vocational Rehabilitation Programs
All federal loans require entrance counseling and a promissory note prior to disbursement of the loan and an exit counseling session at the time the student leaves school. More information about all federal financial aid programs is available online at http://www.edpubs.gov/document/en0990p.pdf.