Financial Aid for Students

Guides students through the process of locating and applying for financial aid. Prepared by the Congressional Research Service for Members of Congress, updated October 2008.

The basics: getting started

TOP

Student aid and where it comes from

TOP

Basic assistance categories:

Federal Student Aid:

States offer residents a variety of scholarships, loans, and tuition exemptions.

Colleges and universities provide some 20% of aid, most need-based. Check university Web sites and the institution's financial aid office when you apply for admission.

Private foundations, corporations, and organizations offer scholarships or grants:
College Board Scholarship Search
FastWeb
Grants for Individuals

Targeted aid for special groups

TOP

Interested in public service?

Federal assistance programs seek to encourage people to work in geographic areas or professions where there's a particular need (such as doctors in underserved areas); encourage underrepresented groups to enter a particular profession; and provide aid in exchange for services provided (such as military service).

Aid for private K-12 education: No direct federal assistance, check with schools themselves:

Repaying your loans

TOP

After college, the federal government has ways to help you repay your loans.

States, schools, and some private employers provide help in repaying loans in exchange for public service.

CRS contact Merete Gerli, x77109