college financial aid

College financial aid is funding provided to help students pay for their education. It includes grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and loans. Grants and scholarships are gifts that do not require repayment, often based on need or merit. Work-study allows students to earn money through part-time jobs on campus. Loans are borrowed funds that must be repaid with interest. Financial aid aims to make higher education accessible by reducing the out-of-pocket costs for students and families, often determined by an application process that assesses financial need.