What is Financial Aid

Financial Aid is: 

1. Scholarships - Free money – you don’t have to repay
2. Grants - Free money – you don’t have to repay
3. Loans - Money you borrow that you DO have to repay
4. Student Employment - Part-time job you have to work, in order to earn the money

Financial Aid can come from the following sources:

1. Federal - Money from the federal government
2. State - Money from the State in which you reside, for example, money from the state of Connecticut for Connecticut residents
3. Institutional - Money from the University - Merit (based on Academic performance) or "need-based" (based on the results of the FAFSA)
4. Private - Money from private agencies, organizations, civic groups, high schools, religious groups, etc.