Separate gift aid from borrowing
Grants and scholarships can reduce costs without creating the same repayment obligation as loans. Identify these amounts first.
FUNDNIVA / GUIDE
Financial Aid
Learn how to read an aid offer as a collection of different funding types—not one single number.
Understand work-study
Work-study generally represents an opportunity to earn wages through eligible employment; it is not the same as cash automatically credited toward the bill.
Compare net cost
Subtract grants and scholarships from the school’s estimated cost, then consider realistic housing, food, transportation, books, fees, and personal expenses.
Check annual requirements
Aid can require annual applications, satisfactory academic progress, enrollment minimums, or other continuing conditions.
Ask what can change
Awards can be estimates. Enrollment, housing, outside scholarships, verification, or changes in eligibility can affect the final package.
Use official guidance
Confirm current forms, deadlines, eligibility, and award details with the school financial aid office and responsible government or program sources.
Use information as a starting point—not a substitute for current terms.
Programs, eligibility rules, deadlines, award amounts, rates, and repayment provisions can change. Use these guides to organize your questions, then verify important details directly with the school, agency, grant administrator, lender, or program responsible for the information.
Request more information →