Types of Aid

Overview of the Types of Aid Available

Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit or other specific criteria. Our financial aid office is ready to help you find institutional or outside scholarships that meet your qualifications. This type of aid does not have to be paid back.

Grants are institutional, federal, or state awards that help cover the cost of educational expenses and are primarily based on financial need. This type of aid does not have to be repaid.

Loans are available from the federal government and other private resources. This type of aid must be repaid on terms agreed upon by your lender.

The Federal Work-Study program is primarily for undergraduate students. This type of aid provides payment for part-time, on- and off-campus employment.

Assistantships are campus-affiliated work placements that provide tuition remission to graduate students. Graduate students apply for assistantships each spring for the following academic year, which begins July 1. For more information, email the Provost’s Office.

VA benefits are financial assistance provided by the Department of Veteran Affairs. If you are a veteran, you should first contact the Department of Veteran Affairs to determine your eligibility. Once you have your certificate of eligibility, you can contact our Office of Financial Aid.

If you are a child or surviving spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty, you can call the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ VA Education Call Center at 1-888-442-4551 (select Option 5) to discuss your education benefits as a GI Bill® beneficiary. Agents will be available Monday – Friday from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm CST.

For more information about military admissions policies and student services, visit our Military Policies & Information page.