Where tuition assistance usually comes from
Support for tuition can come from several kinds of sources. Each one sets its own rules, deadlines, and amounts.
- Colleges and universities, through institutional aid offices.
- State education agencies, through state aid programs.
- Federal student aid programs, through the FAFSA process.
- Employers, through workplace tuition benefits.
- Nonprofits, foundations, and community organizations.
Gift aid versus aid you repay
Grants and scholarships are generally gift aid that does not need to be repaid when conditions are met. Loans must be repaid. Payment plans spread costs over time but do not reduce the total. Read each offer carefully to see which category it falls into.
Preparing before you reach out
Gather a short set of materials so conversations with a financial aid office are productive.
- A list of schools and their published cost of attendance.
- Prior year tax information, if a program asks for it.
- Program names and deadlines you have already found.
- A written list of questions for each school.