In the spectrum of educational funding, scholarships and grants are the "free money." These awards do not need to be repaid. In general, scholarships are given based on merit and grants are given based on financial need. They may be awarded based on need, or excellence in academics or other areas, or on a combination of both. The aid may be given by the federal or state government.

Many scholarships awarded to University students have separate processes, deadlines, eligibility criteria, and application forms. The resource links provided here will introduce you to a wide spectrum of possibilities available from the University and numerous other philanthropic agencies, organizations, and individuals.

Now the question is that how college funding works, the types of scholarships available, how to find them and how to apply for them. Thats pretty standard issue for a website about scholarships, although we think if youll pardon us saying so, that weve done an excellent and job of being comprehensive and readable. Heres whats different.

Scholarships are the ideal form of student aid, as they're basically gifts that never have to be repaid. On the other hand, student loans must be repaid, but they're made at very low interest rates, and you're usually you're not required to begin repayment until six months after you graduate. Some student loans require you to prove financial need, but some of them don't. Many students turn to student loans as a method to pay for college. Basically, if you cannot get access to the free money you have to borrow it in the form of a student loan.