Description: An award that doesn't have to be repaid, is based on financial need and is a gift from your school, the federal government or a private foundation.

Eligibility: All students who can prove financial need

Amount:Up to the cost of education

Repayment Term: None

Description: Aid that doesn't have to be repaid but is awarded based upon particular, often competitive requirements.

Eligibility: Requirements change with different scholarship programs

Amount:Up to the cost of education

Repayment Term: None

Description: Work-study provides jobs for undergraduates and graduates with financial need, where you can work and attend school. The Federal Work Study Program pays a percentage of your wages for the position you're hired for, though your earnings cannot exceed the amount of your award.

Eligibility: U.S. Citizen/Permanent resident students; need-based

Amount: Up to the cost of education

Repayment Term: None

Description: Loan for students with a low fixed interest rate, funded by federal government and administered by your child's college.

Eligibility: U.S. Citizen/Permanent residents; full/part-time undergrad/grad student; need-based

Amount: Up to $4,000 annually for undergrads; $6,000 for graduates

Repayment Term: Up to 10 years

Description: Loan for students funded and administered by a lender or the U.S. Dept. of Education. Subsidized: Federal government will pay interest on this loan while student is in school. Unsubsidized: Student is responsible for all interest charges.

Eligibility: U.S. Citizen/Permanent residents; full/part-time undergrad/grad students. Subsidized: Students who can prove financial need. Unsubsidized: Students who cannot prove financial need.

Amount: Full-time Dependent undergrads - up to $5500 first year, $6500 second year, up to $7500 thereafter. Full-time independent undergrads - same as dependents, plus additional unsubsidized Stafford, up to $4000 for first and second years, up to $5000 thereafter. Grad students - up to $8500 subsidized Stafford, plus $12,000 unsubsidized.

Repayment Term: Up to 10 years

Description: Loan for parents and graduate students (beginning 7/1/06) funded and administered by a lender or the U.S. Dept. of Education.

Eligibility: U.S. Citizen/permanent resident; parent of full/part-time, parent of dependent undergraduate student; graduate student

Amount: Up to the difference between college costs and estimated financial aid.

Repayment Term: Up to 10 years

Description: A private supplemental loan for students available from a national network of lenders with a fixed or variable interest rate based off of prime or libor plus a mark up determined by credit rating.  Fees vary based on loan program and credit rating.

Eligibility: Student enrolled at least half-time; a credit check is often required

Amount: Loan limits vary by program.

Repayment Term: Repayment terms vary by program