Financial aid can be a little tricky manner to maneuver. I know because I worked at my school's financial aid office helping students get answers about financial aid. So whether you're an incoming freshman, a senior looking for a little bit of help, or anywhere in between, this little rundown will help answer your basic questions about financial aid.


The number one thing you need to know about financial aid is the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid, or the  FAFSA. This is the application that can can be filled out online or through the mail to apply for the Federal Pell Grant, Unsubsized Stafford Loans, and Subsidized Stafford Loans. You can learn the difference about each below.
Note: If filling out online, make sure that the website is www.fafsa.ed.gov 

Grants

Grants are basically free money and you do not have to pay these back. The one that most college students know of is the Federal Pell Grant, which is awarded to students when they apply for federal aid and is based on income. By filling out the FAFSA, your school can also match you up with other grants based on your income.

Federal Loans

There are two types of loans you can get through your FAFSA which are the Unsubsidized and subsidized loans. Unsubsidized will charge interest as soon as you take them out. You do not have to pay this loan back until after you graduate or are not enrolled in for six months.

Subsidized loans will not gain interest until after you graduate. You do not have to pay this loan back until six months after you graduate from college or have not enrolled in a university for six months, whichever comes first.

Private Loans

These are loans that you can get through banks or other financial institutions. They have varying interest rates, but are usually higher than federal loans. The pay back date is determined by whomever you receive the loan from. These loans may require you to have a cosigner, and they will also be responsible for your loans if you are not able to pay.

Scholarships

There are scholarships for everything these days, from being left handed to knowing how to make prom dresses out of duct tape. Check with your school first to see which scholarships they may offer to incoming freshman and how to apply. Then try other  sites such as Fastwebs.com and more to see what scholarships may fit your needs. We even have a list of places you should search for scholarships at this link here.