Some forms of gift aid, such as ROTC scholarships and certain medical fellowships, require a few years of service in exchange for the financial aid. If one fails to complete the service requirement, then one must pay back the award. But most forms of gift aid do not need to be repaid and do not include a service requirement. Loans are normally repaid with interest. Some loans do not need to be repaid until the student has graduated or otherwise left school.
Loans represent more than half of all financial aid.
Federal and state work-study programs. The work is part-time, and often limited to under 10 hours per week. Part of the salary is paid for by the government. Most students who receive work-study jobs are undergraduate students, but graduate students sometimes meet the eligibility requirements. Regular part-time employment during the academic year or the summer months.