Financial Aid A college education is one of the most important investments a student and family can make. The purpose of financial aid is to help students and families meet educational expenses that cannot be met through their own resources. There are several types of financial aid available.
Loans are by far the largest source of financial aid for the majority of students and families.
Scholarships can be based upon merit, financial need or both. There are four main sources of financial aid. These include the federal government, the state government, the institution and private entities. The federal government is by the far the largest source of financial aid. Approximately two-thirds of all students attending Ohio University receive some type of financial aid from one or more sources.