There are other factors. Income is, however, the main factor, so the tables in this handbook show you average aid awards for people in different income groups. This provides a good general guide. Your chances of getting aid, and the amounts you actually get, will vary from other people within your income group. The factors that determine how aid may vary for you are described in the section About Percentages and Ranges .
Income is still the main factor to be considered.
Year in college. Students are eligible to borrow more the further they get in college. This means that in the early years, students get more of their financial aid from grants than they do in later years. In later years, they are asked to borrow more and get less from grants. Tables in this handbook show averages for all years in college.