College financial aid officers and high school guidance counselors can help direct you to resources outlining programs and requirements. Local library and on-line Web sites are also good places to look. This information should always be free. Grants are awarded based on need and, like scholarships, they don't have to be repaid. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants are a supplement to Pell Grants.
Work study is a federal program offering part-time jobs both on and off campus.
The amount that can be earned is based on several factors, including need, other aid received and availability of school funds. Work study funds don't have to be repaid because work is traded for hourly wages. Education loans are funds borrowed from a financial institution or federal or state government. Education loans must be repaid. It is available to both undergraduate and graduate students and based on need and the availability of government funds.