Scholarships
Scholarships are a form financial aid students receive that do not need to be paid back and can be applied to a student's educational expenses.
Scholarships can be based on merit, need, location and/or a combination of these and other factors.
Merit Based
Achievement based scholarships are usually but not always tied to academic achievement.
Need Based
Scholarships based on the financial need of a student, family or community.
Location Based
Some scholarships are only available to people who graduated from a specific area.
Grants
There are many types of grants but here we discuss two types we know apply to students in our area, but there might be more for you to explore!
The two types of grants most students receive are Pell Grants and community grants.
Pell Grants
Pell Grants are grants students qualify for when they fill out the FAFSA and are need-based (based on the students family's estimated financial contribution) and do NOT need to be paid back. For more specific information about the Pell Grant follow the link embedded in the photo above to go to the federal website for student aid.
Community Grants
Community grants are those granted by a community organization related with a students family, membership or personal achievement and do NOT need to be paid back. To learn more about these opportunities ask the organizations you are involved with if they support members or the families or members in this way. Some examples of organizations that may provide educational grants and/or scholarships are FFA, 4H and the Rotary Club.
Loans
Loans are financial aid funds that must be paid back. It is important to fully read all the information provided by your lender before committing to a loan. Protect yourself by knowing and understanding the terms of ANY loan agreement you sign.
Federal/Public Loans
Federal loans are those provided by federal student aid after a student has filled out their FAFSA. Usually these loans have a moderate interest rate and can be paid back over a professionals career with considerations like income and public service able to be used as credit towards repayment.
Private Loans
Private loans are provided by private financial institutions such as banks and cooperatives with interest rates varying widely. The generally have a timeline in which they need to be paid back regardless of circumstance post-graduation.