Description: An award that doesn't have to be repaid, is based on financial need and is a gift from your school, the federal government or a private foundation.

Eligibility: All students who can prove financial need.

Amount: Up to the cost of education / displayed on award letter.

Repayment Term: None

Description: Aid that doesn't have to be repaid but is awarded based upon particular, often competitive requirements.

Eligibility: Requirements change with different scholarship programs.

Amount: Up to the cost of education.

Repayment Terms: None

Description: Work-Study provides jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, where you can work and attend school. The Federal Work Study Program pays a percentage of your wages for the position you're hired for, though your earnings cannot exceed the amount of your award.

Eligibility: U.S. Citizen/Permanent resident students; need-based.

Amount: Up to the cost of education / displayed on award letter.

Repayment term: None

Description: Loan for students with a low fixed rate interest rate, funded by the federal government and administered by your child's college.

Eligibility: U.S. Citizen/Permanent residents; full/part-time undergrad/grad student; need-based.

Amount: Up to $4,000 annually for undergrads; $6,000 for graduates / displayed on award letter.

Repayment Term: Up to 10 years

Description: Loan for students funded and administered by a lender or the U.S. Department of Education. Subsidized: Students who can prove financial need. Unsubsidized: Student is responsible for all interest charges.

Eligibility: U.S. Citizen/Permanent residents; full/part-time undergrad/grad students. Subsidized: Students who can prove financial need. Unsubsidized: Students who cannot prove financial need.

Amount: Stafford Loan Limit Chart for 2008-2009 academic year.

Repayment Term: Up to 10 years

Description: Loan for parents and graduate students (beginning 7/1/06) funded and administered by a lender or the U.S. Department of Education.

Eligibility: U.S. Citizen/permanent resident; parent of full/part-time, parent of dependent undergraduate student; graduate student.

Amount: Up to the difference between college costs and estimated financial aid.

Repayment Term: Up to 10 years

Description: A private supplemental loan for students available from a national network of lenders with a fixed or variable interest rate based off of prime or LIBOR plus a mark up determined by credit rating. Fees vary based on loan program and credit rating.

Eligibility: Student enrolled at least half-time; a credit check and co-signer are often required.

Amount: Loan limits vary by program.

Repayment Term: Repayment terms vary by program