THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID:
1. Grants are financial aid that doesn't have to be repaid (unless, for example, you withdraw from school and owe a refund).
2. Loans are borrowed money for college or career school; you must repay your loans, with interest.
- Direct Subsidized Loans are loans made to eligible undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need to help cover the costs of higher education at a college or career school.
- Direct Unsubsidized Loans are loans made to eligible undergraduate, graduate and professional students, but eligibility is not based on financial need.
- Direct PLUS Loans are loans made to graduate or professional students and parents of dependent undergraduate students to help pay for education expenses not covered by other financial aid. Eligibility is not based on financial need, but a credit check is required. Borrowers who have an adverse credit history must meet additional requirements to qualify.
