Grants can be given out by the federal government, your state, or the college and are based on your financial need. Grants do not need to be repaid. At Harvard, 13% of undergraduates qualified for the Pell Grant.

Evaluated per student and vary based on a variety of factors. These do not need to be repaid.

Student loans are sums of money given to students to help them pay for college now. The federal government or private banks can loan the money. At Harvard, 2% of full time undergraduates receive loans.

Work-study is when you work during the school year, typically an on-campus job. The money you make pays a part of the tuition. It’s a great opportunity, but it’s not free.