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 Notre Dame, 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 Notre Dame, 28% of full time undergraduates receive federal loans.

Work study is when you work during the school year, typically in a part-time, on-campus job. The money you make pays a part of the tuition. Work study can be a great way to offset college expenses, but it does require a time commitment.