Types and Sources of Financial Aid

To understand the opportunities of funding U.S. higher education.

To recognize the wide range of financial opportunities

To distinguish between stereotypes and reality

To consider the changing mindsets of students who are intimidated by the $$s.

Types and Sources of Financial Aid

Merit-based aid Financial aid *Resident Assistant* Community volunteerism Associations Heritage Gender based Scholarships e.g. Female Students with disability Work Study programs

Merit-based aid
A scholarship is a grant of funding, which may take the form of a waiver of tuition and/or fees. Merit-based aid is based on achievement in a particular area; for example, outstanding academic performance, special talent in sports or performing arts, community service or leadership. Other scholarships are awarded simply to international students.

.
Financial aid is a general term that includes all types of funding, loans, and work/study programs offered to a student to help pay tuition, fees, and living expenses. This need-based aid is based on the student's financial need, as documented by family income, assets, and other factors.

Resident Assistant
After your first year of study, you can apply for employment as a resident assistant (RA) in an on-campus dormitory. A R.A. serves as the first point of contact for students who need assistance or have questions about campus life. In return, R.A.s receive free accommodation and sometimes a small salary and/or meal plan.

Community Volunteerism
Volunteering in your community is highly regarded by colleges and foundations. Think through all the work you have done and be sure to look for scholarships that will reward it.

Associations
There are many associations that award scholarships to students who are pursuing higher education.

Consider your field of study and look for organizations that are relevant to your field to see if they have scholarships available.

Heritage
These scholarships are available based on your heritage and cultural background. There are countless scholarships for people of all backgrounds. For example, the Hellenic Times Scholarship fund students of Greek descent. The King Faisal Foundation scholarship Muslim students studying at North American universities.

Gender Based Scholarships

In efforts to promote equality for women, there are organizations who give scholarships specifically to college bound women. For example, The Jane M. Klausman Women in Business scholarship awards funds to women from all over the world pursuing a business-related degree.

Disability scholarships
If you have students with a physical or learning disability, there are scholarships available for them. Students need to take time to research organizations and clubs who support students with disabilities through scholarships.

Work study programs

Current U.S. immigration regulations allow international students to work up to 20 hours per week on campus during their first year of study. On-campus jobs may include working at the cafeteria, bookstore, library or health club, or within the institution's administrative offices.

To ease the process of applying for merit-based scholarships, Students should list out all their accomplishments in different categories. For example: Volunteer work, athletic, awards and academic achievements.

Have letters from teachers, coaches and community leaders that state about their work and achievements.

Make sure all of these documents are certified as copies of originals before students send them.