BigFuture
  • Plan for College
    • College Search
    • Own Your Future
    • College Basics
    • College Prep
    • Find Your Dream College
    • Applying to College
    • Your College Application
    • After You've Applied
    • For Educators
  • Pay for College
    • Scholarship Search
    • BigFuture Scholarships
    • College Costs
    • Financial Aid Basics
    • Calculate Your Cost
    • Scholarships, Grants, and Loans
    • Financial Aid Awards
  • Explore Careers
    • Career Search
    • Explore Careers
    • Majors
  • More
    Display Site Navigation

    Scholarships, Grants, and Loans

    Where is the free money? Learn about the different kinds of grants and scholarships — money you don’t have to pay back. As well as strategies for loans and borrowing money to cover costs.

    Basics

    Financial aid is money lent or given to you to help you pay for college. Understand the differences between scholarships, grants and loans.

    What Is a Pell Grant?

    The federal government offers Pell Grants to help students pay for college. Find out if you qualify.

    Loans

    Should you consider student loans? Borrowing money for college can be a smart move if you have a strategy.