What is the typical breakdown of loans versus grants?

Hi Joyce, Universities and Colleges that accept you will offer you a financial aid package with a mix of grants, loans and scholarships. You will need to fill out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid, https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa). This will determine your eligibility for federal grants and loan programs and colleges will use this information to help them put the financial aid offer together. You should also look to see if there are any scholarships or grants offered by the schools that may have a separate application process. You may also find local or state scholarship or grant programs that you can apply to.

Hi Joyce,

Great question! A lot of students are wondering about this, so I am glad the question. Federal and state grants are typically offered based on financial need. This will be determined from your FAFSA as, Joyce mentioned. These will not need to be paid back, but you will have to maintain academic requirements to remain eligible for grants. Federal student loans are determined by two factors: whether or not you are an independent or dependent student, and your grade level. For the former, this will be determined by your FAFSA. For the latter, this will be determined by how your college defines a freshmen vs sophomore and so on. This is a very general overview. If you have more questions about this, please don't hesitate to comment, and I will answer any other questions you have. Hope this helps!