Types of Aid
There are three main categories of financial aid: gift, borrowed, and resources (outside, external, private).
- Gift aid (scholarships, grants, etc.)
- Earned aid through employment (Federal Work-Study)
- Borrowed aid (loans)
- Outside resources
- Other funding options
Gift Aid
"Gift aid" is financial aid that usually does not need to be repaid.
Grants
These funds are offered based on financial need as determined by data students report on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Some grants also have a merit component. Please visit our Grants webpage for more information and types of grants.
Scholarships
Scholarships are offered based on criteria such as merit, financial need, leadership, service, submission of an application, or various other criteria. Please visit our Scholarships webpage for more information and types of scholarships.
Waivers
Waivers are a type of aid that "waives" a portion of a student's institutional charges. May be awarded based on financial need, merit, submission of an application, or various other criteria. Please visit our Waivers webpage for more information and types of waivers.
Earned Aid Through Employment
Federal Work-Study and Employment
Part-time employment opportunities for students. These funds are earned as paychecks as students work throughout the semester and do not apply directly to students' institutional (billable) charges as payment. Please visit our Federal Work-Study webpage for more information.
Borrowed Aid
"Borrowed aid" is financial aid that has to be repaid.
Loans
Loans are borrowed funds that must be repaid, usually with interest. Please visit our Loans webpage for more information and types of loans.
Outside Resources
These are funds students receive to pay for educational expenses such as external or private scholarships or third-party sponsorships which may not be listed on a student's financial aid offer from the University. Notify us if you will receive financial assistance not listed on your financial aid offer. Additional resources may result in adjustments to other financial aid. Changes to the original aid offer will be viewable on a student's online Financial Aid Information (via the WVU Portal).
Other Funding Options
See our Other Funding Options webpage for more funding options or ways to reduced educational expenses.