Financial Aid
Types of Financial Aid
Financial aid is money to help pay for college or career school and is one of the
avenues students use to pay for college tuition and related expenses.
Types of Financial Aid
There are several different types of financial aid available including
federal, state, school, and other private sources.
Grants are a form of financial aid that do not have to be repaid back and are mainly
awarded to students who are in need of financial help. A variety of federal grants
are available, including Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity
Grants (FSEOG), Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH)
Grants, and Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants.
More Information on Grants
When you receive a student loan you are borrowing money to attend a college or career
school. You must repay the loan as well as interest that accrues. It is important
to understand your repayment options so you can successfully repay your loan.
There are several types of loan programs. Eligibility is determined by your school’s
financial aid office from information provided on the
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
In addition, states and colleges use FAFSA information to award their own grants,
scholarships, and loans. But, since aid is limited, you have to meet the deadlines!
More information on Loans
A scholarship is a type of financial aid provided to a student that does not have
to be repaid. Scholarships are sometimes based on  factors such as academic merit,
talent, academic achievements, financial need, or a particular area of study. Many
nonprofit and private organizations offer scholarships to help students pay for college
or career school. Scholarships can make a real difference in helping you manage your
education expenses.
More information on scholarships
Tuition waivers are non-cash scholarships. The Montana University System offers various
waivers to students who meet specific criteria. If you are eligible, your tuition
is waived. Waivers, however, do not cover registration, mandatory, class or other
miscellaneous fees.
More information on tuition waivers
There are special aid programs or additional aid eligibility for serving in the military
or for being the spouse or child of a veteran. The Department of Veterans Affairs
administers a variety of education benefit programs. Many Veterans and active duty
personnel can qualify for more than one education benefits program.
More information on veterans benefits
Work study is a federal program in which students work at a job available on their
campus and earn a wage.
State Work Study:
Work Study is a federal or state funded program offered to eligible students who demonstrate
financial need. The money earned is intended to assist with meeting educational expenses.
If Work Study is awarded as part of a financial aid package, the student is eligible
to apply for a Work Study job.
To obtain more information on work-study jobs,
contact the financial aid office
at the college in which you are enrolled or plan to attend.
Federal Work Study:
Like the Montana Work Study program the Federal Work Study (FWS) programs provides
part-time employment to students with financial need. In order to be eligible for
the FWS program a student must complete the
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
. To learn more about the
Federal Work Study program
visit Federal Student Aid, an office of the
U.S. Department of Education
More information on work-study jobs
MUS Campus Financial Aid Offices are ready to help students apply for and receive student
loans, grants, scholarships, and other types of aid. Click the link below to view
specific campus contact information
Campus Financial Aid Offices