Types of Aid
Investing in your future starts with understanding your financial aid options.
Explore scholarships, grants, loans, and other forms of financial assistance to identify the options that best meet your needs.
What is financial aid?
Financial aid is funding intended to help a student meet the cost of attending college. These funds are provided by federal, state, and local governments, along with colleges, community organizations, and private corporations or individuals.
Financial aid includes gift aid that does not need to be repaid, like grants and scholarships, and self-help aid, such as loans (which require repayment) and work-study (which requires employment). Other forms of aid include fee waivers, fellowships, sponsorships — any monetary assistance toward a student’s higher education goals.
KU’s Financial Aid & Scholarships (FAS) office is responsible for awarding federal, state, and institutional financial aid. In addition, FAS awards scholarships to incoming freshmen and transfer students and maintains records for outside and private scholarships.
Types of financial aid available at KU
Find more information below about specific types of aid available at KU.
List
Scholarships
Scholarships are funds provided to students on the basis of academics, financial need, leadership, service, etc. or a combination of factors. Scholarships do not need to be repaid. Scholarships can come from the University, state, or private sources.
Work-Study
Work-Study is a program that provides part-time jobs during the academic year for students who demonstrate exceptional financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay for educational expenses.
Grants
Grants are based on financial need and generally do not need to be repaid. Students must file the FAFSA to be considered for need-based grants. Grants can come from federal, state, and institutional sources.
Loans
A loan is a type of financial aid that that is borrowed and must be repaid with interest. If you applied for financial aid by filing the FAFSA, you may be offered loans as part of your financial aid offer.
Our Kansas Commitment
College Cost Transparency Initiative
The University of Kansas is committed to using the Principles & Standards of the College Cost Transparency Initiative in our student financial aid offers.
