As a part-time student, there are a lot of financial aid options available to you. Check out your financial aid opportunities.

Grants
Your state of residence, the Federal government, and your educational institution all provide grants that you typically don't have to repay unless you leave school, reduce your enrollment status, or are not making satisfactory progress. Use a grant to pay for any educational expense.

Loans
A number of educational loan programs are available from both Federal and private lenders. These loan programs often feature competitive interest rates and deferred repayment options, which means you can generally repay your loan after you leave school or your student status drops below half time. For working part-time students, loans are an ideal way to supplement your existing income.

Work-Study
You may be eligible for a Work-Study award, which allows you to earn a portion of your financial aid while you're working toward your associate's degree. Many institutions have Work-Study jobs available on campus as well as in the community at non-profit organizations or advocacy groups.

Scholarships
Your income, cultural background, where you attended high school, and other criteria could all determine the scholarships for which you might be eligible. Check with employers or prospective employers to see if they offer tuition matching or other education incentive programs.

Your loan, grant, and scholarship eligibility is usually determined by the income and asset information you submit on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can begin filing a FAFSA online in January 2007 in order to receive aid in the 2007-2008 academic year.