Do I Have to Pay It Back?
Grants, loans, work-study, scholarships--each financial aid award comes with its own rules. Some types of awards don't need to be repaid and some you have to work for. Some loans don't need to be repaid right away, some have grace periods, and interest rates are often different. Make sure you know what the rules are for each type of aid.

How Do I Receive My Aid?
If school starts in August and your aid check won't arrive until September or later, you may need to have some extra cash ready to pay fees. Funding can come in different forms, and you might be looking for a check when your aid is being credited directly to your account to pay tuition, fees, or housing.

What if my Circumstances Change?
Make sure you know the details about your loan, grant, work-study, or scholarship eligibility and notify the financial aid office if anything changes. Your financial aid package is customized specifically for you. From interest rates to payment plans to deadlines, you need to stay on top of the details. Above all, you should stay in contact with the financial aid office at your school. They'll be able to help you the most.