Grants
Free money awarded on the basis of financial need.

Loans
Loans must be repaid, but repayment on many student loans may be postponed while you're in college.

PLUS Loan
A loan in which a student's parents borrow for their dependent student. The interest rate is variable and begins immediately. Proceeds are disbursed to the students account in halves each semester. Payments start 60 days after the second semester disbursement. There is a small loan fee withheld from the amount borrowed.

Private Loans
An alternative to the PLUS Loan if additional loans are needed. They are a non-need based private student loans made through a bank. Their features are very similar to the Unsubsidized Stafford Loan. Payments start six months after the last date of enrollment and interest accrues while in school. There can be a loan fee and they normally require a cosigner.

If you choose a private loan we recommend that you apply to Sallie Mae and Wells Fargo to see which bank gives you the best terms.
 
You can apply for a Sallie Mae Signature loan online at http://www.salliemae.com/signature/index.html or call 1-800-695-3317.

You can apply for the Wells Fargo Collegiate loan at https://www.wellsfargo.com/wf/student/loans/undergrad/collegiate or call 1-800-658-3567.

See comparison chart between Wells Fargo Collegiate^® Loan and Sallie Mae Signature Student Loan here.

Scholarships
Free money awarded on the basis of merit or some personal quality or talent you possess.

Subsidized Stafford Loan
A Federal need based loan where the payments and interest start six months after the last date of enrollment. The Government "subsidizes" the interest while you are in school. There is a small loan fee.

Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
A Federal non-need based loan. It's the same as a Subsidized Stafford Loan, only the Government doesn't subsidize the interest while you are in school. You may choose to pay the interest as you go or have it accrue and be added to the principle amount upon repayment. There is a small loan fee.