Financial aid dollars from the federal (FAFSA.GOV) and/or in NYS, TAP, or state government you don’t have to pay back. You must have a financial need to qualify.

Financial aid dollars, in the form of scholarships, from your college, university or private organizations. They can be based on merit, sports, interests, and need.

Fixed-interest-rate loans from the government. The PELL Loan Program is the main federal loan program. Undergraduate students can borrow direct subsidized loans. Graduate students can borrow direct unsubsidized or direct PLUS loans, and parents can borrow direct PLUS loans. Payments being once you leave school.

Fixed- or variable-rate loans from a bank or credit union. You need a good credit score or a co-signer who has good credit. Payments begin after 30 days of signing. Your rate will vary depending on your or your co-signer’s credit.

Federal program that funds part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need. If you qualify for work-study, you’ll need to find an eligible work-study job on or near campus and work to earn those dollars.