Financial Aid and Payment Options

A grant is money that you will not have to pay back. Unlike loans, grants consist of free money that can be used to pay for school. Grants usually come from the state, the government, or the college that you are attending. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is a great starting point if you are in need of financial aid for college.

Scholarships are granted because you do not have to pay it back. Students usually receive scholarships because they did something special. Reasons can include getting good grades, doing well in sports, providing community service, etc.

A loan is money you borrow from a lender. Loans can come from public lenders such as the Department of Education or private lending companies (e.g. banks, credit unions, etc.). See the two main types of loans below:

• Subsidized Federal Direct Loan. A Subsidized Federal Direct Loans has a variable interest rate. Eligibility is based on financial need. This is a loan that must be paid back. If you are eligible for the cosmetology scholarships, you may borrow once per academic year as long as all the required paperwork has been completed. The federal government pays the interest on a Subsidized Federal Direct Loan while you attend school, during the grace period (first six months after you leave school), and during periods of deferment. Your first payment is due six months after you leave school.
• Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan. An Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans has a variable interest rate. This is a loan that must be paid back. You are responsible for the interest that accrues on the Unsubsidized Loan while you are in school and during your grace period. Your first payment is due six months after you leave school unless you choose to pay the interest on this loan while you are in school.