Student Resource Library

Education resources for every stage of learning

A practical starting point for understanding the main types of education funding and support in the USA, where they typically come from, and what to review before you reach out.

Financial aid terminology, decoded

The words you will see on almost every form.

Cost of attendance: tuition plus housing, books, transportation, and fees.
Student Aid Index (SAI): a number schools use to estimate need from FAFSA data.
Award letter: a school's offer, which may mix grants, work-study, and loans.

Tuition assistance options

Help that often goes overlooked.

Employer tuition reimbursement programs and union education benefits.
Institutional payment plans that spread costs across the term.
Military and veteran education benefits for eligible service members and families.

Student assistance beyond tuition

Support for everyday learning costs.

Campus emergency funds for unexpected expenses.
Textbook lending, open educational resources, and library reserves.
Food pantries, transit discounts, and childcare assistance on some campuses.

Questions to ask the organization

Always confirm current details directly with the program or school.

What costs does this program cover, and what does it leave out?
Is the award renewable, and what are the renewal requirements?
Does receiving this support affect other aid I may receive?

Explore Education Funding Resources