Financial Aid
Several Financial Aid Options to Choose From
Paying for college may be challenging but not impossible. At Oak Point University, we understand and we do our best to help students bridge the financial gap. We are upfront about our tuition and fees. We provide budgeting tools to help students gain a clear picture of the costs involved. Oak Point University is committed to helping you through the process.
We offer the assistance you need to manage the many financial aid options that are available to Oak Point University students. We will do our best to help you understand the different financial programs and help you successfully apply for aid.
Financial aid plays a crucial role in making higher education accessible and affordable for millions of students. With the rising costs of tuition, books, and living expenses, financial aid has become increasingly important for many families to bridge the gap between college costs and their ability to pay.
There are various forms of financial aid available to students, including grants, scholarships, work/study programs, and loans. Grants and scholarships are considered “gift aid,” as they do not need to be repaid, while loans require repayment, often with interest. Work/study programs allow students to earn money through part-time employment while attending college.
Grants are typically need-based, meaning they are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need. Examples include the federal Pell Grant and state-funded grants. Scholarships, on the other hand, may be awarded based on a wide range of criteria, such as academic achievement, leadership, or community service. Some scholarships are also need-based, while others are merit-based.
Work-study programs, funded by both the federal government and individual colleges, allow students to earn money while attending college, helping to offset their educational costs. Students are matched with jobs on campus, which are often related to their field of study or career interests.
Student loans can be either federal or private, with the former usually offering lower interest rates and more favorable repayment terms. Federal loans include the Direct Subsidized Loan, Direct Unsubsidized Loan, and Direct PLUS Loan for graduate students and parents. Private loans are offered by banks and other financial institutions and often have higher interest rates and less flexible repayment options.
Navigating the financial aid process can be challenging, but it is essential for students to understand the options available to them. To begin, students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines eligibility for federal and state financial aid, as well as many institutional grants and scholarships. Colleges and universities may also have their own financial aid forms to complete, in addition to scholarship applications.
