Types of Aid
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but there are several types of financial aid available to help ease the burden. Whether you're looking for free funding or ways to cover costs while gaining work experience, understanding the different options is key to making informed decisions. On this page, you'll find an overview of the most common types of financial aid:
- Grants and scholarships: Free money for your education
- Loans: Funds that help reduce current out-of-pocket costs, but must be repaid later
- Work or student employment: An opportunity to earn while you learn
Each option has its own benefits and requirements, and we’ll guide you through what you need to know to navigate the financial aid process.
Aid Options at Pitzer
Grants & Scholarships
Grants and scholarships are forms of free financial aid designed to help students pay for their education without the need to repay the funds. Grants and scholarships are typically awarded on the bases of financial need, but can also include merit based scholarships. These forms of aid can come from a variety of sources, including the school itself, federal and state government agencies, as well as private organizations. Unlike loans, both grants and scholarships provide financial assistance that does not need to be repaid, making them an essential resource for students seeking to reduce the cost of higher education.
Learn about our new Pitzer Opportunity Grant!
Grants & Scholarships
Loans
Loans are a type of financial aid that must be repaid, usually with interest, after the student completes their education or drops below half-time enrollment. Unlike grants and scholarships, which are considered "free money," loans require the borrower to return the funds over time, typically after graduation. Loans can be offered by the federal government and private lenders. While loans help cover the cost of education, it's important for students to carefully consider how much they borrow and the long-term impact of repaying the debt.
Loan Programs
Work-Study
Work or student employment refers to job opportunities that allow students to earn money while attending school. These jobs are part-time (no more than 20 hours) and flexible, designed to fit around a student’s academic schedule. Student employment can include positions on-campus, such as working in the Community Engagement Center, Gold Student Center, and Administrative Offices, or select off-campus jobs such as the library, or Pomona Athletics Center. Unlike loans, the money earned through work or student employment doesn’t have to be repaid, providing students with a way to help cover living expenses, textbooks, or other costs associated with their education while gaining valuable work experience.
Work-Study