Types of Financial Aid | NorthWest Arkansas Community College

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Types of Financial Aid


Financial aid is any source of funds that are available to help you pay for college. Most types of financial aid comes from federal and state programs, which require completing the FAFSA and awarding you funds based on your demonstrated need. Additionally, there are several institutional aid programs that award funds based on need and/or merit.

Use the resources below to better understand options available to you to help for college expenses.

Grants and State Aid

A grant is a type of financial aid that you don’t need to pay back. The amount of grant money awarded to you is based on demonstrated financial need (which is decided by your FAFSA application). In addition, Arkansas offers aid such as the Arkansas Lottery Scholarship.

Grants & State Aid

Scholarships

Scholarships are awarded funds that you do not have to pay back. Many scholarships are based off academic merit or other achievements, while some are also needs-based.

Scholarships

Needs-Based Programs

Learn about needs-based programs that assist veterans and parents returning to school.

Needs-Based Programs

Work-Study

Our Federal Work-Study (FWS) program offers on and off-campus employment opportunities for PCC students with a demonstrated financial need. If you are granted work-study, you may work up to 19 hours per week while school is in session to earn money to go towards your cost of tuition, books and fees.

Work-Study

Student Loans

Federal and private student loans can help you offset your college expenses but unlike grants and scholarships, this funding accrues interest and you are responsible for paying the loans back.  

Student Loans