Financial aid is typically grouped into 2 basic categories: Gift Aid and Self Help Aid. Gift Aid, as the name implies, is "free money" that does not need to be repaid, and is usually indicated as a scholarship or grant. Scholarships are generally merit-based, and grants are typically need-based. Students are considered for some kinds of gift aid automatically, but we encourage students to be proactive and also apply for private outside scholarships. Self Help Aid includes student loans and work study. Many students also have access to other kinds of educational assistance such as employer tuition benefits or veteran's benefits.