Types of Aid

Oakton Community College offers financial assistance to degree-seeking students in the form of grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and loans. Some awards are based on financial need, while others are based on academic merit. 

Here’s an overview of Oakton’s aid programs. 

• Grants are funds that do not have to be repaid. These awards come from a variety of sources, including the federal and state governments. 
• Scholarships, like grants, are gift monies that do not have to be repaid. Most scholarships come from the Oakton Community College Educational Foundation. 
• Loans typically are awarded through the federal government and offer below-market interest rates. They are debts and must be repaid.
• Work-study opportunities are on-campus jobs, generally awarded to students with financial need. 
• Additional finance options include private bank loans, tax-credit opportunities, and veterans’ benefits.