ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Student financial aid in the United States

Student financial aid in the United States is when the government or other organizations give money to help people pay for their education. This can include things like going to college or trade school.

First, you need to know that in America, it can be very expensive to go to school, especially college. But the government and other groups know that it's important for people to get an education, so they want to help make it possible for more people.

There are a few different types of financial aid.

First, there are grants. These are like gifts of money that you don't have to pay back. It's like someone saying, "Here, take this money to help pay for school!" Grants are usually given to people who have financial need, which means they don't have much money.

Another type of financial aid is loans. These are like borrowing money that you have to pay back later. But the good news is that loans usually have lower interest rates than other types of loans, like credit card debt. There are also different types of loans, like subsidized and unsubsidized loans, which can affect how much money you pay back in the end.

There are also scholarships, which are like grants but they are usually given for things like good grades or certain talents, like playing sports or music.

To apply for financial aid, you usually have to fill out a form called the FAFSA. This asks about your family's income and other financial information so that they can see how much aid you might be eligible for.

Overall, student financial aid is when the government or other groups give you money to help you pay for school. This can be in the form of grants, loans, or scholarships. It's important to apply for financial aid so that you can have a better chance of affording school.