There are three types of financial aid from the federal government available to help you meet your educational expenses:
Grants - Gift Aid that does not have to be repaid
Loans - Money borrowed to cover school costs, which must be repaid (with interest) over a specified period of time (after you have dropped below half time enrollment, left school, or graduated)
Federal Work-Study - Employment that enables you to earn money through part-time employment during periods of enrollment.