Types of Financial Aid
Financial aid comes in four basic types:
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Loans
- Work-study
To qualify for most types of financial aid, you have to fill out the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
International Students
The only type of aid you are eligible for is scholarships and perhaps a private loan. You don't have to fill out the FAFSA since you are not eligible for aid from the U.S. government.
Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded based on all kinds of things — good grades, financial need or whether you're majoring in astronomy. You don't have to repay scholarships.
Grants
Grants are usually need-based. No repayment required. They can come from the federal or state government, UToledo or a private organization.
Loans
A loan is money you borrow and pay back with interest. Generally, federal government loans are lower interest and have more benefits than loans from banks or other sources. Always — and we can't stress this enough — do your homework. Know the terms and conditions and who is making the loan.
Work-study
You may qualify for a federal work-study job based on your financial need. Many of our campus employers hire work-study students. You also may find other jobs on or off campus to help pay tuition.
Are you a member of the military?
You may be eligible for the Military Tuition Assistance program. It's available for active duty, reserve and National Guard members. UToledo also offers military scholarships. Search our scholarship database.
Military Tuition Assistance Information
How to get financial aid for the summer
Most of your financial aid can be used for summer sessions. But you'll need to fill out a summer aid application.
Summer aid requirements and eligibility
Emergency Financial Aid
Sometimes your financial circumstances change mid-year. You may lose a job or have an unexpected emergency. Or we could be in the middle of a pandemic!
Don't be afraid to ask for help.
- File a Special Circumstances Application to appeal your aid if you or your family's financial circumstances change after you file your FAFSA. The Financial Aid office will review your financial aid in light of the new information.
- Apply for emergency funds. All you need to do is fill out a Rocket Aid application. The UToledo team will work
with you to identify options to assist you. This includes funding available through
federal relief programs and donors.
- Rocket Aid is an emergency financial assistance fund available to those experiencing financial hardship.
Meet Andrew Kloepfer
Class of 2020, theatre
“I worked hard at Owens Community College, so at UToledo, I was able to earn scholarships when I transferred. My decision came down to cost and opportunity. I could get more for my money at UToledo. The theatre department was smaller and there were so many great opportunities.”
Meet Natalie Klosterman
Class of 2023, nursing
“Between scholarships, loans and a part-time job, I will be able to manage student debt and truly focus on my education to be the best nurse I can possibly be. Making my final decision to come to Toledo was dependent on my financial aid package, and after learning I received enough aid, I was ecstatic to commit to The University of Toledo.”
Meet Ala'a Kayed
Class of 2021, political science and Africana studies
“I was fortunate enough to get a job on campus in the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership as a part of the federal work study program. Working there is how I realized that I wanted to pursue higher education and student affairs. [My job] helped me develop as a leader and aspiring professional in the field to one day work with students.”