Fellowships are stipends which are usually competitive and based on academic achievement which does not require work in return.

Assistantships are paid part-time work which may include a tuition fee waiver. They may require a reduced course load, teaching assignments, research activities or other responsibilities.

Loans are usually low interest. Check with the Financial Aid Office of the school you are interested in for more information.

Grants. Federal grants are awarded by the Federal Government based on financial need. Institutional grants are awarded by the university, usually based on specific criteria (i.e. need, academics, etc). Private grants are sponsored by private organizations and are usually awarded in specific areas or to specific types of students.