Types of Financial Aid

There are two types of financial assistance available at Puget Sound. 

1) scholarships, grants, loans, and work opportunities based on financial need
2) scholarships awarded based on merit or special talent 

We refer to these different types of aid as need based and non-need based.

Eligibility for need-based financial aid is based on demonstrated financial need.  Financial need is defined as the difference between the total cost of attendance and the amount you and your family are expected to contribute as calculated by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Cost of Attendance - Expected Family Contribution =
Financial Need

Your financial need determines the amount of need-based financial aid (grants, scholarships, subsidized loan, Perkins loan, work-study) you are eligible to receive.  Student Financial Services strives to create a financial aid package that meets a student’s demonstrated need, although funding limitations or other eligibility criteria sometimes prevent us from satisfying full need in all cases.

Eligibility for non-need-based financial aid is determined by a variety of factors, including academic achievement in high school and special talents in music, drama and art.