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financial aid

American  
[fi-nan-shuhl eyd, fahy-] / fɪˈnæn ʃəl ˈeɪd, faɪ- /

noun

  1. monetary support, as a loan or scholarship, that is used to pay for school, especially higher education.

    I don’t qualify for need-based financial aid, so I’ll have to hope I’m awarded a merit-based grant.


Etymology

Origin of financial aid

First recorded in 1770–80, for an earlier sense

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The financial aid office has also “met with academic departments and University leadership to review the implications of the new rules, so faculty and administrators are equipped to support students appropriately,” Jordan said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 6, 2026

Because my school considered my parents’ income and assets, I didn’t qualify for financial aid and ultimately had to repay more than $130,000 in loans at 11% interest.

From MarketWatch • Jul. 6, 2026

His parents paid for the local private school, his campaign says; at the pricier Hotchkiss, he had financial aid.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026

“These lawmakers have an opportunity to support workers by providing financial aid when they see themselves impacted by the raids.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026

Langan s mother has missed a deadline for his financial aid.

From "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell

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