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Synonyms

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.

She attended Princeton on 90% financial aid and worked part-time jobs on campus such as librarian, tutor and bartender.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 24, 2026

The new loan cap is increasing pressure on universities to cut prices and offer more financial aid.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 2026

In Los Angeles County, approximately 68% of public high school students are eligible for the scholarships, with more than $465 million in financial aid available countywide, according to program officials.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

The U.A.E. has reportedly been looking for financial aid External link from the U.S. as the war drains its finances.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

They figured that, with him providing a place for her to live, and with Pell grants and the other financial aid for low-income students, she could make a go of it.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times

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