Federal Student Aid Programs

Federal student aid covers such expenses as tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation. Aid also can help pay for other related expenses, such as a computer and dependent care. Thousands of schools across the country participate in the federal student aid programs; ask the schools you’re interested in whether they do! Federal student aid includes:

GRANTS—financial aid that doesn’t have to be repaid (unless, for example, you withdraw from school and owe a refund)
LOANS— borrowed money for college or career school; you must repay your loans, with interest
WORK-STUDY—a work program through which you earn money to help you pay for school

The federal government offers a number of financial aid programs. Besides aid from the U.S. Department of Education, you also might get:

Military Aid for serving in the military or for being the spouse or child of a veteran.
Tax Benefits for education.
Education Award for community service with AmeriCorps.
Educational and Training Vouchers for current and former foster care youth.
Scholarships and Loan Repayment Optionsthrough the Department of Health and Human Services, Indian Health Service, National Institutes of Health, and National Health Service Corps

Aid From Your State Government

Even if you're not eligible for federal aid, you might be eligible for financial aid from your state. Contact your state grant agencyfor more information.

Aid From a Nonprofit or Private Organization

Many organizations offer scholarships or grants to help students pay for college. This free money can make a real difference in how affordable your education is. Apply for federal student aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). And remember, the first F in “FAFSA” stands for “free”—you shouldn’t pay to fill out the FAFSA! Learn how to avoid scams.

Federal Pell Grants

Federal Pell Grants are designed only for undergraduate students.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

FSEOG is a grant for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need.

TEACH Grants

TEACH Grants can help you pay for college if you plan to become a teacher in a high-need field in a low-income area.

Federal Work Study

Federal Work-Study provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses.

Federal Direct Student Loans

Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans are federal student loans for eligible students to help cover the cost of higher education at certain schools.

PLUS Loans

PLUS Loans are federal loans that graduate or professional degree students and parents of dependent undergraduate students can use to help pay education expenses.