Federal Aid Options

Federal Student Aid Programs

Federal student aid is financial assistance that’s available through the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid.

Federal student aid covers school expenses such as tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation. This aid can also help you pay for a computer and dependent childcare expenses.

There are three categories of federal student aid: grants, work-study and loans.

Important Note: Not all schools participate in all federal student aid programs. Check with your school’s financial aid office to find out which programs your school participates in.

TIP: You also might be able to get financial aid from your state government, your school, or a private scholarship. Explore every opportunity for financial aid!

What is a Federal Pell Grant?
What is an Academic Competitiveness Grant?
What is a National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant?
What is a Federal Stafford Loan?
What is a Federal PLUS Loan?
What are Campus-Based Programs?
What is a Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant?
What is Federal Work-Study?
What is a Federal Perkins Loan?

With a few exceptions, Federal Pell Grants are available only to undergraduate students. Grants do not have to be repaid.