About Us

Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education, plays a central and essential role in America's postsecondary education community.

Federal Student Aid's core mission is to ensure that all eligible individuals benefit from federal financial assistance—grants, loans and work-study programs—for education beyond high school. The programs we administer comprise the nation's largest source of student aid. Every year we provide more than $100 billion in new aid to nearly 14 million postsecondary students and their families. Our staff of 1,100 is based in 10 cities in addition to our Washington headquarters.

Among our most visible and essential services are the development, distribution, and processing of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^SM), the fundamental qualifying form used for all federal and government-guaranteed commercial lenders' programs—as well as for many state, regional and private student aid programs. By filling out the online or paper FAFSA, applicants start the process of qualifying for aid. Each year our staff processes approximately 14 million FAFSAs.

Because we oversee $500 billion of outstanding student loans, it's our job to ensure that all of our partners in the student aid community—schools, lenders, servicers and guaranty agencies—operate fairly, honestly and efficiently. Another key role we perform is to make students and their families aware that financial aid is available and is a necessary first step to further education. As America's premier source of federal student aid information, we distribute numerous publications, host multiple Web sites and run several customer call centers. Most of these services are provided in Spanish as well.

The Federal Student Aid team is passionately committed to making education beyond high school more attainable for all Americans, regardless of socioeconomic status. By championing access to postsecondary education, we uphold its value as a force for greater inclusion in American society and for the continued vitality of America as a nation.

Federal student aid is financial help for students enrolled in eligible programs at participating schools to cover school (a four-year or two-year public or private educational institution, a career school or trade school) expenses, including tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation. Most federal aid is need-based. The three most common types of aid are grants, loans, and work-study.

Grants are a type of financial aid that doesn't have to be repaid. Sometimes they are referred to as Gift Aid. Generally, grants are for Undergraduate students and the grant amount is based on need, Cost of Attendance, and enrollment status. The maximum Pell Grant award for the 2009-10 award year (July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010) is $5,350. For the 2010-11 award year (July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011), the maximum award is $5,550.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants will range from $100 to $4,000.

Information on the Academic Competitiveness Grant and the National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (National SMART Grant), is available by clicking here. In addition, the TEACH Grant became available starting with the 2008-2009 school year. Click here for information on the program.

Loans are borrowed money that must be repaid with interest. Both undergraduate and graduate students may borrow money. Maximum loan amounts depend on the student's year in school. Parents may also borrow to pay education expenses for dependent undergraduate students. Graduate and professional students are now eligible to borrow under the PLUS Loan Program up to their cost of attendance minus other estimated financial assistance.

Work-study lets you earn money while enrolled in school to help pay for education expenses.

Note: Not all schools participate in all FSA programs. Ask the financial aid administrator at your school about the programs that are available.