The Student Guide: Financial Aid from the U.S. Department of Education, 2005-2006

This student guide provides financial aid information for high school seniors and college students. The first few pages of this guide are a quick reference to federal student aid programs and how to apply. Most student financial aid comes from the federal government programs, which the U.S. Department of Education's Federal Student Aid (FSA) office administers. Federal student aid is financial help for students enrolled in an eligible program, meaning a four-year or two-year public or private college, university, career school, or trade school. Federal aid covers school expenses, including tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation. There are three categories of federal student aid: grants, work-study, and loans. This publication provides step-by-step instructions on how to apply for financial aid, a federal student aid summary, free student aid information and sources, a student loan comparison chart, and loan repayment information.