What is federal student aid?

FAFSA

College costs can be high, so federal student aid is financial assistance for students who need help paying for college. Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education, provides federal student aid, which includes grants, loans, and work-study.

Federal student aid can be used to cover the costs of your college's tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation. This aid can also be used to help pay for a computer and dependent child care expenses.

Federal student aid may not cover all college expenses. Your state or local government may have financial aid for students; and the college you're interested in probably has its own financial aid sources, which often include scholarships. Start researching non-federal sources in your junior year so that you can determine what you need to do to qualify for these funds.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form used by virtually all two and four-year colleges, universities and career schools for the awarding of federal student aid and most state and college aid. To assist in completing the FAFSA, see Completing the FAFSA.

Posted: December 18, 2008