Applying for U.S. Federal Student Aid Programs
Author: Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 28 Oct 2011 - Updated: 11 Oct 2023
Publication Type: Instructive / Helpful
Contents: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Related Publications
Synopsis: Information on eligibility for U.S. student loans and grants including how and where to file your application.
Federal student aid from the U.S. Department of Education is the largest source of aid in America, providing over $150 billion in grants, work-study, and federal loans for student
Introduction
Eligibility for U.S. Federal student aid is based on financial need and on several other factors. The financial aid administrator at the college or career school you plan to attend can assist you to determine your eligibility for student loans and grants.
Main Content
The following types of aid can help you pay for your education after high school.
- Federal Loans - Student aid funds that you must repay with interest.
- Work-Study - Part-time work program to earn money while you are in school.
- Grants - Student aid funds that do not have to be repaid (other conditions may apply).
Federal student aid from the U.S. Department of Education is the largest source of aid in America, providing over $150 billion in grants, work-study, and federal loans for students attending four-year colleges or universities, community colleges, and career schools. Types of federal student loans include:
- Perkins
- Direct Stafford
- Direct Loan Consolidation
- Direct PLUS (parent borrowers)
- Direct PLUS (graduate and professional degree student borrowers)
The U.S. Department of Education FAFSA4caster can help you understand your options for paying for college by estimating your eligibility for federal student aid.
How to File an Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Apply online
- Complete a PDF FAFSA (PDF FAFSAs must be mailed for processing)
- Request a paper FAFSA by calling 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) or 319-337-5665. If you are hearing impaired, please contact the TTY line at 1-800-730-8913.
Other Sources of Aid Include
- Scholarships
- More federal aid sources
- State higher education agencies
- Scholarships for military families
- Scholarships for persons with a disability
- Your college, university, or career school
Tips to Reduce Your Education Costs
- Save Money
- Check for Tax Breaks - Read IRS Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education to see how you might benefit from federal income tax credits for education expenses.
- You and your family can set up a tax-free Coverdell Education Savings Account - money from this account can be withdrawn without penalty. Learn about the tax advantages of state college savings plans and prepaid tuition plans.
Special Direct Consolidation Loans
Special Direct Consolidation Loans are intended to help borrowers manage their debt by ensuring all of their federal loans are serviced by the same entity, resulting in one bill and one payment (borrowers repay loans to a loan servicer). Borrowers will receive an interest rate reduction on Special Direct Consolidation Loans as a repayment incentive.
The U.S. Department of Education will offer Special Direct Consolidation Loans to eligible borrowers, from January 2012. This is a short-term consolidation opportunity, ending June 30, 2012, for borrowers with...
- At least one student loan held by the Department (a Direct Loan or a Federal Family Education Loan [FFEL] owned by the Department and serviced by one of the Department's services);
- At least one commercially-held FFEL loan (a FFEL loan that is owned by a FFEL lender and serviced either by that lender or by a servicer contracted by that lender).
For repayment rates of student loans see the Student Loan Repayment Calculator.
Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.