Federal Student Aid is a program in the United States that provides financial assistance to students pursuing higher education. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Education and provides loans, grants, and work-study programs to eligible students.
The primary types of federal student aid are:
- Federal Pell Grants: These need-based grants are awarded to undergraduate students who have not yet earned a bachelor's or professional degree.
- Federal Direct Loans: These loans are available to students and parents to help cover the cost of education. Direct loans can be subsidized or unsubsidized, and repayment typically begins after the student graduates or drops below half-time enrollment.
- Federal Work-Study: This program provides part-time jobs to eligible students who demonstrate financial need. The program encourages community service work and work related to the student's course of study.
To be eligible for federal student aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which collects information about their financial situation. The FAFSA is used to determine the student's Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and to calculate their eligibility for federal aid.
Federal student aid is intended to help students cover the costs of tuition, fees, room and board, books, and other expenses related to attending college. The program is designed to make higher education more accessible and affordable for all students, regardless of their financial situation.
