This guide provides a description of Federal Student Aid programs and the application process. Readers will find information on federal student aid as a source for funding postsecondary education, and know where to go for more detailed information. Funding Your Education: The Guide to Federal Student Aid speaks to high school students, college students, adults, and parents interested in finding out about financial aid from the federal government to help pay for education expenses at an eligible college, technical school, vocational school, or graduate school.

When you're considering college-or some form of education after high school- financial aid almost always comes to mind.While you have the primary responsibility of paying for college, sometimes those funds just aren't enough and you need to look at other resources. The U.S. Department of Education provides more than $150 billion in federal student aid (grants, work-study, and loans) each year to students seeking a postsecondary education (a degree after high school). About 14 million students currently receive federal student aid with a majority receiving federal student loans. In addition to federal student aid, financial aid is alsoavailable from colleges, companies, private scholarship funds, or the state in which you live. So there are resources to help you pay for college, but you have to utilize them!As you explore your financial aid options, make sure to consider federal student loans. These loans are a possibility for everyone because not all federal student loans are based solely on financial need. If you have any questions or concerns about getting a federal student loan, then make sure to review this publication.

According to College Board, a year of tuition at a public four-year school in 1987 cost $3,190. Now, a year at that same school would cost $9,970. College prices are increasing, and going to school is more expensive than ever before. But that doesn't mean you have to resign yourself to borrowing hundreds of thousands of dollars to earn a degree. We at Student Loan Hero created this guide to a complicated financial aid system so that you know all your options and can make informed choices. I hope this encourages you to explore as many scholarship and grant opportunities as possible and navigate through the process of applying for federal and private student loans.