This introductory guide discusses federal student aid programs for postsecondary education and how to apply for them. Sources for finding out about student aid, such as schools, state higher education agencies, guidance counselors, and organizations connected with particular fields of interest, are given using a question and answer format. This is followed by general information about federal student aid, including eligibility that is need-based or via dependency status, the application process, special circumstances, deadlines, and important telephone numbers. There are summaries of the Federal Pell Grant Program, the Federal Direct Student Loan Program, the Federal Family Education Loan Program, and campus-based programs, such as Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, the Federal Work-Study Program, and Federal Perkins Loans. The guide concludes with a discussion of borrower rights and responsibilities. (JLS)